MASTERPLAN
Novum Initium
Release date: May 24 2013

I have to admit that, while I have a lot of respect for Roland Grapow, I've never really been a big fan of Masterplan. I generally like more direct music, with fewer effects, less keyboards, and a more classic production. Musical tastes are personal.
Nevertheless, I'm a big Helloween fan and I try to follow the career of every former member of that band. Therefore, I was curious about this new Masterplan record, and it's definitely a good surprise!

The band has managed to create a set of songs full of energy and a distinctive atmosphere!
Betrayal is an amazing tune with an exotic taste and a great chorus.
Then there's No Escape, with its grandiose guitar solo. Return From Avalon has a very nice solo too, and its chorus is also great.
Through Your Eyes is a heavy and quite slow song with a somewhat dramatic atmosphere. I particularly love the intro and the guitar solo.
Finally, there's the 10 minute title track Novum Initium, where different sounds, atmospheres and instruments create a unique and very rich song.

It's fair to say that every musician does a classy performance in Novum Initium.
German Guitar Hero Roland Grapow has proven once again that he's part of the best guitar players of his generation. His melodic work is completed by long time keyboard player Axel Mackenrott.
But the new band members add their vibes too. Marthus’ work is outstanding! He's very creative and double bass drums are just not enough for him.
He makes a good companion to Jari, whose style has always been something apart, almost like playing lead guitar on bass.
And of course, Rick Altzi has been a great addition to the band. His sense of melody and his voice are now part of Masterplan's new assets.While sometimes his voice might remind Jorn’s, he definitely has his proper style that I hope will become part of Masterlan’s sound for the years to come.