Masterplan - MK II

Liu · 05-14-2007, 05:05 PM

Masterplan - MK II
Candlelight

Masterplan's future was left uncertain for a while last year. First vocalist Jorn Lande left the band (apparently its impossible for him to be in a band for more than two albums) and then drummer Uli Kusch also made his exit. It wasn't long before the band would recruit replacements and record their third album, the appropriately titled "MK II".

Ex-Riot singer Mike DiMeo is now behind the mic and is more than capable of filling Jorn Lande's sizable shoes. DiMeo's style is very reminiscent of Lande's, putting forth melody and emotion with relative ease. While the vocal situation was rectified superbly, the same can't be said for the drum kit. Mike Terrana has a very straight-forward style, in stark contrast to the very varied assortment of techniques used by Uli Kusch. Uli was good at adapting his drumwork to whatever a song needed, whether it was a straight up rocker, tricked out prog or a bombastic epic number. Despite this, it isn't a huge issue when considering the overall direction of MK II.

Instead of the cornucopia of styles found on Aeronautics, Masterplan have concentrated on a more simplified sound this time around. It's similiar to the self-titled debut, though the songs don't have the same hard-hitting impact. MK II has a feel more in common with Grapow's Helloween roots than the first two Masterplan releases, opting for a general power metal sound. This provides a bit of a problem as now the band is toying with the cliché that they had previously managed to evade. This isn't by any means supposed to indicate an absolute negative, power metal fans will no doubt salivate over these songs. Warrior's Cry is an excellent energetic opening track while Lost And Gone is a short catchy song (not surprisingly the album's first single). Take Me Over and Masterplan are the real album highlights, making up for the fluff thats sandwiched between them. However, for those of us who marveled at the diversity of Aeronautics, it is a bittersweet realization that the band has taken a step backwards.

01. Phoenix Rising
02. Warrior's Cry
03. Lost And Gone
04. Keeps Me Burning
05. Take Me Over
06. I'm Gonna Win
07. Watching The World
08. Call The Gypsy
09. Trust In You
10. Masterplan
11. Enemy
12. Heart Of Darkness

Score: 6/10

05-14-2007, 05:05 PM	#1
Liu Global Galaxy Tyrant Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 196	Masterplan - MK II Masterplan - MK II Candlelight Masterplan's future was left uncertain for a while last year. First vocalist Jorn Lande left the band (apparently its impossible for him to be in a band for more than two albums) and then drummer Uli Kusch also made his exit. It wasn't long before the band would recruit replacements and record their third album, the appropriately titled "MK II". Ex-Riot singer Mike DiMeo is now behind the mic and is more than capable of filling Jorn Lande's sizable shoes. DiMeo's style is very reminiscent of Lande's, putting forth melody and emotion with relative ease. While the vocal situation was rectified superbly, the same can't be said for the drum kit. Mike Terrana has a very straight-forward style, in stark contrast to the very varied assortment of techniques used by Uli Kusch. Uli was good at adapting his drumwork to whatever a song needed, whether it was a straight up rocker, tricked out prog or a bombastic epic number. Despite this, it isn't a huge issue when considering the overall direction of MK II. Instead of the cornucopia of styles found on Aeronautics, Masterplan have concentrated on a more simplified sound this time around. It's similiar to the self-titled debut, though the songs don't have the same hard-hitting impact. MK II has a feel more in common with Grapow's Helloween roots than the first two Masterplan releases, opting for a general power metal sound. This provides a bit of a problem as now the band is toying with the cliché that they had previously managed to evade. This isn't by any means supposed to indicate an absolute negative, power metal fans will no doubt salivate over these songs. Warrior's Cry is an excellent energetic opening track while Lost And Gone is a short catchy song (not surprisingly the album's first single). Take Me Over and Masterplan are the real album highlights, making up for the fluff thats sandwiched between them. However, for those of us who marveled at the diversity of Aeronautics, it is a bittersweet realization that the band has taken a step backwards. 01. Phoenix Rising 02. Warrior's Cry 03. Lost And Gone 04. Keeps Me Burning 05. Take Me Over 06. I'm Gonna Win 07. Watching The World 08. Call The Gypsy 09. Trust In You 10. Masterplan 11. Enemy 12. Heart Of Darkness Score: 6/10 __________________ Lapland Metal