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BREAKING NEWS: Prog metallers Vanden Plas Official will release their ninth studio album, "The Ghost Xperiment - Awakening" on October 11th. First single, pre-orders and more info coming soon. In the meantime, don't forget about the band's retrospective box set, “The Epic Works 1991-2015” and color vinyl reissues of select titles are coming on July 12th. http://radi.al/VandenPlasTheEpicWorks

About a year ago, the German progressive metal band Vanden Plas Official delivered the music world part one of their two part concept album, “The Ghost Xperiment”. Entitled "The Ghost Xperiment – Awakening," the album ended on a cliffhanger, where during a séance, Gideon Grace, the main character, at last encounters the ghosts who have haunted him since his childhood. Ghosts? Exactly! Now comes the dramatic conclusion of the story with their new album, “The Ghost Xperiment – Illumination”. Fans can get their first taste of new music via the new single, 'Under The Horizon,' which is out today. Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/UKAeRyNXErI

Pre-order/save “The Ghost Xperiment – Illumination” on CD/LP/Digital here: https://orcd.co/vandenplas

"For years, I've felt driven by the idea of writing a ghost story that casts a different light on the genre, and ... at the end leaves the audience with a plausible explanation," author and Vanden Plas lead vocalist Andy Kuntz elucidates. As for his inspiration for the story, Kuntz came across the Phillip-Experiment, an authentic and credibly documented investigation of necromancy…literally, conjuring dead spirits. "I knew immediately that I had found the basis for the story that I had been seeking for so long."

Thus developed the story for "The Ghost Xperiment," which continues in the second part "Illumination," and reaches its startling conclusion. But of course these intelligent, inventive story telling lyrics need a strong musical vehicle for delivery and Vanden Plas astounds in that respect. While the orchestral arrangements in the first album in the saga had been reduced compared to the two previous "Chronicles of the Immortals" series, this time the progressive aspects of the band’s sound are even more apparent. Along with the band's brilliant musicians, Stephan Lill (Guitar), Günter Werno (Keyboards), Andreas Lill (Drums), and Torsten Reichert (Bass), prestigious guests also add to this incredible showing. Alea from the leading German medieval rock band Saltatio Mortis joins Kuntz for a duet on the bonus track 'Krieg kennt keine Sieger,’ Snow White Blood singer Ulli Perhonen shines in 'Black Waltz Death' and 'The Ghost Engineers,' and the backing vocals team is made up of longtime musical colleagues including Oliver Hartmann from Avantasia and Herbie Langhans from Firewind.

This highly concentrated musical power, paired with unexpected twists such as in 'Black Waltz Death' or the 13-minute long 'The Ouroboros' is what makes "The Ghost Xperiment - Illumination" so incredibly gripping. In addition, with the opener 'World is Falling Down,' Vanden Plas has created an unbelievably driving steam hammer engine and with 'Under the Horizon,' a true prog anthem. After hearing its hypnotic refrain just once, it's already impossible to imagine the band's musical universe without it.

In short, Vanden Plas continues to dedicatedly pursue their own unique path.

The band’s creativity has not been deterred by the current pandemic. Theater engagements naturally had to be temporarily suspended, but in the months preceding, Vanden Plas had already showcased their own rock opera "Everyman" in Pforzheim, "Der Herbst des Winterkönigs" (The Autumn of the Winterking) in Amberg, and "American Idiot" at the Prinzregententheater in Munich as well as at the Tiroler Landestheater in Innsbruck. Those kinds of productions are no small undertaking, but despite the limits being pushed, the band performed "Concerto For Group and Orchestra," the masterwork from Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord, in Kaiserslautern and also found time to finalize the song material for "The Ghost Xperiment - Illumination."

Even in a time of crisis, the band has managed to progress, to give their best, and to present their fans with another glorious work that literally explodes with variety and vitality. "The Ghost Xperiment - Illumination" is precisely the medicine that we all need right now.

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of a very special live album/long-form video from German prog metal masters Vanden Plas Official on August 5, 2022. Enjoy a sample of the performance with the release of the live video for 'Godmaker' HERE: https://youtu.be/r9l6gqa4dKQ

Pre-order/save "Live & Immortal" on 2CD/DVD, Blu-ray, Limited Edition Gold 2xLP, & Digital HERE: https://orcd.co/vandenplaslive

"Live & Immortal" is a special addition to the storied catalog of Vanden Plas as, aside from the "The Seraphic Live Works", a live recording of their revered 70 minute performance at Progpower USA 2011, it is the band's first complete show to be released on long-form video.

Recorded December 30, 2016 in their hometown of Kaiserslautern, Germany, Vanden Plas put forth an epic performance in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The bulk of the setlist is based on the two "Chronicles Of The Immortals" albums (2013 and 2014, respectively) and additionally, includes tracks that have never been played live before, like the atmospheric "Scarlet Flower Fields" and "The Final Murder", which reveals itself to be a captivating 11 minute monster. Fans can also expect all-time favorites from the band's repertoire like "Holes In The Sky", "Iodic Rain", "Postcard To God", and "Christ 0".

Recorded, mixed, and mastered by the long-time Vanden Plas sound engineer Markus Teske at Bazement Studios, "Live & Immortal", delivers a clear, powerful sound which brings the live feeling through the speakers straight into your eagerly awaiting ears. Oliver Barth, who worked with the band on their music videos for "Stone Roses Edge" and "When The World Is Falling Down", filmed the show. Editing was done by Björn Widmann and Andreas Lill.

Fans who have seen Vanden Plas perform live know what they can expect out the band on stage: a powerful and energetic show, paired with a skillful, empathic musicianship. And for those who haven't had the chance to see the quintet yet, now is the time to enjoy a Vanden Plas appearance live in your home!

Vanden Plas, the German progressive metal powerhouse, has been a stalwart presence in the music scene since their formation in the mid-1980s. With a name derived from a prestigious Belgian luxury car manufacturer, the band has consistently delivered a luxurious sonic experience to their dedicated fanbase.

In 2019 and 2020, Vanden Plas embarked on an ambitious project, releasing the two parts of "The Ghost Xperiment." These albums showcased the band's continued evolution, combining intricate compositions, thought-provoking lyrics, and the powerful, emotive vocals of frontman Andy Kuntz.

In 2022, Vanden Plas treated their fans to a thrilling live record, capturing the essence of their dynamic stage performances and reaffirming their status as one of the premier acts in progressive metal.

Looking ahead to 2024, anticipation is building for Vanden Plas's upcoming studio album, slated for release via Frontiers. Touted as the prog-metal event of the year, this album promises to push the boundaries of their musical prowess and deliver an exciting new chapter in the band's storied career.

Vanden Plas continues to captivate audiences with their technical proficiency, engaging storytelling, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of the progressive metal genre. With a rich discography and a reputation for delivering powerful live performances, Vanden Plas remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of progressive metal. The upcoming studio album is set to solidify their legacy and further establish them as pioneers in the genre.