Progressive metal from Kaiserslautern, Germany. Started up in 1986.

COLOUR TEMPLE (1994, 1998) INSIDE OUT/SPV

Germanys Vanden Plas first full-length album was originally released as an independent release in 1994. By that time the band had been together for almost a decade. My version of the album is the 1998 re-issue, released on Inside Out. The band manages from get go to convince us that they are a force to be reckoned with. They are very talented musicians and songwriters. Add to that a very well produced product, and you just cannot loose. I for one enjoy listening to Günter Werno's tasteful piano and keyboard playing, Andy's distinct voice and Stephan's catchy guitar-playing. Delivering over 60 minutes of quality progressive metal, and with almost no songs under 5 minutes.

Killer tracks: Father, When The Wind Blows, My Crying, Days Of Thunder

ACCULT (1996, 1998) INSIDE OUT/SPV

'AcCult' was originally released as an EP, with acoustic versions of songs from 'Colour Temple'. But this re-issue have so many extras, it can no longer be called an EP. Vanden Plas sounds pretty good in an acoustic setting too. Songs like "Father" and "Des Hauts, Des Bas" are fine versions of previously released songs. But I think my favorite here is their cover of Marillion's "Keyleigh". I could have done without their cover of Ray Charles' "Georgia On My Mind" though. "Spanish Rain" was originally done by Saigon Kick.

THE GOD THING (1997) INSIDE OUT/SPV

'The God Thing' is Vanden Plas' second full-length album. Their brand of progressive metal sounds like a mix between Fates Warning and Dream Theater. But whereas the latter are more into writing difficult material, just for the sake of it, these German guys are more into writing strong songs. There is no doubt that they can play with the best of them, but it is still the melodies that is the main focus. The production on 'The God Thing' is crystal clear. A song like "Rainmaker", with it's memorable chorus, will stick to your brain for days. And combined with the awesome instrumental opener, these make out for some of the finest moments in progressive metal's history. The album tends to become a tad anonymous towards he end. They just can't seem to keep it as interesting all the way through. Mind you, that this is really no big problem, as I can easily enjoy this album again and again.

Killer tracks: Fire Blossom, Rainmaker, Day I Die, Crown Of Thorns

INSIDE OF YOUR HEAD (1999) NTS/WAGRAM (EP, CDR)

A short single release, preceding the upcoming full-length release. The interesting stuff here are the 2 amazing cover tracks. Vanden Plas delivers killer versions of Dokken's "Kiss Of Death", and Sting's "Shape Of My Heart". This single was only released in France.

FAR OFF GRACE (1999) INSIDE OUT/SPV

'Far Off Grace' was the album that made me aware of Vanden Plas. I heard it at a friends house, and instantly got floored with the musical abilities within this band. While I enjoy all the other Vanden Plas releases I own, 'Far Off Grace' is still a notch better. The overall sound is heavier, the mix of the album works better (not having the vocals as upfront as was the case on their earlier material) and the song material is splendid. A progressive metal masterpiece. "Kiss Of Death" is a Dokken cover.

Killer tracks: Far Off Grace, Into The Sun, Inside Of Your Head

CHRIST 0 (2006) INSIDE OUT/SPV

Vanden Plas is a band incapable of letting me down. In the world of progressive metal, they have an unfortunate place in the shadow of more know bands, such as Symphony X and Dream Theater. And that is a shame, because when at least the latter of those 2 acts seem more preoccupied with releasing complex albums that gets boring real fast, Vanden Plas keeps delivering the goods, time after time. Yes, they are all very capable musicians, and the music is still complex, but the main focus is on the melodies. You actually remember the songs after listening to them. I sit here awestruck by the nature of this album. And if the term "thinking man's metal" was ever relevant, this is the kind of music it was meant for. But it's not only the music that takes you on a journey this time. 'Christ 0' is a concept album, inspired by Edmond Dantès "The Count Of Monte Cristo". It's the story of an innocent man, so erroneously wronged, he lost his ability to forgive. Lastly he also looses his mind, severing all connections to God. Christ-0 = No Christ, as in Godless. Nevertheless, it's the music I'm mostly interested in. And, as said, it continues to blow my mind. This is in fact a masterpiece, giving the listener everything, and then some. Traveling from riff strong verses, through melody-filled choruses, and everything in-between, this album is a roller coaster ride in progressive heavy metal at it's finest. Even the cover art for 'Christ 0' is excellent.

Killer tracks: All of them.

Günter Werno guest appearances:

Elegy - 'Forbidden Fruit'