CHRONICLES OF THE IMMORTALS - NETHERWORLD (PATH ONE)

On their latest offering, Vanden Plas continue with their European prog power style with symphonic and gothic touches, with maybe an added layer of gothic cheese in form of some female vocals, choirs and wimpy tragic ballads. This moves them closer to Kamelot territory, which comes, I think, at the expense of certain intelligence present in their music. Prog-wise, even though this is a two-part concept album, it's a step down from their previous effort, Seraphic Clockwork.

The second, and first proper track, The Dark Knight, showcases the best that the band has to offer - great, driving opening riff, nice contrast between heavier and softer passages, anthemic choruses. It goes on basically in the same vein, interspersed with filler ballads. And even though Vanden Plas' riffs and melodies would put 99 percent of power bands to shame, towards the end you get a feeling of sameness. Let's hope the second part has more interesting stuff to offer besides some head banging and air guitar.