Album of the Year 2014 – Number 8
It might now, strictly be 2015, but I’m ploughing on with my Album of the Year 2014 countdown. Thanks again, as always, for the continued support, the comments and the interaction. I hope you continue to enjoy my remaining posts in the series and if you’ve missed the preceding posts, links to these can be found at the bottom of this piece.
And now, on to my choice for number 8:
Vanden Plas
‘Chronicles of the Immortals: Netherworld’
Frontiers Records
Vanden Plas are stalwarts of the progressive metal scene and at the very beginning of 2014, they released the massively impressive and grandly-titled ‘Chronicles of the Immortals: Netherworld’. I knew then that this was an album that would be in my top 20 come the end of the year and so it has proved. Rightly so, too.
It’s clear that over the years, the band have become increasingly interested in the theatre, becoming more and more involved with stage shows and rock musicals. ‘Chronicles Of The Immortals: Netherworld’, however, takes the concept story idea to a whole new level and should put to bed all those negative comments about concept albums. In this case, the music on the album is based on a stage show that the band put together in conjunction with renowned German author Wolfgang Hohlbein and it’s really something special; even after a year or so of listening. In fact, like a fine wine, this is an album that gets better with age.
In keeping with the stage show theme, ‘Chronicles…’ is split into ten Acts or ‘Visions’ with each one standing on its own whilst also playing an important and integral role in the album as a whole.
One of the most instantly noticeable features of ‘Chronicles…’ is the recurring central melodic motif that flirts in and out of many of the tracks like a magnificent golden thread which is utterly beautiful and beguiling, only serving to underline just how impressive this album truly is.
When I re-read my full review of this album that I wrote at the time. I realised that much of it holds true and so, rather than reinvent the wheel, here’s a direct quote:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwKckeSE2ug&w=560&h=315]
‘Unlike many prog albums, ‘Chronicles…’ is also properly heavy. Unrelentingly powerful double-pedal drumming and monstrous bass work create an impressively strong framework upon which sit riff-hungry guitars that growl and shriek with real intent. The guitar tone throughout offers a satisfying crunch and the sparingly used lead runs are expertly crafted to provide that most metal of embellishments without detracting from the overall feel of the music. All of this is then wrapped up in some stunning keyboard and synth work, that adds depth, warmth and richness to the compositions. Always present, it is often subtle but comes to the fore when required, underlining that dramatic, filmlike feel to the vast majority of the material.
The other big strength to this album is the sheer variety on offer. Given the band’s penchant for the theatre, it comes as no surprise to learn that this is an album that provides drama and pomp from start to finish, be it via the use of clever tempo changes, the contrast between all out bombast and quieter introspective and reflective moments or via a varied vocal approach. Kuntz is a great front man with a unique voice but when joined by a female voice for an occasional duet, it really stands the hairs up on the back of your neck.’
With Vanden Plas, professionalism is built in and so once again, the quintet deliver a classy, vibrant and rather spectacular melodic progressive metal album. If you’ve never listened to this band, now’s a great time to remedy this enormous oversight.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PGfveJ4qDo&w=420&h=315]
Check out the other posts in this series:
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 9
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 10
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 11
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 12
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 13
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 14
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 15
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 16
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 17
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 18
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 19
Album of the Year 2014 – Number 20
And if you’re interested, my similar countdowns from previous years can be accessed here:
Top 20 of 2012
Album of the Year 2013
