Talk about some well-needed rejuvenation! The 2005 album "Aeronautics" from German power metallers MASTERPLAN was clearly an attempt on the part of mainman Roland Grapow to separate himself from his former band HELLOWEEN. Unfortunately, his mature AOR spin on the classic HELLOWEEN style sounded a bit bland, easily overshadowed by the flashier bands of the genre. Two years later, these guys have a new lineup, an appropriately titled new album in "Mk II" (as in "Mark II", just like DEEP PURPLE), and while this new album isn't a monumental change, it is enough of an improvement worthy of attention from a (slightly) younger audience.

The biggest change is the addition of new vocalist Mike DiMeo (ex-RIOT), a far more charismatic and contemporary vocalist than Jørn Lande. His more powerful upper register and vocal harmonies on songs like "Warrior's Cry" and "Take Me Over" are far superior to any vocals on any other MASTERPLAN album up to this point. And surprisingly, if "Aeronautics" was an attempt by Grapow to go beyond HELLOWEEN, several tracks on "Mk II", particularly "Warrior's Cry", are attempts to reclaim some of the jovial energy of his former band. At the same time, the more melodic "rock" tracks like "I'm Gonna Win" and "Lost and Gone" sound like they come from a younger, more imaginative band this time around, and DiMeo's vocals certainly help them accomplish this. These tracks in particular are reminiscent of a less showy version of classic STRATOVARIUS ("Call the Gypsy", for instance, brings to mind "The Kiss of Judas"), and as long as power metal fans aren't turned off by the heavy keyboard, they should feel right at home.

One thing in particular I like about "Mk II" is how they switch up tunings from song to song from E flat to D - it helps keep the album sounding fresh. It would be nice if more bands did that, but it must be a pain in the ass to keep switching guitars on stage! Well, the added effort has paid off thus far, guys, so you can't let up now!

-Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: www.master-plan.net

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