Review VANDEN PLAS ‘The Empyrean Equation Of The Long Lost Things’

Vanden Plas is at the forefront of German-based progressive metal bands. Formed in 1986, the band first gained attention with the release of their debut album ‘Colour Temple’. The album helped the band get signed to Inside Out Music, which was a real push in the right direction. Since then, Vanden Plas has been a regular deliverer of excellently crafted metal, and the newest album will not change that approach.

‘The Empyrean Equation Of The Long Lost Things’ will surely be a nominee for the longest album title in the 2024 poll, but otherwise the latest strike gets right to the point. Sometimes seen as the German answer to Dream Theater, Vaden Plas have a distinct identity that sets them apart from the NYC prog icons.

Vanden Plas build their sound on versatility and melody. They combine both elements in an exquisite way and while listening to ‘My Icarian Flight’ it becomes clear what this means. Filigree solo parts, stellar vocal lines and a high degree of tightness characterize the album’s lead single. The song immediately finds its way into your subconscious. At the same time, the song is rich in details and variations, both of which make ‘My Icarian Flight’ a long-lasting listening pleasure.

With six songs, the album has a rather short tracklist, and each of the songs has an epic vibe. There are no three minute blasts like on ‘The Empyrean Equation Of The Long Lost Things’. Instead, fans of progressive metal get real compositions, with the closer ‘March Of The Saints’ being the grande finale.

The 15-minute epic is a spectacular way to end the album. ‘March of the Saints’ reflects the whole repertoire of Vanden Plas. The quieter moments, the great vocals of Andy Kutz and the atmospheric soundscapes are all key elements of Vanden Plas and mark the final chapter of this excellent release.

A similar approach is what ‘Sanctimonarium’ brings to the plate. Clocking in at over 10 minutes, this is one of the album’s standout moments. Vaden Plas can compose this kind of hymns without any moment of lengthiness. There is a constant thrill embedded and once you are drawn in by the hooks, there is no way out.

‘The Empyrean Equation Of The Long Lost Things’ is an entertaining album in the best sense of the word. After a four year hiatus, the band is back with a blast and once again underlines why they belong to the best German Progressive Metal has to offer.