COLOUR TEMPLE

Great debut from VANDEN PLAS, with a bit of an eighties Metal sound to it, and I like the way the synths add to the atmosphere of many of these songs. I wouldn't call Andy Kuntz a powerful singer, but I really like the way he sings. It's hard to believe these guys are German when there isn't even a hint of an accent on the vocals. I found this album got better as it went along.

The first song "Father" has a classical intro that is replaced by some great guitar and some good crisp drumming.The sound quality is excellent. There are some good riffs towards the end of the song. "Push" is a harder hitting song with lots of guitar solos. "When The Wind Blows" is a song like the album, that gets better as it goes. From atmospheric to intense. "My Crying" is a great heavy tune with synths, heavy drums and more beautiful guitar melodies. "Soul Survives" opens with piano and vocals.The song picks up in intensity, and the highlight is the guitar solo that turns into a long guitar melody.

"Anytime" is a slower ballad like song with two tasteful guitar solos, the second one just seems to go on and on. "Judas" is pretty much a straight up rocker that at four minutes sounds like JUDAS PRIEST.This song has some awesome scorching guitar. "Back To Me" has some great riffs like their fellow German band the SCORPIONS. "How Many Tears" is slower paced to open, but gets very powerful sounding, with some beautiful ripping guitar.

It's a good thing the album is over because after these last three songs I need a rest. If your into Prog-Metal you should really check this record out. Impressive beginning for these German rockers.