Vanden Plas
The Seraphic Live Works

July 2017
Released: 2017, Frontiers
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: John Haseltine

Vanden Plas are one of the world’s leading prog-metal acts. I did not realize that myself, but then again, my prog-metal knowledge may be a bit lacking. It is for no other reason than too many bands and genres, and too little time.



Vanden Plas are a German progressive metal band formed in the late 1980’s. They have long won over the fans of the prog-metal community with their exceptional brand of music and countless touring around the globe. It wasn’t until 2011 that the Prog-Power Fest invited Vanden Plas to play and the result is THE SERAPHIC LIFEWORKS. This live recording is just the second live offering by the band. The last live album was released in 2000. I checked into it, and cannot figure out why it took the band over 6 years to get this one out to their fans. Unless it was just one of those decisions they had made recently. Nonetheless, a good decision it was. So a majority of the material in the 78 minute, 9 song set is from 2010’s THE SERAPHIC CLOCKWORK which is right for the time of the recording. Production wise, they come off sounding pretty damn good on this release. Is it a perfect mix? Not really. But it sure is close. This also comes with a DVD of their set of which I did not receive so I am unable to share my thoughts of that with you.



From the 9 minute opener “Postcard to God”, to the 14 minute extended version of “Silently”, Vanden Plas prove to the metal community why they have the longevity that they do. As for the many of you whom may be unaware of Vanden Plas’ existence, get with the program people. Look them up if you don’t believe me. Vanden Plas are as diverse of a prog-metal band as there is.