by Justin Gaines
– Sr. Columnist —
Long running German Power Metal band Brainstorm kicked off the New Year with a new studio album, their eleventh overall, titled Scary Creatures. Brainstorm has been steadily delivering hard-hitting Power Metal albums for the better part of two decades now, and Scary Creatures definitely continues that trend.
If you’re already a fan of the band, you know there’s a signature Brainstorm sound. Their albums don’t tend to vary too much from that formula. And make no mistake, it’s a formula that works. So many Power Metal bands are melodic to the point of being sing-songy, or fantasy-inspired to a fault. Brainstorm keeps their Power Metal nice and heavy, and avoids a lot of the genre’s lyrical clichés.
Brainstorm isn’t breaking any new ground with Scary Creatures. It’s more or less the same album as Firesoul or On the Spur of the Moment. But those were really good albums, and so is this one. “We Are…” is a fantastic metal anthem, with its catchy hooks and children’s choir, the title track is such a satisfyingly heavy song, and tracks like “Where Angels Dream” and “Scars In Your Eyes” have an almost Armored Saint vibe. “Caressed By the Blackness” and “Take Me to the Never” are vintage Brainstorm though.
As long as you’re not looking for something innovative or genre-defying here, there’s plenty to love about Scary Creatures. It’s as solid and enjoyable as the last few Brainstorm releases, and ought to satisfy the band’s long-time fans. It’s also an album that fans of heavier Power Metal bands like Mystic Prophecy and Iron Savior should enjoy.
Edition Notes: The limited edition CD version of Scary Creatures comes in a digipack and features the bonus studio track “Lift Your Eyes to See” as well as a bonus live DVD. It’s a nice upgrade over the standard version, and one where you do feel you’re getting your money’s worth.
Genre: Power Metal
Lineup:
Andy Franck (v)
Torsten Ihlenfeld (g)
Milan Loncaric (g)
Antonio Ieva (b)
Dieter Bernert (d)
Track Listing
1. The World To See
2. How Much Can You Take
3. We Are…
4. Where Angels Dream
5. Scary Creatures
6. Twisted Ways
7. Caressed By the Blackness
8. Scars In Your Eyes
9. Take Me to the Never
10. Sky Among the Clouds
11. Lift Your Eyes to See
Label: AFM Records
Website: www.brainstorm-web.net
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8/10
