 Features
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Tracklist
Crimson Rider
Back For My Life
Wounds
I'm Not Afraid
Headbanger's Ballroom
After This War
Into The Arena
Dark From The Dying
Falling Sparrow
Black In The Burn
Masterplan, the band featuring former Helloween veterans Roland Grapow and Uli Kusch, have unleashed their second full-length, 'Aeronautics,' upon the world. The German quintet has put forth a fast and melodic power metal release that contains a slight tinge of hard rock influence. Although a relatively new band, every member has at least a decade or so worth of experience in various other musical acts. Longevity has apparently come to the aid of these guys, as their experience has manifested itself into the form of one solid album.
The versatile voice of Jørn Lande has quite a powerful effect when combined with Roland Grapow's melodious guitar riffs. On several songs, such as 'Crimson Rider' and 'I'm Not Afraid,' the two combine to create smooth, sweeping sections where Lande shows a lot of variation with his range and Grapow isn't afraid to venture away from the typical power chord structure. The fact that he's averaging one blazing solo per song does nothing but accentuate every single one of Masterplan's compositions. Harmonious keyboards courtesy of Axel Mackenrott add both atmosphere and depth. However, they can also be quite aggressive, especially when they lead the tempo, such as during 'Falling Sparrow.'
The one possible weak point of 'Aeronautics' lies in the lyrics. Although most songs seem to be fairly emotional and heartfelt, some of the lyrics are just a bit too cheesy. Fortunately, the cheese factor never reaches the point of taking anything away from a song. Overall, Masterplan have settled nicely into a niche in the power metal world. Anyone who's a fan of the likes of Edguy, Freedom Call, or Symphony X will find something they like here.
Review by: Andrew
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