German Progressive Metal pioneers Vanden Plas are back with the new single “Far Off Grace,” taken from “AcCult II,” a new acoustic album set for release on June 12, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Andy Kuntz commented: “The single “Far Off Grace” exemplifies the unpretentious, pure, and at the same time artistic, multifaceted acoustic expression of all the songs on ‘AcCult II.’ They say you can recognize a good song when it works even in a stripped-down version. Compared to the studio version first released in 1999, however, this interpretation opens up on top many new avenues of understanding”.
“It allows the song’s once bombastic beauty to blossom in the virtuosic interplay between Stephan Lill’s exquisite guitar work, Alessandro Del Vecchio’s shimmering grand piano, and Kuntz’s vocals, ranging from sensitive to ecstatic – only to then be driven, by the unbridled power of an exceptional band with Andreas Lill on drums and Torsten Reichert on bass, to a hypnotically intensifying, furiously breathtaking finale”, he added. “This is far more than an acoustic version of a song; it is the ultimate reinvention of a classic in its own light.”
Watch the official video for “Far Off Grace” via the YouTube player below:
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 Xperiment,” and “You Fly,” “AcCult II” features inspired interpretations of classic songs by 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 II,” 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.
Pre-Order “AcCult II” here: https://ffm.bio/accultii
Tracklist:
01. Far Off Grace
02. Holes In The Sky
03. The Ghost Experiment
04. Boat On The River
05. Healing Tree
06. Postcard To God
07. Nothing Else Matters
08. You Fly (Ft. John Helliwell)
Lineup:
Andy Kuntz / Vocals
Stephan Lill / Guitars
Andreas Lill / Drums
Torsten Reichert / Bass
Alessandro Del Vecchio / Keyboards
Read our Exclusive Interview with the band from 2024 here: [Interview] Exclusive interview with Vanden Plas