FAR OFF GRACE

The first time I heard about the progressive metal band VANDEN PLAS was on the DREAM THEATER mailing list Ytsejam. I recognised that in a short period of time VANDEN PLAS was discussed quite often. With this their third release I finally got to hear them, and now I understand why they appeared in the discussions on Ytsejam. First of all they are very good, but more important is that they musically have a lot in common with DREAM THEATER. What's separating VANDEN PLAS from DREAM THEATER then? Well,DREAM THEATER lean more against their technical skills while VANDEN PLAS have, and forgive me for saying it, stronger melodies than DREAM THEATER. VANDEN PLAS are also highly technically skilled musicians but they never let their instrumental passages take too much space in their songs. All in all I think that both the bands are outstanding but in two different ways. The production is very good too. The highlight are "Inside Of Your Head", "Iodic Rain" and "Fields of Hope". The last track is a cover of Dokken's "Kiss Of Death". VANDEN PLAS is high above the average progressive metal bands. If you're living in France you can buy a special edition of this album with a 32-page photo booklet at Virgin Megastores. Go get it! Highly recommended.