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| Vanden Plas - Beyond Daylight |
 Released: 2002 Label: InsideOut Music / Inside Out Music America Cat. No.: IOMCD093 / SPV 085-41962 CD Total Time: 55:25 | |
Reviewed by: Bjørnar Bevolden, November 2002 Vanden Plas is one of very few bands that never let you down. I've been a fan ever since Colour Temple was released and they have met my expectations on every level with each subsequent disc. In fact, with every release in mind, Vanden Plas is like fine wine - they only get better with time. The previous CD, Far Off Grace, was a bit heavier and rougher sounding than their previous CDs and with Beyond Daylight we see the band returning to a more melodic approach. Beyond Daylight is filled to the core with excellent melodic progressive metal songs. The proggie parts are perhaps slightly toned down, replaced by a barrage of adventurous melody lines. As usual we are presented with rather dynamic songs containing straighter heavier parts, progressive themes and dueling keys and guitars, acoustic parts and beautiful, emotive, ballad-esque themes. Each musician shines and the rhythm section is extremely tight. Andy Kuntz (v) has never sounded better and it is a sheer pleasure hearing Stefan Lill (g) back in form after his unfortunate "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" diagnosis back in April 2001. Every song on this album is a winner and standouts include "Scarlet Flower Fields," "Phoenix" and "Beyond Daylight." All perfect examples of this band's fantastic gift for song writing. The mix and production is crystal clear, well balanced and simply irreproachable. Stylistically, Beyond Daylight is the perfect mix of Colour Temple and The God Thing, which should give fans a clue to what Vanden Plas anno 2002 sound like. For fans of Vanden Plas, this is a blind purchase, but for those still unacquainted to the band, I simply urge you check this band out. Beyond Daylight should be the perfect introduction to the quality that lies within this band. This album will undoubtedly go down as one of the best albums of 2002. Highly recommended! Similar To: Dream Theater, Ivory Tower, Balance of Power PPO Rating: 10/10 [This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site; see also Keith's, Igor's, Steph's, Marcelo's, Clayton's, and LarryD's -ed.] More about Beyond Daylight: Track Listing: Nightwalker (7:30) / Cold Wind (5:20) / Scarlet Flower Fields (5:45) / Healing Tree (5:30) / End Of All Days (7:25) / Free The Fire (4:30) / Can You Hear Me (4:10) / Phoenix (5:56) / Beyond Daylight (10:39) Musicians: Contact: Website: www.vandenplas.de Discography
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