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MASTERPLAN – MASTERPLAN
2003 AFM Records
My favorite Metal label these days is definitely AFM. This German label has been putting out some quality releases lately, and is making some waves after signing such notable acts as Annihilator, Circle II Circle (Zak Stevens' new band) and has other bands starting to get bigger like At Vance and the mighty Edguy. The signing of the band Masterplan was a major addition for the label.

I actually put off buying this CD because after I heard the first MP3, "Enlighten Me," I thought the band was going the Progressive Metal route. The song had a definite Prog-Metal feel to it. But after a friend lent me the album, I knew I had made a mistake! Taken out of context of the album, "Enlighten Me" may not seem like that great of a song. But after giving this disc several spins, I see how the sum is much greater than the parts. In my opinion, "Enlighten Me" is not the best song to release as a single. In fact, I think it's one of the weaker tracks on the album, so if you've heard it and weren't impressed like I was, then I urge you to pick up this disc anyway! There are many great songs on this album.

If you haven't heard, Masterplan is basically a supergroup consisting of ex-Helloween members Uli Kusch (drums) and Roland Grapow (guitars). They have ex-Iron Savior bassist Jan S. Eckert and former Ark and Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist Jorne Lande! This guy has a great voice. Impressive. Also joining the band is keyboardist Axel Mactenrott. I wasn't sure what this band would accomplish. Would they sound like Helloween? Yngwie? No and no. In fact Masterplan sound very fresh, definitely inspired by today's Power Metal scene, but also with a nod to classic Metal. Not too commercial, yet accessible and mature. Most of the choruses are quite memorable and the songs are hook-filled. These guys know how to write a catchy, yet powerful song. I can see this band appealing to everyone from Helloween, Stratovarius and Edguy fans all the way down to old school fans of bands like Rainbow. There are many great songs on the album, like "Spirit Never Die," "Kind Hearted Light," "Crystal Night" and "Crawling From Hell" just to name a few. Ex-Helloween singer Michael Kiske even makes a guest appearance on the excellent "Heroes." I thought that was pretty interesting. If you like mature Power Metal with a few surprises, you'll love Masterplan. I think that Roland and Uli made the right decision to leave Helloween. This band is what the Power Metal scene needs.

Note: I have the new Helloween EP, and those guys haven't lost a step at all. In fact, the new album may be their best in a long time. More on that when it comes out!

Thomas Ewerhard did a great job on the cover and layout. This is one of the best packages around. As usual, AFM gives you your money's worth. The CD comes with a bonus disc with a video for "Enlighten Me," interviews and a screen saver! You can even get this album in a very nice digi-book format. Highly recommended!

DISCOGRAPHY:

MASTERPLAN (2003) AFM Records
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