Masterplan
MK II
AFM Records
2007
Masterplan are true to their appointment with their fans and after two years since “Aeronautics” they are back with a new album, but what’s new on the band’s camp? Things weren’t so good for the band especially in 2006 because Masterplan faced the departure of two of its basic members and co-founders of the band. Jorn Lande was the first one to leave the band due to some musical differences with the rest of them. Jorn wanted the band to move to some more melodic paths, and the other members wanted to follow the more straight heavy direction that they had on the first album. That was the official reason why he left. Of course, we will never know what really happened. Now that I recall some things, I really do not remember Jorn staying in a band and recording with it more than 2 studio albums in the past. So, I wasn’t surprised when I heard the news.
On the other hand, the news that really shocked me was about Uli’s departure. Uli Kurch was a founding member of Masterplan along with Roland Grapow and they both formed the band after they left Helloween. I hadn’t truly understood why Uli left the band (but after the conversation that I had with Roland I did… read more on the interview). Anyway thx goodness Roland found two very talented musicians to complete the band’s line-up… so the new drummer of the band is the well-known Mike Terrana and the new singer is the gifted Mike DiMeo.
Now, many of you, as I did, will wonder if those changes affected the band’s creativity and, in general, the band’s excellent music. I had the same question too. I couldn’t speculate on what I was going to listen to, but to tell you the truth I was afraid. Jorn was the golden voice of Masterplan and Uli was the co-songwriter along with Roland so, now that Roland is left all alone can he win the bet? Sure he can! After all, he is a great musician and he proved that once more. Not only did he choose the right musicians for the band but he also gave fresh air to the new album. He released a superb album along with the other guys. I feel like a fool that questioned the band after Jorn and Uli’s parting.
The songs of the album are great. They were written for Jorn’s voice, no doubt about it. You can hear that in every note. The sound quality is great and this time, the production was done by Roland himself with a little help from his friend Andy Sneap. “MK II” is closer to the debut rather than to “Aueronautics”. It has a straighter heavy/power melodic direction like the debut, but it also has some “prog” elements from the band’s second album. Mike DiMeo sings like he has been with the band for years (he really gets that “Jorn” tone in voice sometimes, but with his own fantastic voice of course) and Mike Terrana was Uli’s rightful successor (although I consider Uli as one of the greatest drummers of our time). Of course, we all know that Terrana is a great drummer, no doubt about it. The EP “Lost and Gone” (which contains a non-album song the mellow “Dying Just To Live”) that was released a few days ago features two of the best Masterplan songs, the homonymous one and “Keeps Me Burning”. “MK II” will satisfy all those who loved the two first Masterplan albums and the new fans as well. Masterplan is surely one of the greatest bands of our time and I’m so happy that I have the chance to listen to such a brilliant band on its peak. After all, what have you really been waiting from Masterplan? They are one of the best and they proved it once more. I can see no reason why not get one of the best albums of 2007.
On the other hand, the news that really shocked me was about Uli’s departure. Uli Kurch was a founding member of Masterplan along with Roland Grapow and they both formed the band after they left Helloween. I hadn’t truly understood why Uli left the band (but after the conversation that I had with Roland I did… read more on the interview). Anyway thx goodness Roland found two very talented musicians to complete the band’s line-up… so the new drummer of the band is the well-known Mike Terrana and the new singer is the gifted Mike DiMeo.
Now, many of you, as I did, will wonder if those changes affected the band’s creativity and, in general, the band’s excellent music. I had the same question too. I couldn’t speculate on what I was going to listen to, but to tell you the truth I was afraid. Jorn was the golden voice of Masterplan and Uli was the co-songwriter along with Roland so, now that Roland is left all alone can he win the bet? Sure he can! After all, he is a great musician and he proved that once more. Not only did he choose the right musicians for the band but he also gave fresh air to the new album. He released a superb album along with the other guys. I feel like a fool that questioned the band after Jorn and Uli’s parting.
The songs of the album are great. They were written for Jorn’s voice, no doubt about it. You can hear that in every note. The sound quality is great and this time, the production was done by Roland himself with a little help from his friend Andy Sneap. “MK II” is closer to the debut rather than to “Aueronautics”. It has a straighter heavy/power melodic direction like the debut, but it also has some “prog” elements from the band’s second album. Mike DiMeo sings like he has been with the band for years (he really gets that “Jorn” tone in voice sometimes, but with his own fantastic voice of course) and Mike Terrana was Uli’s rightful successor (although I consider Uli as one of the greatest drummers of our time). Of course, we all know that Terrana is a great drummer, no doubt about it. The EP “Lost and Gone” (which contains a non-album song the mellow “Dying Just To Live”) that was released a few days ago features two of the best Masterplan songs, the homonymous one and “Keeps Me Burning”. “MK II” will satisfy all those who loved the two first Masterplan albums and the new fans as well. Masterplan is surely one of the greatest bands of our time and I’m so happy that I have the chance to listen to such a brilliant band on its peak. After all, what have you really been waiting from Masterplan? They are one of the best and they proved it once more. I can see no reason why not get one of the best albums of 2007.