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intothewellsabyss
Nov 6, 20223 min read

Vanden Plas - Chronicles of the Immortals – Netherworld II (2015)

FROM THE CRYPTS - CELEBRATING PAST ALBUM RELEASES in the HISTORY of HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL…



On November 6, 2015, Vanden Plas released their full length studio album Chronicles of the Immortals – Netherworld II via Frontiers Music.


Background:

Continuing on from 2014’s Chronicles of the Immortals: Netherworld I, the German quintet continue following the adventures of their immortal protagonist in this second installment of Chronicles. Co-created with novelist Wolfgang Hohlbein, the album and its story are about a man giving up his immortality and facing demonic opposition in the underworld.


Chronicles of the Immortals – Netherworld II (and the previously released Chronicles of the Immortals – Netherworld I) are based on Die Chronik der Unsterblichen by fantasy author Wolfgang Hohlbein. Both albums are adapted from the theatre play Blutnacht.


Critical Reception:

In his review for angrymetalguy.com, Steel Druhm writes;

“Part II is a continuation of the concepts laid out in its predecessor, but takes a much more ambitious approach. While I enjoyed most of what Pt. I had to offer, the overall lack of energy did wear on me. Pt. II corrects the energy deficit with heavier, more dynamic writing, but it seems in the year-long interval since the first installment, they lost the ability to self-edit their compositions, and this causes a new set of issues.
Things certainly begin well with the very Kamelot-esque symphonic power of opener In My Universe. It’s big, bombastic and symphonic, but remains accessible and features an effective, if not overly restrained chorus. I couldn’t shake the feeling there should be more pop in said chorus, but Andy’s vocals insure success despite a segment that inexplicably reminds me of Quiet Riot‘s Metal Health. Godmaker’s Temptation is even better, with a slick build toward a big payoff at chorus time and a huge Tad Morose vibe.  The positive momentum keeps rolling on Stone Roses Edge which is much more aggressive and urgent in delivery. Heavy, fist-pumping riffs expertly blend with a great performance from Andy and making it all the better, there’s a strong Fall of the Leafe influence, which I love. This song showcases everything I love about the band in one tasty soundbite and it’s the best of the whole Netherworld saga.
Then things get more convoluted and obscure as the band explores far proggier and less accessible soundscapes on the thirteen minute Blood of Eden. It’s actually a very good song with some standout moments (Andy’s much higher than usual vocals shine brightly), but it’s guilty of overstaying it’s welcome when it could have ended at several points (technically known as Lord of the Rings Syndrome). They course-correct with the very linear Monster which sports a simple but effective chorus and introduces harsh vocals to shake things up, but this too runs about two minutes too long.
The remainder of Pt. II is a mixed bag. While Diabolica Comedia is direct and enjoyable, Where Have the Children Gone is a flat, symphonic-laden ballad that grinds things to a halt. It’s the kind of song you want to like more, but don’t and it’s the only skippable track I can recall in recent Plas history. The Last Fight is the anthemic powerhouse Pt. I desperately needed and it’s quite gripping, but closer Circle of the Devil gets bogged down in a host of overwrought emotions and choral masturbation as it limps to an overdue finish.
At a very bloated hour-and-five minutes, Pt. II partially collapses under the weight of its pretensions. Almost every song could be edited down and be better for it, and by the time the last two tracks arrive, the fact each exceeds seven minutes is the final kick in the teeth for anyone with even a mild case of ADHD. There’s a feeling the band tried too hard on this one, getting bogged down on the size and scope of the project instead of just crafting the best material they could.
All criticism aside, even when off their A game, Vanden Plas is still a formidable beast and there are several great songs here along with a lot of good music. If you have a patient temperament and time to spare, Pt. II may be exactly the prog-power you need to wile away the small hours. Definitely worth investigation, at least for cherry picking purposes, but Pt. I gets the nod for the more consistent album. Here’s hoping they dial things back for Pt. III.”

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells



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