Mr. Torture>>MASTERPLAN - GERMANY

MASTERPLAN - AERONAUTICS - AFM  
After seeing Masterplan's Aeronautics album on so many play lists and metal charts the album had almost reached a mythical status even before landing on my doorstep. Formed by several notable musicians like Ark's Jorn Lande and Helloween refugees Uli Kusch and Roland Grapow it was clear the the power metal band had the credentials. The question was could it back up the hype, expectation and anticipation?
The answer is a qualified no. Masterplan is a good collective. Jorn Lande is the Glenn Hughes of the modern generation and sings like a bird here. The guitars too are fabulous when soloing and to such an extent that one wishes they would come around more often and stay longer. Alas, the rhythm guitar is too bland. The keyboards wash over the guitars so awfully that the best riff of Headbanger's Ballroom is instantly buried. Strangely, the best songs are at the end of the album. They are Falling Sparrow and Black In The Burn. These feature the album's best singing and certainly best soloing. Watch those fingers fly. Overall, Masterplan has facets of Evergrey and Helloween and some typical power metal fare. It is good, but nowhere near as good as the statements so far. - Anna Tergel

MASTERPLAN - MK II - CANDLELIGHT  
Any fair listener would admit that Masterplan’s third album has moments, which show promise or talent. Still, the newly revamped line-up of the power metal band - hence the mark II denotation - has a few problems and a few lingering issues inherent to the group.
Firstly, calling the album MK II shows a degree of arrogance with its allusion to the likes of Deep Purple. Mind you, new singer Mike DiMeo used to be in Deep Purple, but still. The man is a good singer and occasionally the bright spot of the album with his soulful and evocative singing. He is impressive and easily the most substantial part of an otherwise light band. Nevertheless, too much of a good thing can be too much and that is the case here. While on the topic of new members the introduction of former Rage drummer Mike Terrana has inevitably meant the practice of monotonous and unimaginative drumming has become a part of the group’s master plan. The same routine drumming that dragged Rage down for years is now heard on MKII. Terrana is nothing more than back filler and little more. Elsewhere, the band is still awash in keyboards. Serving to display the band’s vanity and commercializing the sound, the keyboards wash over the songs like a tidal wave of seawater over a manicured garden. Why bands think having keyboards or having them dominate is a good thing is an enigma.
On an individual song basis, the album begins with the clichéd and pretentious title Phoenix Rising, the song Masterplan continues the theme albeit with a heavier riff and a wailing guitar. Keeps Me Burning is supremely commercial, although DiMeo sure can scream. I’m Gonna Win is poppier, while Watching The World is weak and drenched in the aforementioned keyboards. Call The Gypsy (or Call The Gipsy if the computer is to be believed) begins with a sound reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s Time and is a heavy rock track.
Masterplan is universally praised and loved in almost the same manner that bands like Opeth and Therion often are. MK II should gradually see the reputation dented not necessarily because the album is any worse than its predecessors, but due to the wholesale changes which include a transition from keyboard-oriented power 'metal' to a heavy rock and melodic rock orientation and the exit of a trendy personality or two from the ranks. - Ali “The Metallian”