Press launch –
German progressive steel pioneers Vanden Plas are again with “AcCult II”, a brand new acoustic album out now through Frontiers Music Srl.
Alessandro Del Vecchio commented: “As an enormous Styx fan, I used to be very pleased to see that ‘Boat On The River’ was included, and I might play one among my favourite songs from one among my favourite bands. It’s a simple track to pay attention however tough and really cool to play, which makes it an attention-grabbing alternative and I’m certain individuals will dig what we did to it!”
“AcCult II” is the extremely anticipated acoustic sequel to Vanden Plas’ 1996 landmark album “AcCult”.
Stephan Lill defined how the album got here to life: “After we launched our first acoustic CD, “AcCult”, in 1996, it was particular to us in some ways. For this launch, we organized songs from our debut album, “Color Temple”, into new acoustic variations. And we did the identical with songs by different artists or bands that didn’t essentially match our typical musical fashion. Ever since that launch, we’d at all times had it at the back of our minds to provide one other acoustic CD in some unspecified time in the future. However then got here excursions, extra common CDs, many theatre productions we have been concerned in, and time flew by…”
“When Frontiers approached us with the concept of one other acoustic CD, we knew that we had the time wanted for it, and with the best songs, it might work. And we are able to now say, it labored out. We sticked with the idea of the primary “AcCult” CD, and so “AcCult II” as soon as once more options acoustic variations of Vanden Plas songs, in addition to two cowl songs: “Nothing Else Issues” (Metallica) and “Boat on the River” (Styx)”, he continued. “We’re very happy that, precisely 30 years later, we are able to write the subsequent “AcCult” chapter. And all Vanden Plas followers can sit up for a very extraordinary launch.”
Constructing on the modern idea that first reimagined tracks from their debut “Color Temple” in a stripped-down, unplugged setting, this new launch revisits choose songs from their intensive catalog with recent acoustic preparations, providing followers a very new perspective on the band’s music.
Along with reworked originals like “Far Off Grace”, “Holes In The Sky”, “The Ghost Xperiment”, and “You Fly”, “AcCult II” options impressed interpretations of traditional songs by different artists, together with Styx’s “Boat On The River” and Metallica’s “Nothing Else Issues”, mixing reverence for the originals with Vanden Plas’ signature emotional depth and musical sophistication.
Notably, John Helliwell of Supertramp makes a visitor look on saxophone on the album’s closing observe, “You Fly”, including a novel, melodic contact to the album’s finale.
The album showcases the band’s present lineup – Andy Kuntz (vocals), Stephan Lill (guitars), Andreas Lill (drums), Thorsten Reichert (bass), and Alessandro Del Vecchio (keyboards) – whose synergy brings a nuanced heat to every observe.
With “AcCult II”, Vanden Plas demonstrates that their progressive sensibilities translate seamlessly into intimate, acoustic settings, making a compelling expertise that resonates each with longtime followers and newcomers alike.
“AcCult II” Tracklist:
1. Far Off Grace
2. Holes In The Sky
3. The Ghost Experiment
4. Boat On The River
5. Therapeutic Tree
6. Postcard To God
7. Nothing Else Issues
8. You Fly (Ft. John Helliwell)
Line Up:
Andy Kuntz -vocals
Stephan Lill – guitars
Andreas Lill – drums
Torsten Reichert – bass
Alessandro Del Vecchio – keyboards
