Friday, February 23, 2007

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.

☆☆☆☆

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