Masterplan | Masterplan [Anniversary Edition]

December 24, 2023 Publisher Featured, Music Reviews 0

by John Kindred
— Publisher —

Marking the 20^th anniversary of Masterplan’s debut self-titled studio album AFM Records is re-releasing the group’s amazing Power Metal masterpiece.

Dropping the release in two limited vinyl configurations and digipack formats. The re-release offers fans three bonus tracks – “The Kid Rocks On,” “Through Thick & Thin” and the Led Zeppelin cover “Black Dog.” The digipak release offers a DVD with a live concert performance from 2003 (Live in Gothenburg) and a documentary titled “Masterplan off Stage.”

Masterplan’s self-titled debut combines elements from traditional Heavy Metal and Progressive Metal into a melting pot of diverse, simple, and complicated arrangements that are best described as “Masterplan.”

The band formed by former Helloween members Ulli Kusch (d) and Roland Grapow (g), brought on board the great vocalist Jorn Lande, whose resume includes working with the likes of Vagabond, Ark, The Snakes, Jorn, and Yngwie Malmsteen to name just a few. Filling out the rest of the band are bassist Jan S. Eckert and keyboardist Axel Mackenrott.

From the driving beats of drummer Ulli Kusch to the thick and heavy rhythms of guitarist Roland Grapow, the music is pure adrenalized metal. Keyboardist Axel Mackenrott adds a dimension to the overall sound that is the driving component of the overall melody or theme and provides atmospheric textures to the music. His playing evokes tension and eerie textures as well as pleasant melodies throughout the CD.

Guitarist Roland Grapow, musical style leans towards traditional Metal and is the driving force of the musical arrangements. Throughout his solos, elements of Neo-classical arpeggiated runs and classic straight-ahead metal riffs combine into passionate and searing solos. His rhythms are heavy, purposeful arrangements. Powerful and melodic best describes the element that Grapow brings to the band.

Jorn Lande, is one of, if not the best vocalists in this genre of heavy-rock and Metal music. Unique to Jorn is his uncanny vocal ability to transcend through several styles of Rock with, it seems, minimal effort and perform at a level, which is if not equal to, soars above his peers. He truly shines throughout the album.

Drummer Ulli Kusch is by far one of the best Metal drummers out there. The production on the album captured the sound and dynamics of his drum kit beautifully.

The music musical arrangements are perfectly crafted and performed beautifully, the variation of lyrical themes and musical arrangements keep it interesting. By far “Soul Burn” really stands out. From its haunting opening keyboard melody, progressive verses, and lyrical journey, this song has many elements wrapped into one solid and rocking track. Other standout tracks on the CD include “Spirit Never Die” and “Enlighten Me.” Both songs are equal in musical strength. Honestly, the whole album rocks and is designed to melt your face off!

Masterplan debut sets the standard for its peers within this genre of music. The musicianship is superb. Fans of Jorn and Helloween will enjoy this release as well as Heavy Metal and Progressive Metal fans.

The additional content on the Masterplan (Anniversary Edition) truly is a bonus for the die-hard fan. For the uninitiated, the re-release offers an excellent introduction to the best incarnation of Masterplan.

Line-up:
Jorn Lande (v)
Uli Kusch (d)
Roland Grapow (g)
Jan S. Eckert (b)
Axel Mackenrott (k)

Genre: Melodic Power Metal

Track Listing:
CD:
01 Spirit Never Die 05:26
02 Enlighten Me 04:38
03 Kind Hearted Light 04:25
04 Crystal Night 05:15
05 Soulburn 06:16
06 Heroes 03:31
07 Sail On 04:36
08 Into The Light 04:36
09 Crawling From Hell 04:12
10 Bleeding Eyes 05:39
11 When Love Comes Close 04:08
12 The Kid Rocks On (Bonus Track) 03:40
13 Through Thick & Thin (Bonus Track) 04:03
14 Black Dog (Bonus Track) 04:34

DVD:
01 Live in Gothenburg 2003 52:23
02 Masterplan Off Stage 47:42

Hardrock Haven rating: (9.5 / 10)