MK II / Masterplan (2007)

1. Phoenix Rising

2. Warrior's Cry

3. Lost And Gone

4. Keeps Me Burning

5. Take Me Over

6. I'm Gonna Win

7. Watching the World

8. Call the Gypsy

9. Trust In You

10. Masterplan

11. Enemy

12. Heart of Darkness

The second album was the true first album that Masterplan established themselves as a band. However, the gypsy singer, Jorn Lande, left the band. Uli, who was one of the central figures, left the band as well. It was a  big loss for the band, especially Jorn, who was making this band unique among other power metal bands. Make DiMeo (ex-Riot) and Mike Terrana (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) joined the band. 

Musically, they did not change at all in this album. They kept the same music direction that they were heading in the first two albums. Jorn was a big loss, but DiMeo's voice really matches with the band even though his voice was not as deep as Jorn. Uli was not just a drummer but also a great composer, but I did not find any problem as far as songwriting. The album has catchy metal tunes such as tracks 2, 4, 7, and 11. However, I think their unique identity lies in non-typical power metal songs such as tracks 3, 6, 9, and 12. These songs are not fast but very dramatic and has good melody lines. One thing really bothered me about Uli's play was that he sometimes played "too much". He is definitely a skillful drummer but not very groovy. Terrana is doing good job making groove with the band.

Those two members' departure was definitely a big loss for the band. Nevertheless, they prevented the loss in minimum. They pushed their style and music forward and made another good record.

☆☆☆☆

The Roaring Of Dreams / Pride Of Lions (2007)

1. Heaven On Earth

2. Book Of Life

3. Love's Eternal Flam

4. Langage Of The Heart

5. Let Me Let You Go

6. Faithful Heart

7. Defying Gravity

8. The Roaring Of Dreams

9. Secret Of The Way

10. Astonish You

11. Tall Ships

12. Turnaround

13. I Am My Father (Bonus Track)

Pride of Lions is one of the few bands that I don't have to worry before I listened to new materials because I can rely on them that they always deliver high quality songs. Since they recently released a new album, I thought I should write a review of this album before I listened to the new one.

Jim Peterik, who is known as a former member of Survivor, and Toby Hitchcock formed Pride of Lions in 2003. Their debut album Pride of Lions was one of the best album I listened in that year. His vision to create 80's melodic rock music with modern sound became reality. His song writing skill never declined, and their second album bears comparison with the first record.

However in this album, they reached higher level with creating music. From the first song, they attack you with great riffs, melodies, and thrilling phrases. Toby's vocal became more mellower and stronger. The contrast of Jim's voice and Toby's is better than ever. The album contains full of great rock songs as well as beautiful ballads. Every These people are not just being nostalgic of 80's music. They are moving forward by creating 80's influenced music which is very new and unique in today's music scene. I strongly hope that they will tour Japan. I grantee that I would be there when the day comes.

☆☆☆☆☆