Comments:
Christ O is the fifth studio release (not counting the live
CD Spirit of Live and AcCult) from German Vanden Plas
and definitely one of their finest moments. The band succeeded in
creating a perfectly balanced synthesis of bright shining metallic
power, melody and passion, in combination with excellent craftsmanship.
Where the raved on heroes of Dream Theater often get caught in their
own web of perfectionism and musicianship, the charismatic Germans
never get carried away in freakish jamming, but follow their perfectly
paved path of polished, well thought arrangements. Vanden Plas must
be one of progressive metal's best kept secrets …
Christ
O shows us a band following their path almost stubbornly. The
band stays true to their sound and slightly shifts course with every
record, evolving in an almost mystical way, one step at the time.
This
new studio epos is an epic story based upon the hailed novel "The
Count of Monte Cristo" from Alexandre Dumas, which is woven through
the nine actual songs of this release, without ever overshooting and
getting trapped in the quicksand of concept CDs. Not a storytelling
disc, merely a collection of ultimate melodic metal songs.
And
by Toutaris!, it's a collection that stands out! From the opening
title track all the way through "Lost in Silence," Vanden
Plas keeps you focused on this road trip through the sonic wastelands
of progressive metal. Powerful, forceful, driven and shredding like
never before. Germany's finest has evolved a progressive melodic monster
unlike any other. Creativity exposed in every track. The songs are
powerful with a solid groove and polished arrangements. The keyboards
from Günther Werno are pompous, adding depth and power to Stephan
Lill's amazing riffs and soloing.
Absolute
highlights are the remarkable opening track "Christ O",
the heavy riff monster "Somewhere Alone in the Dark" with
its guitar shreds, or the amazing 10-minute long epic "January
Sun," which is cleverly orchestrated and boosted by the classical
40 piece (!) Pfalztheater choir. A song which combines the wide range
of influences from the band's members from rock and metal to jazz,
as well as their musical background and theatre experience.
"Postcard
to God" warps you back to their "Far off Grace" era,
as does the progressive taleshaker "Wish you Were Here"
with its taunting keyboards. To show Vanden Plas evolution in songwriting,
one has to check out the remarkable "Silently," with its
tender and fragile character, suddenly exploding into and up beat
killer track. The perfect symbioses of their fine tuned feeling for
power and passion is the semi ballad "Fireroses Dance,"
also recorded with choir!
This
has tons of drama and emotion, showcasing the skills of Vanden Plas
and their vocalist Andy Kuntz. The little man with the powerful charismatic
voice is peaking like never before. The double bass power drumming
of Stephan's older brother Andreas in combination with the bold and
damp bass style of Torsten Reichert provides an extremely heavy foundation
for the band to build upon. The power seems unstoppable, and this
in combination with the crusty production creates a true masterpiece.
The
added bonus track is Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Gethsemane"
from his hit musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" which is inimitably
interpreted on this CD. Being sung by Kuntz in the theatres many times,
it adds up as well to the completion of this rock classic.
For
those in search of a record with a daring concept and depth, a must!
Where others that persist on gripping melodic metal with progressive
elements in dynamic setting, simply can't ignore this masterpiece
either! Christ O has a lot to offer for fans of great metal
hymns. Vanden Plas delivers a marker to focus on, and most likely
one that will end high in your Top 10 for 2006! The year has started
fruitful for us metalheads, HAIL!
http://www.vandenplas.de/
www.insideoutmusic.com
Band
members:
Andreas Lill - drums
Andy Kuntz - vocals
Stephan Lill - guitars
Günther Werno - keyboards
Torsten Reichert - bass
HRH
Rating: 9.6/10
