VANDEN PLAS set to release the second chapter of Rock Opera written in collaboration with famed German author Wolfgang Hohlbein. “Chronicles of the Immortals – Netherworld II” out on Frontiers in November!
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of the second chapter of VANDEN PLAS' rock opera, “Chronicles of the Immortals – Netherworld II” on November 6th.
Approximately one year after the release of the first chapter, Vanden Plas return with their elaborate arrangements, superb piano melodies, and epic instrumental passages, paired with the signature heavy Vanden Plas sound and distinctive vocals of Andy Kuntz. In guitarist Stephan Lill’s words: “This is our 8th studio album, so now we know what works for Vanden Plas and what doesn´t. With every new cd we try to continue to break new ground, while still remaining faithful to our original style. As the songs of “Chronicles of the Immortals - Netherworld Part I & II” are written for a Rock Opera, this time the arrangements of the music are more epic and orchestral than on the previous albums. The engagements for several rock operas in theaters and the work together with big orchestras helped us a lot to improve the way of writing songs or to arrange song parts in a way that makes it special. A band needs this kind of a light progression. And maybe the next cd will sound a bit more reduced again, we will see.”
Fans of the saga of the immortal Andrej Delãny will now be able to enjoy the eagerly awaited continuation with "Chronicle Of The Immortals - Netherworld II." As "Chronicles Of The Immortals - Netherworld, Path I" ended, the perfidious plans of the dark Godmaker threatened to emerge. All seemed lost, yet from within the pervading darkness shone a soft light. Deliverance comes in the second half of the story, where the creative duo of Vanden Plas and Wolfgang Hohlbein has merged again in top form. And of course it will be up to the listener to find out how the story will end!
“Wolfgang Hohlbein was, together with his manager Dieter Winkler and our singer Andy, responsible for the story which was the base for both “Chronicles of the immortals - Netherworld” cd´s. For the theater piece we did here in Germany, he wrote a book especially for this event what was fantastic,” tells Stephan. Vanden Plas has always been open to remarkable and unusual ideas, and the collaboration with the writer Wolfgang Hohlbein found fertile ground there from the beginning. The author who has sold more than 40 million books worldwide was a big fan of the band. "Blutnacht" (Bloodnight), a stage production performed at the Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern, was based on his series "The Chronicle of the Immortals." Hohlbein, his manager Dieter Winkler, and Vanden Plas frontman Andy Kuntz developed the story and Vanden Plas provided the musical realization. The reward was 25 sold-out performances during the 2012 and 2013 seasons and unanimously thrilled audiences.
“We will start the shows in support of the new album during the winter of 2015. For the previous cd, we played 3 to 4 shows in seven countries in Europe. That´s what we plan also for the beginning of 2016. We just have to coordinate the dates of our Vanden Plas concerts with the dates of our theatre shows to take care that there won´t be a crossing over,” concludes Stephan.
For more than 20 years, Vanden Plas has stood for intelligent Progressive Metal. With "Netherworld II," the conclusion of "Chronicles Of The Immortals," the band now opens a new and exciting chapter in its career.
Tracklisting:
VISION 11even * In My Universe
VISION 12elve * Godmaker´S Temptation
VISION 13teen * Stone Roses Edge
VISION 14teen * Blood Of Eden (* All love must die) (* The rite)(* This is the night)
VISION 15teen * Monster
VISION 16teen * Diabolica Comedia
VISION 17teen * Where Have The Children Gone
VISION 18teen * The Last Fight
VISION 19teen * Circle Of The Devil
Line up
Andy Kuntz (Vocals), Stephan Lill (Guitar), Günter Werno (Keyboards), Torsten Reichert (Bass), Andreas Lill (Drums)