Review MASTERPLAN “Metalmorphis”

Masterplan was originally the brainchild of guitarist Roland Grapow and drummer Uli Kusch. What began as a side project alongside their work with Helloween soon became their main focus after the two musicians parted ways with the legendary German power metal band.

The band’s debut album arrived in 2003, launching a successful career that produced five studio albums within a decade. Novum Initium was the last full-length studio release, not counting PumpKings, which was more of a special project than a regular studio album. Now, thirteen years after their most recent collection of original material, Grapow and his bandmates return with a new chapter.

Metalmorphosis is the title of the band’s latest effort, featuring ten new tracks. With a relatively stable lineup since 2016, Masterplan delivers a collection of songs rooted in melodic power metal while incorporating plenty of hard-rocking moments.

Opening track “Chase the Light” immediately sets the tone with a dramatic introduction. Released as a single ahead of the album, the song showcases a band that has regained much of its former strength. With Rick Altzi handling vocal duties, Masterplan continues to benefit from a truly outstanding frontman. His ability to deliver memorable melodies while adding a gritty edge to his performance becomes evident from the very first moments, making it clear that Masterplan is back in business.

“Shadow Man” introduces a darker atmosphere while maintaining the album’s strong melodic foundation. “Pain of Yesterday” follows a similar path before the pulsating title track takes center stage. Keyboards play a more prominent role during the opening section, but the song soon evolves into an anthemic power metal anthem packed with energy and memorable hooks.

At more than eight minutes in length, “The Call” is by far the longest track on the album and demonstrates that Masterplan’s creative spark is alive and well. The song is a powerful headbanger driven by crushing riffs and an impressive vocal performance from Altzi, who utilizes the full range of his abilities. A calmer mid-section provides a welcome change of pace before Grapow once again steps into the spotlight with an expertly crafted guitar solo.

Metalmorphosis is an album that reveals its strengths over time. My first listen left me with a positive impression, but it did not immediately blow me away. However, with each subsequent spin, additional melodies and subtle details begin to emerge, elevating the album significantly. As a result, Metalmorphosis stands as a convincing and accomplished comeback that proves Masterplan still has plenty to offer in the world of melodic power metal.