Ex-pumpkins, that's ex-Helloween members to all you normal people, Roland Grapow (guitars) and Uli Kusch (drums) are back with their new band Masterplan. Jørn Lande (solo work, Ark) is the singer, Jan-S. Eckert (ex-Iron Savior) is the bassist and synths are played by Axel Mackenrott. Musicianship is high on every level, for sure!

Masterplan's metal is a mixture of modern and old. German power metal, hard rock (Mr. Lande's lyrics are excellent, very hard rock, going from David Coverdale to Warrel Dane) and heavy metal get all mixed together. While there is nothing shockingly new in Masterplan's music, it sounds very modern and still Masterplan all the way through. Up-to-date production by Andy Sneap (Testament, Machine Head etc. etc.) makes the music kick and what can I say about the production? It is perfect. Very heavy when meant to be, by the way.

The music is varying throughout the album. Beginning with well-rolling, multi-part heavy metal song 'Spirit Never Die', it has nice timings, Jørn's vocal melodies are great and its feelings are kinda touchy (at least on a chorus) but still energetic (see, many vibes in a single song!). The single cut 'Enlighten Me' continues on with rolling material, being more straight composition. Excellent song, no wonder it was chosen for the single, but that doesn't mean it's a "hit" in a bad, simple way! And pace keeps on headbanging level on 'Kind Hearted Light', with a very modern feel throughout the song. It has a bit too Manowar-esque lyrics: "We held up the metal torch and they tried to take the flame". These 3 songs are about guys' lives (being musicians). 'Crystal Night' tells about the inhuman and horrible genocide that nazi-fucks made during WWII. Sinister, darker feelings creep in this slower, but still a very powerful song.

'Soulburn' is another slowish, but also lighter song, at least feelingswise not atmospherewise. The album's best chorus here, in other words; a classic! 'Heroes' is more traditional German power metal song (happier melodies), with ex-pumpkin Michael Kiske dueting on vocals. The band's title song, too. 'Sail on' is another rolling song. While it is a good song, it still doesn't rise as high as the previous material, and the trend is same until the last song. 'Into the Light' begins acoustically, but soon explodes into electricity. Somehow this song reminds me of Ayreon. Well, it is a prog-ish composition, after all. Weirdest song of the album, not so metal. But 'Crawling from Hell' is metal enough for two songs' needs, then! Darker power metal song, not too far from heavier songs on Gamma Ray's 'Powerplant' (1999). 'Bleeding Eyes' is my least favourite song, having this Eastern flavour to it. It is slower, epic and a heavy song for sure, but Arabesque elements have never been my stuff. And no German power metal record without a ballad! 'When Love Comes Close' is made in surprisingly good taste when compared to many ugly ballads ruining many albums of their countrymen. Themes of these songs are harder to find, but I quess war and everyday life are two of 'em. Musically, latter half might not be as good as the first, but still there is no real downers.

Bonus disc is filled with computer-only material, including two videos (promovideo for 'Enlighten Me' and an a 10-minute interview with the band), a screensaver and two desktop backgrounds. Nothing too special, but the interview enlightens the history of the band nicely. The low-budget promovideo is, well, quite cheap-looking. This double-CD has been released in normal jewelcase and also with a marvellous digibook. Great artwork, in every way, a joy to watch too! But those pockets might scratch the discs, so I keep 'em separated from the book.

This must have been anxiously awaited by those who follow German power metal closely. I don't follow it closely, but I am happy to say, that Masterplan's debut is one bloody enjoyable treat of heavy/power metal in my opinion. And this is only their debut for fuck's sake!

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
02/10/2003 20:31