THE GOD THING

Vanden Plas in my opinion is the leading progressive metal force in Germany right now. The God Thing is the band's third studio album. The main influences for this album are definately progressive metal legends like Dream Theater and Rush mixed with the occasional Blind Guardian power metal.

The album starts off with the insturmental track "Fire Blossom". A very impressive opener, this song is the genreal style of this band. The guitar playing is very arpeggio based, the keyboards have a relentless cold atmosphere, the bass plays very catchy rythmn lines. I see Tortsen Reichart (bass) as one of the most involved members of this band's sound.

The most amazing song on the album is the second track "The Rainmaker". The track shows the amazing potential this band has. The song stucture used throughout the album is constantly in flux. Another track that shows the creativity of the band is "Crown of Thorns". The track opens with soft orchestral backing of Andy Kuntz dramatic vocals and finishes with an awe inspiring grandiose outro.

The production of this album lacks innovation. The tones sound pretty much the same as Mark Prator's on Dream Theater's images and words. The production is a pleasure to listen to, but it lacks originality. This album is truly only made creative by the band's musicians, not the band's producer.

This is my favourite from Vanden Plas along with the great and emotional album that is Far Off Grace. Crown of thorns is the highlight here. Great musicians, Gunter Werno one of the biggest key player in the last 10 years. That's why, his invited as a guest in some top bands around, like Kamelot, Elegy, etc. But my fav is the guitarist Stephan Lill along with his brother they did a very good job. In the end Vanden Plas is one of the leading progressive metal force. Excellent addition to any prog music collection, in my opinion.

Without a doubt this is my favourite VANDEN PLAS record. There are no ballads on this one although there are mellow passages which are used to great effect in contrast to the heavy sections.This album has some great atmosphere to it, as well a ton of heaviness.They do not compromise on this record or pull any punches and I love it. Of course your reading words from a guy who's favourite DREAM THEATER album is "Train Of Thought". The liner notes are filled with some great pictures of the band including Portnoy and Pertucci. By the way VANDEN PLAS say "hi" to ANGRA and TIME MACHINE among others.

"Fire Blossom" is the 3 minute intstrumental intro track. Piano and bass stand out early before synths and drums join in. The low end guitar sounds great, quite powerful. Piano returns, then back to the heavy soundscape. It ends with thunder as it blends into "Rainmaker" where we can hear the rain falling hard. Check out the guitar melody as heavy riffs and killer bass comes in. Very powerful sound. Vocals and a calm after 1 1/2 minutes. It kicks back in and the bass is huge ! Ripping guitar solo before 5 minutes. Amazing song, one of their best ever. "Garden Of Stones" is about a literal place in the south of Crete where Andy has visited many times and experienced positive things as a result. A piano intro as fragile vocals join in. It stays mellow until an explosion of sound after 2 minutes. Here come the riffs a minute later. Check out the crunchy riffs 6 minutes in ! This one smokes !

"In You : I Believe" is heavy with synths. Lyrically it's like a prayer. The guitar is all over this one. "Die I Die" opens with background synths, gentle guitar and reserved vocals.It kicks in around a minute. Nice. This contrast continues.It gets even heavier 5 1/2 minutes in with intense vocals. "Crown Of Thorns" opens with piano as mellow vocals come in. Cello after 3 minutes then it starts to pick up 3 1/2 minutes in. Here we go ! The highlight is the guitar solo 5 minutes in that goes on and on as drums pound away. "We're Not God" opens with what sounds like the twin guitar attack of JUDAS PRIEST. Lots of crunch in this one. Synths before 4 minutes as the guitar driven heaviness continues. Great guitar before 5 1/2 minutes. Love the vocals too. Some complexity on this one.

As good as all these songs have been the last two tracks are the best. "Salt In My Wounds" is the heaviest track yet. Just a monster sound with background synths.The verses are calmer with piano, but the chorus is slow and very heavy. "You Fly" is a hymn and dedication to Andy's Grandfather who passed away. He tells a touching story about him in the liner notes.The piano intro is run over quickly by a dark and heavy wall of sound. Vocals and a calm come in but they're brief. The contrast continues though. Killer guitar solo after 3 minutes. Very heavy riffs a minute later. Amazing sound. When it settles down there is this powerful undercurrent of sound. Emotional track.

This is my kind of music. And how awesome would "The God Thing" sound live.