Masterplan make their grand return with Time To Be King this year. Jorn Lande, who has been busy providing vocals for likes of Ayreon, Avantasia and others, brings his trademark vocals to the front of the powerful lineup that is Masterplan. Former Helloween member Roland Grapow (guitars) leads the power metal onslaught with Jan S. Eckert (bass), Axel Mackenrott (keyboards) and Mike Terrana (drums).
Time To Be King is an exceptional recording filled with powerful metal licks and melodic lines. There is no space for filler throughout this album, every nook and cranny is filled with fat and chunky power chords and a pounding and thumping bottom end that is unrelenting accompanied by Lande’s trademark vocals. Lande is a very distinct vocalist with just enough gruffness in his delivery to make things believable. This type of music can be over the top and even pompous, showcasing some shredder with nothing more to offer. In this case this music has some substance and excellent musicianship defined by understandable vocals and catchy hooks that pull you in without letting go. In fact I have to say, the more I listen to it the more I like it.
The album kicks off with a typically high energy rapid fire track titled “Fiddle of Time”, which is good way to open the door to much more of the same tempo throughout. The catchiest and most memorable tracks are far and away “Lonely Winds Of War” and “Far From The End of The World”. Lande’s voice is in fine form and the music that backs it ebbs and flows along with his expressive style. It’s all emotion and as prolific as this type of music can get without being over the top or corny. It sounds like a great combination of metal and keyboard parts that hint at the possibility of symphonic rock but it never develops into that, it’s all pure power metal and it ends all too soon. Both tracks seem like they should go for another five minutes. The title track is a real burner as well. “Time To Be King” has that great high speed drum roll going on to kick start the proceedings then it slows down for a few guitar licks then starts all over again.
I have to tip my hat to Roland Grapow, he really rocks the house on this recording and is the mainstay throughout that gives the album the heart and soul it needs to convince you to listen again. It is a fine group effort however; I cannot give all the credit to the six-string slinger. This is an excellent lineup that meshes very well.
Some would call this silly chest puffing melodic riffing that follows a pattern however if you listen to each track, even though some of it is repetitive they do nice job with some variable instrumental breaks to give each track its own identity with plenty of musical variety. Don’t pass judgment after hearing a few tracks, give it a fair shot and I promise you love this if there is a metal bone in your body. By the time this is over and they have taken you through the paces you are glad you have listened.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
July 22, 2010
Key Tracks: Time To Be King, Far From The End Of The World, Lonely Winds Of War
