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(Audio CD)
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| | Description | The Seraphic Clockwork by Vanden PlasThis product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. | |
| | Product Details | | Audio CD Release Date: | June 22, 2010 | | Studio: | Frontiers | | Number Of Discs: | 1 | | Average Customer Rating: |  based on 24 reviews |
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| | Track Listing | | 1. | Frequency | | 2. | Holes In The Sky | | 3. | Scar of an Angel | | 4. | Sound of Blood | | 5. | The Final Murder | | 6. | Quicksilver | | 7. | Rush of Silence | | 8. | On My Way to Jerusalem | |
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| | Customer Reviews | Average Customer Review: ( 24 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 15 found the following review helpful:
 4.5 stars - as always, worth the wait Jun 23, 2010
By Justin Gaines
It's been a while since the last Vanden Plas release (2006's Christ O), but one thing I've learned about this band is that they may keep you waiting, but when they do issue a new album it's always worth the wait. That trend holds true with The Seraphic Clockwork, the band's sixth studio album and first for the Frontiers label.
I can't imagine any Vanden Plas fan being disappointed with this one, mainly because The Seraphic Clockwork is so true to the band's core sound. The German band has always had a perfect blend of melodic and progressive metal, though on The Seraphic Clockwork the balance is definitely titled in the progressive direction. The musicianship is more technical, the sounds are multi-layered and the songs are generally longer and noticeably heavier. The album is still quite melodic in a way that should appeal to Frontiers' core customers. Like Christ 0, this is a concept album, and one that seems written for a future stage adaptation. I don't have a handle on the story yet, but the overall songwriting is impressive enough. It reminds me in many ways of Angra's epic Temple of Shadows.
Highlights include the soulful "Scars of an Angel," where vocalist Andy Kuntz trades off with a guest female vocalist who sounds a lot like Sarah McLachlan, and the 13-minute epic "On My Way To Jerusalem," which starts slow and builds to a powerful, soaring conclusion. The album closes with a bonus track, a live performance of the song "Eleyson," which I assume is from Kuntz's stage work on Jesus Christ Superstar. It's a cool enough addition, but doesn't really fit the album's overall style.
Vanden Plas is getting better at what they do with each release, and they've established themselves as one of the absolute best bands in the progressive metal arena. I'm still partial to the first couple of Vanden Plas albums, but The Seraphic Clockwork is a very impressive album that shouldn't disappoint the band's fans.
9 of 11 found the following review helpful:
 Depth and Breadth Jun 27, 2010
By Randy S. Sauntman
My first exposure to Vanden Plas was their phenomenal Christ-O. From there I worked my way backwards through their entire studio catalog. I wouldn't rank any of their releases lower than a 4-star. (Such an underrated band! They don't get nearly the recognition they deserve here in the States.) The band has become more progressive with each successive release. The Seraphic Clockwork continues this trend.
The Seraphic Clockwork was one of two albums to be released in 2010 I most anxiously awaited. The other is Kamelot's new album to be released later this summer.
Let me say, The Seraphic Clockwork was well worth the wait. It is brilliant! As Vanden Plas became more progressive, their music has gained depth. There are so many intricacies. As with previous Vanden Plas releases, one must listen to the album a number of times to fully absorb it. This is not background pop music, you must immerse yourself to truly appreciate it.
The album is definitely multi-layered. Not sure if it is more "metal" oriented than say Christ-O. The first track "Frequency" has some heavy guitar, reminiscent of Michael Romeo's (of Symphony X)guitar tone. There are definitely other heavy guitar riffs buried in the songs, but overall the album is a balance between heavy and delicate. Much like Christ-O in this respect. Great musicianship throughout.
All the songs on the album are excellent (not sure about the bonus track), but I personally especially like track #'s 4, 5 and 6 ("Sound of Blood", "The Final Murder" and "Quicksilver," respectively).
The Seraphic Clockwork is a concept album. I won't go into detail here as to the theme or story behind the album, the booklet inside the digipak contains the story. Some may feel the concept is "Bible thumping," while vocalist Andy Kuntz describes it as science fiction. I tend to view it as an alternate history fantasy. What really matters is that Vanden Plas released another outstanding album that could very well be their best yet. Vanden Plas fans will not be disappointed.
7 of 9 found the following review helpful:
I got something different than my expectation. The bar has risen. Jul 09, 2010
By T. Reid
"Very Critical"
Wow this is quite a surprise coming from Vanden Plas. I have their previous album which had some killer tracks on it but as a whole it fell short to me. This album on the other hand nailed it cold. The semi-dark and moody feel of this album caught me off guard but this is the style of progressive metal that I love. Vocal textures and music play were turned up a notch on this album. I actually liked every song. Even though some are long you won't get lost in them. This album will bring you up and down at the drop of a dime so be prepared. Very mature album. A must have.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
High quality all-around. Jan 03, 2012
By THowerton
"SHowT"
This is my first intro to Vanden Plas. I picked them up as an Amazon suggestion. Glad I did. I would classify this as melodic progressive metal. I enjoyed the album on first listen and on each successive spin. The reason why I am giving this 4 instead of 5 stars though is because each listen doesn't reveal that much more of the experience (even with headphones). I've scratched my head as to why this is (I usually pick more and more up on continued listens) and I think that it is because the mix on the songs really tries to keep all of the instrumentation and singing and close levels, not letting some (say for example) rhythm or guitar lines bubble in the background and then be brought up higher into the mix. I think that's my only complaint.
The music is hard, heavy, fast, and still melodic. The drumming is killer (not to take anything away from the guitar work) and does much more for the songs than a lot of simplistic drumming would. The vocals are clean and understandable if not passionate at times. I found that my favorite song on the disc is the bonus track "Eleyson" (sung in German) precisely because of the passionate singing and a mix that brings punches up some sounds well over the others at times.
The packaging and the artwork for this release are outstanding. 6 stars! Just gorgeous stuff. I don't know VP's history or what type of stuff they do but this is a story/ concept album. The concept revolves around the failing of Christ to die on the cross and atone for the world or something like that. The main character, I think, is a reincarnated Judas that goes back in time to help God set things right! Whew! Huge conceit. Guess the Lord isn't good at being God if He has to have His creation help Him save them. But whatever. The album is an enjoyable and powerful musical tour-de-force. Pick it up if you want to try something new.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Under the radar for far too long May 22, 2011
By Firefly28
I started out with Christ-O over 6 months ago and its still amazing me on an almost daily basis.I'm now over a month into the same addictive process with Seraphic Clockwork. The fact that this band has been allowed to go under the radar to this extent for so long in the U.S. is just simply a damn shame. As with most progressive metal, its true excellence shines thru with each listen getting better and better. And let me tell you, this album shines. Some of the most beautiful, melodic, groovin' metal that never loses its edge fills every track of SC. Just as good technically as DT or any prog/metal band out there, but with much more emotion and completeness focused into each song, instead of virtuosing parts that are glued together. Don't get me wrong, I love DT and have been a huge fan since their 1st album was released, but the greatness of Christ-O and Seraphic Clockwork have put Vanden Plas at the top of my list over DT.
Every track moves you and grooves you, moving forward in storyline and music to the closing greatness of the 13 min On My Way to Jerusalem. Its hard and beautiful all at the same time. 5 great musicians at the top of their game and its apparent in every single second of Seraphic Clockwork
See all 24 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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