After 2005's
Aeronautics,
Masterplan experienced some major lineup changes. Singer
Jorn Lande and drummer
Uli Kusch (of
Helloween and
Gamma Ray fame) both left the band -- and on 2007's
MK II, the newcomers include
Mike DiMeo (formerly of
Riot) on lead vocals and
Mike Terrana (who has played with
Yngwie Malmsteen) on drums. But keyboardist
Axel Mackenrott and guitarist
Roland Grapow (formerly of
Helloween) are still on board; in fact,
Grapow is the band's leader and produced
MK II -- which, despite the personnel changes, is not a stylistic departure from
Aeronautics. Despite having a new lead singer and a new drummer,
Masterplan still sounds like
Masterplan -- and that means continuing to provide aggressive but melodic and intricate
power metal with a strong
progressive rock influence. Before
MK II,
Masterplan's sound was best described as
Iron Maiden,
Judas Priest and
Ronnie James Dio with an awareness of
Rush,
Journey and
Emerson, Lake & Palmer; that description is equally appropriate on
MK II. Like
Aeronautics,
MK II is proudly, stubbornly caught in a stylistic timewarp; this album is totally oblivious to post-'80s developments in
metal, and
Grapow maintains his loyalty to the
power metal and
prog rock of the '70s and '80s. Of course, there is no law stating that all bands have to be innovative; the reality is that the vast majority of artists in
metal or any other area of music are going to be followers rather than leaders, which is fine as long as their material is solid.
MK II is definitely solid -- every bit as solid as
Aeronautics. Those who are concerned about
Masterplan unveiling a new lineup need not worry;
Grapow sees to it that his band continues to offer worthwhile, if derivative,
power metal on
MK II. ~ Alex Henderson
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