Vanden Plas are a group that I first came across due to my like for Dream Theater. I went through a period of checking out bands that were reported to sound like DT. This led me to buy the band's third album, 'Far Off Grace'. At the time of that review I pretty much dismissed them as mere DT copyists.
A few years and a few Vanden Plas albums later, I have the opportunity to see if anything has changed.
This time I again hear lots of Dream Theater-isms in their music. However, these guys are taking a broadly more melodic approach that DT. Whereas I'd describe DT as progressive metal, I'd describe VP as melodic progressive metal, maybe progressive melodic rock would be a better description. Possibly I'm becoming more mellow in my old age, or possibly I'm disappointed that DT headed away from the melodic rock/progressive metal fusion that attracted me in the first place towards a more pure progressive metal approach as their influences changed from classic rock bands to more modern sounding outfits.
Anyway, this time Vanden Plas are getting a much warmer reception from me. This is a fine sounding, well executed melodic progressive metal album which I find engaging.
Rating: 4 stars
