My expectations were exceptionally high with Masterplan's sophomore album 'Aeronautics'. The self-titled debut from 2003 was very strong show from these well-known musicians. I believe the debut did not go unnoticed by a single fan of German power/heavy metal.

Masterplan have widened their spectrum from the both ends, when thinking about their debut album. The first thing that really struck me was more straight songwriting. 'Headbanger's Ballroom' is a rocker, there's no doubt about it; Zakk Wylde style guitar squealing, synth switched to Hammond-sound and typical verse-bridge-chorus song structure. 'Dark from the Dying' is the second song offering no thrills writingwise. 'Wounds' is quite German power metal, but Jørn Lande's vocal lines make it truly Masterplan. Hopefully Masterplan won't get too straight in the future.

However, the opener 'Crimson Rider' alone offers more things that most of average heavy metal album anyday! Masterplan's 'Aces High' is powerful, adventurous (with keyboardist Axel Mackenrott playing adventure music, hehe) and joyous. 'Back for My Life' is a dark song about alcoholism fucking up one's life, and maybe too personal for us booze "sipping" Finns. 'I'm not Afraid' is another darker one, balancing between epic and calm and has a feeling of movie score. 'After This War' was originally heard on Iron Savior's 'Dark Assault (2000), composed by ex-IS man Jan S. Eckert with IS-boss Piet Sielck, and has been very much re-arranged by Masterplan. It sounds more "real life" now, a beautiful slow piece. 'Into the Arena' is one of more progressive songs with its wicked tempo variations from Uli Kusch, that really pump life into the album. 'Falling Sparrow' is another melancholic song, but still kicking like a raging bull. Well, maybe not very angry bull... Closer 'Black in the Burn' is a masterfully planned epic with lots of different things in it. With their unique style, Masterplan are more progressive than many prog metal acts today. Notable is, that every chorus is at least good, but usually something great. Note: reviewed version includes 'Treasure World' as bonus and is considered in score. The song is my favourite together with 'Crimson Rider', so it's weird it doesn't belong to the album, actually!!! Anyways, it raises my score for 'Aeronautics' a bit.

Andy Sneap and Masterplan collaboration in the studio is joy to listen to. Infact, 'Aeronautics' is one of the best sounding albums I have ever heard (I know this is often used line, but...). The sound is as clean as possible, with human touches left intact. Everything sounds great, whether it's heavy part or calmer moment. The sound's vibrations simply catch listener. Whatever instrument is playing a lead role at time has been moved forward in the mix and this makes the whole even more fluent. Very high musicianship is can be taken for granted and there's a lot of individuality in musicians' styles. Masterplan are a band, there is no possibility for personal show. Mr. Lande's voice sounds even better than on the debut; he's capable of more once again. He sticks to a tad tamer singing on this album, I think, at least it feels that way. His voice reminds me of Whitesnake's David Coverdale obviously, but Jørn is simply so much better. Guitarist Roland Grapow has widened his style from as-fast-as-possible fretboard runnings of his past. Lyrics are varying, in style and in quality. Many lyrics can be interpreted different ways, but there's some very blunt lyrics (eg. 'Headbanger's...' stoopid goth love stuff and obvious alcohol-related antics on 'Back for...').

I think I excessed my expectations a bit. 'Aeronautics' is strong album without a doubt. The debut's first 5 songs are extremely high in quality, and after that the debut gets worse, although never even average. 'Aeronautics' is more balanced album; its extreme highlights aren't as numerous, but generally it is more solid. If you love melodic metal but haven't checked out Masterplan, now it's time to do so.

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/04/2005 20:39