German progressive metal pioneers VANDEN PLAS are back with AcCult 2, the highly anticipated acoustic sequel to their 1996 landmark album AcCult. Building on the innovative concept that first reimagined tracks from their debut Colour Temple in a stripped-down, unplugged setting, this new release revisits select songs from their extensive catalog with fresh acoustic arrangements, offering fans a completely new perspective on the band’s music.
In addition to reworked originals like Far Off Grace, Holes in the Sky, The Ghost Experiment, and You Fly, AcCult 2 features inspired interpretations of classic songs from other artists, including Styx’s Boat on the River and Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters, blending reverence for the originals with VANDEN PLAS’ signature emotional depth and musical sophistication. Notably, John Helliwell of Supertramp makes a guest appearance on saxophone on the album’s closing track, You Fly, adding a unique, melodic touch to the album’s finale.
The album showcases the band’s current lineup — Andy Kuntz (vocals), Stephan Lill (guitars), Andreas Lill (drums), Thorsten Reichert (bass), and Alessandro Del Vecchio (keyboards)— whose synergy brings a nuanced warmth to each track. With AcCult 2, VANDEN PLAS demonstrates that their progressive sensibilities translate seamlessly into intimate, acoustic settings, creating a compelling experience that resonates both with longtime fans and newcomers alike.
