VANDEN PLAS “Chronicles Of The Immortals: Netherworld (Path One)” /2LP/

The seventh full-length studio album by German Progressive Metal band.
Superb progressive Metallers Vanden Plas got together with Germany's bestselling author Wolfgang Holbein (who is a big fan of the band) to create a Rock Opera based on his series of "Chronicle Of The Netherworld" novels. Together, they created nineteen songs and entitled it "Blutnacht" (Bloodnight). Starring Vanden Plas vocalist Andy Kuntz in the lead role and with the rest of the band in the orchestra pit they played 25 sold-out performances in Germany throughout the 2012/2013 seasons to huge critical acclaim. With Holbein's agreement, Vanden Plas then decided to adapt the opera into the basis of their next studio release with Kuntz taking on all roles as 'Storyteller' and with the songs becoming heavier to suit the band’s fan base and an album format. “Chronicles Of The Immortals: Netherworld (Path One)” is the result and contains the first 10 songs of the story with the conclusion “Chronicles Of The Immortals: Netherworld II” released in 2015.
This album is mind-blowing and the work that has gone into this and the theater production absolutely incredible. Huge melody, emotion and power along with superb songwriting and ability make it the best album they have released. 
Central to the whole album is Andy Kuntz's incredible vocal performance, which is a true master class of singing. Musically, "(Path One)" also excels. Guitarist Stephen Lill is wonderful throughout and Keyboard Maestro Günter Werno plays with a passion bordering on the heart wrenching. Bassist Torsten Reichert and drummer Andrea Lill are also superb; the whole band effortlessly transferring the live songs to a studio format. What helps is that Vanden Plas have had the same lineup from day one, and they seem almost telepathically connected.
Not all concept albums are easy to follow but "(Path One)" bucks that trend. Lyrics are beautiful and, right from the start, you know exactly who is who and what is happening. Production is crystal clear and sounds huge. The whole thing is packaged with incredible artwork that also sets the scene for the story.
Without doubts, one of the best albums of 2014!
Double 180g vinyl in gatefold cover.
Frontiers Records/Soulfood Music GmbH, 2014 (PRELP 074). Made in Germany. First press. Used (cover/disc 1/disc 2): NM-/NM/NM.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Vision 1ne 3:52
2. The Black Night 8:29
3. Godmaker 5:24
Side B
4. Misery Affection Prelude 1:39
5. A Ghosts Requiem 3:56
6. New Vampyre 6:16
Running time: 29:36 min.

Side C
7. The King And The Children Of Lost World 7:53
8. Misery Affection 5:08
Side D
9. Soul Alliance 6:39
10. Inside 6:42
Running time: 26:22 min.

Total playing time: 55:58 min.