After a wait of four years, Vanden Plas returns with their twelfth studio offering, "The Empyrean Equation of The Long Lost Things." This German progressive metal band has once again delivered a substantive record, comprised of six tracks spanning 55 minutes, demonstrating their propensity for longer, complex musical tracks and emotive storytelling.

This album is an ideal fit for the metal side of Prog Radio, as it continues to showcase Vanden Plas’s knack for blending intricate progressive metal with a touch of melodic elements, reminiscent of bands like Dream Theater. The tracks are predominantly mid-tempo, each unfolding over extended durations which is typical for the band. "The Sacrilegious Mind Machine" and "They Call Me God" are standout tracks, the former for its progressive quirks and the latter for its emotive lyrical depth. The production on the album ensures that every instrument is heard clearly, from the twining synths to the robust guitar solos, creating a cohesive sound that is both rich and engaging.