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What’s the 4-1-1?
After being ousted from Helloween at the conclusion of The Dark Ride Tour
in 2001, guitarist Roland Grapow and drummer Uli Kusch didn't wait very
long before getting back in the game. They formed a virtual power-metal
supergroup with former Ark vocalist Jorn Lande and ex-Iron Savior bassist
Jan S. Eckert (let's not forget keyboardist Axel Mackenrott). That group
is Masterplan. Formed in 2002 the German metallers got their work out there
with a five track EP titled, Enlighten Me. Just a year later, Masterplan
were signed to AFM Records (home to Annihilator, Circle to Circle, and
U.D.O.) and expanded on their EP with their 2003 self-titled release. This
disc has been out since the beginning of the year, but I just got my hands
on it, and it's worth a review.
Genre
Power metal / hard rock
The Good
That familiar double kick drum beat starts off "Spirit Never Die".
It's loaded with plenty of tempo changes, melodic vocals, and rapid fire
guitar solos. The chorus is emotionally powerful both musically and lyrically.
The track could easily be the theme for your favorite action hero. The albums
first single, "Enlighten Me" is led by a driving guitar riff accented
with keyboards. Once again, Lande executes the hook full of emotion and melody.
On "Crystal Night" our vocalist does his best Ronnie James Dio
impersonation, backed by Grapow's fluid guitar work. It's evident throughout
the album that Grapow's been dying to display his ax skills after playing
bass for so long. He certainly delivers with some great solos on "Sail
On" and "Crawling from Hell". "Soulburn", clocking
in at over six minutes, is led by Mackenrott's eerie keyboard work. It's
also one of the more down tempo songs. In true power-metal fashion, the song
picks up the pace toward the end. There may have been some left over material
from Grapow and Kusch's Helloween days. The keys that start off "Kind
Hearted Light" are reminiscent to some of The Dark Ride material, so
is the dark chugga-chugga riffs. Gee, I wonder who influenced that album? "Heroes" is
also produced in the same vain. Is it me or do most power-metal bands have
a song about heroes?
The Bad
Nothing
The Verdict
Power-metal pretty much has a set formula; it's in the delivery that sets
acts apart. Masterplan certainly stand out as they load their debut with
powerful riffs and hooks, and plenty of intriguing guitar solos. Their
lyrics are well written, and Lande's vocals are melodic, emotional, and
commanding.
Did you know?
Former Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske makes an appearance on “Heroes”.
Might I add he has a track called “Heroes” on his new SupaRed
CD, only solidifying my theory.
Rating:  out
of 5
Related Reviews:
Millenium - The Best Of...And More
--George Dionne
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MASTERPLAN
