Vanden Plas - "Chronicles of the Immortals: Netherworld, Path Two"

Vanden Plas - Chronicles of the Immortals: Netherworld, Path Two
2015, Frontiers

1. Vision 11even * In My Universe
2. Vision 12elve * Godmaker's Temptation
3. Vision 13teen * Stone Roses Edge
4. Vision 14teen * Blood of Eden
5. Vision 15teen * Monster
6. Vision 16teen * Diabolica Comedia
7. Vision 17teen * Where Have The Children Gone
8. Vision 18teen * The Last Fight
9. Vision 19teen * Circle of the Devil

I didn't even know that part two of Vanden Plas' musical extravaganza had even come out. I liked the last one alright so I made it a point to finish out the series. It's pretty similar to the first one. The band is still more interested in making these sprawling epics than albums, but like the last one, has enough to hold my interest even if the story is incomprehensible. I especially like "Monster" which almost has a bit of a commercial feel to it. Okay, now that we're done with the epic, could you guys maybe dial it back a bit and just make a solid album?

Useless Fact: I guess the story has something to do with vampires? Like I said, I have no idea.

Vanden Plas - "Chronicles of the Immortals - Netherworld [path one]"

Vanden Plas - Chronicles of the Immortals - Netherworld [path one]
2014, Frontiers

1. Vision 1ne
2. Vision 2wo, The Black Knight
3. Vision 3hree, Godmaker
4. Vision 4our, Misery Affection Prelude
5. Vision 5ive, A Ghosts Requiem
6. Vision 6ix, New Vampyre
7. Vision 7even, The King and Children of Lost World
8. Vision 8ight, Misery Affection
9. Vision 9ine, Soul Alliance
10. Vision 10n, Inside

While listening to Chronicles the first time I was thinking I was going to be done with Vanden Plas. I didn't like the last album. It seemed boring to me. It's clear to me that the band is far more interested in making "theatrical metal experiences" than they are albums with songs on them. However, I soldiered on. Eventually I started to warm up to the album and now I would say I really like it. The songs have some meat to them and it holds my attention a lot better than Clockwork. I think there's some really great melodies and choruses here especially in "New Vampyre" and "Soul Alliance." The addition of a female vocalist adds some welcome variation too. The whole putting-numbers-in-where-letters-should-go thing kind of annoys me though. Christ 0 is still my favorite but I'm not quite ready to give up on Vanden Plas yet. I'll see what [path two] or whatever they come up with next before I make a final judgement.

Useless Fact: The concept of this album is based on a long running series of fantasy novels by German author, Wolfgang Hohlbein. Man, that is one German name right there.

Vanden Plas - "Beyond Daylight"

Vanden Plas - Beyond Daylight
2004, Inside Out

1. Night Walker
2. Cold Wind
3. Scarlet Flower Fields
4. Healing Tree
5. End of All Days
6. Free the Fire
7. Can You Hear Me?
8. Phoenix
9. Beyond Daylight

Beyond Daylight is the kind of album I was hoping The Seraphic Clockwork would be. Since it's before the phenomenal Christ 0, the band isn't so focused on Broadway trappings but riffs and songs. As a result it's a fun listen - full of hooks with just enough of that theatricality to make it interesting. A couple songs, "Healing Tree" and "Can You Hear Me?", are... dare I say, radio friendly. Imagine my surprise. The story is sort of abstract. It's about an oracle who can influence events or something. I didn't even know there was a concept while I was listening. Some might point out that the band (at this point in their career) is copying Dream Theater's template, and they are to some extent. But who cares? As long as the music is good I'm there.

Useless Fact: Oh, I guess the oracle's name is Killroy Murdoch

Vanden Plas - "The Seraphic Clockwork"

Vanden Plas - The Seraphic Clockwork
2010, Frontiers

1. Frequency
2. Holes in the Sky
3. Scar of an Angel
4. The Sound of Blood
5. The Final Murder
6. Quicksilver
7. Rush of Silence
8. On My Way to Jerusalem
Bonus Track:
9. Elyson

I'm a little disappointed with The Seraphic Clockwork. After the phenomenal Christ 0 I was excited to get another Vanden Plas album. While this album is certainly shows off the band's chops, the songs aren't quite as memorable or as catchy as Christ 0. In fact after several listens I still couldn't recall even one song. It's only now, after several more listens, that I'm able to remember the hooks. It's not bad to listen to at all - it's just not nearly as accessible. Oh, and the story is all kinds of crazy goofballs. Let me try to explain it. There's a 16th century Roman named Tio. He builds a time machine and eventually finds out he's Judas Iscariot. Oh, and there's a woman named Mia, "the Ravenman," and some paper demons that fit in there somewhere too. Tio lives in a world where Jesus was never betrayed and has to go back in time to betray Him. Compared to the more down-to-earth and personal story of Christ 0, The Seraphic Clockwork's lyrics can be hard to attach to emotionally speaking. I'm hoping this will grow on me.

Useless Fact: "Elyson" is a bonus live track that comes from the band's work with musicals, I think.

Vanden Plas - "Christ 0"

Vanden Plas - Christ 0
2006, Inside Out

1. Christ 0
2. Postcard to God
3. Wish You Were Here
4. Silently
5. Shadow I Am
6. Fireroses Dance
7. Somewhere Alone in the Dark
8. January Sun
9. Lost in Silence
Bonus Track:
10. Gethsemane

Years ago, before the government cracked down on Kazaa, I downloaded this album just to check it out. I remember that I really liked it. For whatever reason I never got around to buying it (probably because it was expensive and hard to find - heck it was still kind of hard to find now!). I even gave the CD I burned to a friend and completely forgot about it. As I was searching for some progressive stuff to listen to I rediscovered Christ 0 and I absolutely adore it. I made it a point to buy it this time! This concept album is a modern retelling of "The Count of Monte Cristo" - only it's really heavy and melodic. Vocalist Andy Kuntz's vocal lines are awesome and infectious. The songs, while progressive, have great hooks and are stinking heavy in parts. The whole album has a bit of a Broadway musical vibe, especially in "Fireroses Dance" and the epic "January Sun." I've heard the band has been involved in theater before so that may have shaped the sound of this album. It's just a stunningly beautiful disc from start to finish and I'm kind of kicking myself for not having bought it the first time.

Useless Fact: As I understand it the band is named after the car model Jaguar Vanden Plas. Occasionally at work people will buy parts for Jaguars and I always hope it's for a Vanden Plas, but it never is.