🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: The Empyrean Equation of the Long Lost Things
Track 2: My Icarian Flight
Track 3: Sanctimonarium
Track 4: The Sacrilegious Mind Machine
Track 5: They Call Me God
Track 6: March of the Saints
🎸 Album Review:
Vanden Plas, the progressive metal stalwarts hailing from Germany, have once again proven their musical prowess and storytelling abilities with their latest release, “The Empyrean Equation of the Long Lost Things”. This album, comprising six tracks of epic proportions, delves deep into themes of mythology, existentialism, and the human condition, all while showcasing the band’s technical virtuosity and emotive depth.
From the outset, the title track sets the tone for the album with its grandiose orchestral arrangements and heavy guitar riffs. Vocalist Andy Kuntz’s soaring vocals effortlessly convey a sense of longing and introspection as he sings of lost civilizations and forgotten truths. The intricate instrumentation, courtesy of Stephan Lill on guitar, Günter Werno on keyboards, and the rhythmic powerhouse of Torsten Reichert on bass and Andreas Lill on drums, creates a sonic landscape that is both expansive and immersive.
“My Icarian Flight” follows suit, drawing parallels between the titular Greek myth and the pitfalls of hubris and ambition. The track features a dynamic interplay between the band members, with moments of quiet contemplation giving way to blistering guitar solos and thunderous drumming. Kuntz’s vocal delivery is particularly poignant here, conveying a sense of vulnerability and defiance in equal measure.
“Sanctimonarium” takes a darker turn, exploring themes of religious fervor and fanaticism. The brooding atmosphere is enhanced by haunting keyboard melodies and churning guitar riffs, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the track has ended. Kuntz’s vocal performance here is nothing short of mesmerizing, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of urgency and despair.
The album reaches its zenith with “The Sacrilegious Mind Machine”, a tour de force of progressive metal virtuosity. The intricate time signatures and labyrinthine song structure showcase the band’s technical prowess, while Kuntz’s emotive vocals anchor the track in a sea of turmoil and introspection. The juxtaposition of beauty and brutality is a hallmark of Vanden Plas’s sound, and it is on full display here.
“They Call Me God” serves as a moment of respite, with its introspective lyrics and melancholic melodies offering a brief reprieve from the album’s heavier themes. The band’s ability to seamlessly transition between moments of quiet introspection and explosive energy is a testament to their songwriting skills and musical maturity.
The album concludes with “March of the Saints”, a triumphant and anthemic closer that encapsulates the album’s themes of redemption and transcendence. The soaring vocal melodies and majestic instrumentation create a sense of catharsis and resolution, leaving the listener with a feeling of awe and wonder.
In comparison to their previous albums, “The Empyrean Equation of the Long Lost Things” sees Vanden Plas pushing the boundaries of their sound and exploring new musical territories. While the band’s signature blend of progressive metal and melodic rock is still present, there is a newfound sense of urgency and experimentation that sets this album apart from their earlier works.
Overall, “The Empyrean Equation of the Long Lost Things” is a tour de force of progressive metal majesty. Vanden Plas have crafted a musical odyssey that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant, inviting the listener to ponder life’s deepest mysteries while headbanging along to blistering guitar solos. This album is a triumph of artistry and ambition, cementing Vanden Plas’s status as one of the foremost bands in the progressive metal genre.