One of the young progressive bands first album. A real good debut, if I may say so. If you think of Dream Theater as too complex and soft, then Vanden Plas is the alternative. Of course, it's a good choice even if you love Dream Theater. The music on this album can be described as 90's Saxon with progressive influences from bands such as Dream Theater, Queensr˙che and similar.

Not one bad song really, even if there are those which are less good than others, but that's the way it is. Just one thing. If you can have the ability to get your hands on the japan release, then do it. I tell you it's worth it, since track 10, 11 are easily two of the best tracks on the album. Others, that I would mention as favourites are track 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9. A lot of good songs as you can see.

I really enjoy the singer, Andy Kuntz. The first time I heard I thought he sounded just like Biff Byford (Saxon) combined with Andi Deris (Helloween). That is a pretty good description actully. He's the emotional kind of singer, so I sensed some influences from Marillions' ex-vocalist Fish. I don't know if this is the case, but that's how I felt about it. There's also a very good guitarist in Stephan Lill. He's always reminded me of the play style of John Petrucci (Dream Theater).

And for those wondering, it's not the old Helloween song "How Many Tears", that's covered here. They've just stolen the title.