VANDEN PLAS - Live 2025

VANDEN PLAS – The Empyrean Equation of the Long Lost Things

It’s been 4 years since Vanden Plas thrilled the prog and rock audience with their last CD double hit „The Ghost Xperiment – Awakening“ (2019) and „The Ghost Xperiment – Illumination“ (2020). Now, with „The Empyrean Equation of the Long Lost Things,“ the latest masterpiece is released. And one can say without a doubt: It was worth the wait.

Whoever might think that the German prog-rock flagship has lain abandoned in a harbor in the meantime is very much mistaken. Although the pandemic and the lockdown directly after the release of the last two albums slowed down the scheduled live events for a few years, it could not take away the visions, the enjoyment of composing, and of just making music from this dedicated crew. And so the noble cruiser set off for new shores, loaded with precious cargo.

Vanden Plas also experienced an unexpected change. After more than 30 years, keyboardist Günter Werno left the band to concentrate more on his own projects. An unusual situation for Vanden Plas, whose stability in terms of line-up is virtually unparalleled in the music business. The fact that the musicians continue to work together on various theater projects shows that the separation was mutually agreeable for both sides.

The band was briefly jolted, then began the search for a new comrade-in-arms on the keys. The requirement profile: an experienced, versatile and accomplished musician, who would not only be a successor to Günter, but also be able to give the band new impulses with his own style, mindset, and musicality. „After a short exploratory phase, we had only one name on our list, and we hoped that we would get a commitment from our ‘desired solution,’ says Stephan Lill. „We contacted Alessandro Del Vecchio, whom we knew through his bands and his activities as a producer, but also already through our collaboration in songwriting for other bands. We were 100% convinced that he would be the right person for Vanden Plas. And – after a short period of consideration – he agreed to join us … We were happy and relieved to be able to win such a terrific musician for our band.“ Drummer Andreas Lill adds, „Over 30 years together – that’s a hell of a long time … We weren’t looking for a temporary solution, but a solid, permanent, great musician.“

The request also came as a surprise to Alessandro Del Vecchio. „I honestly wasn’t expecting to be called by such a band. I was obviously aware that Günter had left, but I didn’t see this coming, even though we were working on different projects and writing songs together with Stephan, Andy, and Markus. To replace Günter is not easy as he’s always been vital to the sound of the band, but I come in with the highest respect for the history of the band and also know that I can bring different elements that are more 70’s prog-rock related, like a more extensive use of the Hammond organ. It’ll still be classic VP and it’s an amazing record!! I’m definitely in my best element when it’s prog and when it’s done with such artistry as in VP!!”

However, Vanden Plas has remained true to their style: Prog-rock, where elegy and melody are important elements, but where the metallic and epic influences are not missing. Moreover, one can still state: Vanden Plas is clearly going in the direction of „back to the roots!“

It is known that the group also likes to move off the beaten musical paths. And thus the quintet manages to surprise again and again.