CHRIST 0

When I pulled the liner notes out and saw the picture on the back it actually startled me. Why ? Because it's the same guy who's on the cover of KARMAKANIC's "Who's the Boss In The Factory ?". I swear it's the same freaking guy ! Same hat, face, cigar, suit...it's him ! Anyway back to VANDEN PLAS. According to Pete Pardo this latest recording from this German Prog-Metal band is a concept album based loosely on the story of "The Count Of Monte Cristo". It's interesting to see the high ratings for this album because for me it's my least favourite, and i've heard them all and am a big fan. First of all with the bonus track it's almost 80 minutes long ! Second of all i'm not big on concept albums. It's hard for me to put a finger on it but this seems so uninspired and so avaerage for this band. It doesn't hold a candle to "The God Thing" in my opinion.

"Christ O" opens with some atmosphere and choir before we get blitzed but then it settles quickly with vocals.This is actually an excellent track when it gets fuller. "Postcard To God" is heavy to begin with but settles when the vocals come in, although the heavy drums continue with synths.The heaviness is back after 3 minutes and we get a guitar solo 4 minutes in. "Wish You Where Here" contrasts the heavy and lighter passages well. Not a fan of the mellow sections with piano but the full on assaults work well. I like the dark and sinister sound after 4 1/2 minutes. Some great guitar follows. "Silently" opens with piano followed by the heaviness which comes and goes. Violin and a calm 3 minutes in followed by a good guitar solo.Themes are repeated.

"Shadow I Am" impresses me with the heaviness and drumming,especially on the chorus. A ripping guitar solo after 3 1/2 minutes. "Fireroses Dance" opens with piano as fragile vocals come in. A fuller sound after a minute as the contrast continues. Some welcomed heaviness after 3 minutes as we get an incredible second half. "Somewhere Alone In The Dark" is a heavy beast with some killer guitar. Nice. "January Sun" opens with fragile vocals and piano as violin comes in. Not a fan. We get some samples to do with the concept. A better sound 5 minutes in but it ends as it began. "Lost In Silence" is a laid back tune with vocals.

I think most will look at this as one of the bands best, but some of us are disappointed. It's still a good album of course.