Masterplan

Novum Initium

(AFM Records)

The band founded by ex-Helloween guitarist Roland Grapow in 2002, now returns with a whole new line-up, three years after their last album. New in the line-up of the band are vocalist Rick Altzi (Thunderstone, Herman Frank, At Vance and others) and ex-Stratovarius, Devil’s Train bassist Jari Kainulainen. The band is rounded out with Axel Mackenrott on keyboards, and Martin Škaroupka (Cradle of Filth) on drums.

 

Starting off with the instrumental “Per Aspera Ad Astra”, then jumps into the kick ass “The Game”, the first single of the album, which gets the ball rolling with pounding drums, an anthemic sound, and gets you head banging and throwing the horns. “Keep Your Dream Alive” sounds like it could be in a horror movie with the eerie keyboards and the darker sound of the song, but the thrilling guitar solo adds a nice touch of brightness to the track. “Black Night Of Magic” is a completely fantastic power metal track that burns with energy and excitement. “Betrayal” is an impressive melodic metal song with powerful riffs and a magnificent guitar solo. You can really hear the emotions and intensity that the new lineup has re-energized the band with. Everything is played with pride and precision and shows off the band’s talent at every chance. Other songs that stood out were “No Escape”, “Earth Is Going Down”, and the epic track “Novum Initium”, which at over ten minutes long, takes you on a journey from orchestral pieces to power metal to pro rock and back again. Just close your eyes and let the band take you on an adventure that will have you drifting and floating and soaring along the stratosphere.

 

I’m sure that people will gripe about the changes in the band, but this just showed that they can shake things up and come out gunning like a new band, fresh and hungry. Give it a try, turn up the album and enjoy the excellence that the band has achieved on this brand new release. (Rick Ecker)