Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Masterplan - Novum Initium (2013)

It's always been this band's plan, their masterplan (haha), to create memorable power metal for the new millennium. Roland Grapow has had that plan ever since he formed the band following his ejection from Helloween alongside his bandmate, former drummer Uli Kusch. Several lineup changes later, the only longtime members left still standing are Roland and keyboardist Axel Mackenrott. But with a new lineup, comes the English translation for this album title, a "new beginning"...

Novum Initium introduces members Jari Kainulainen (bass), Martin Skaroupka (drums), and Rick Altzi (vocals), best known for their work with Stratovarius, Cradle of Filth, and At Vance, respectively. In this attempt at representing the band with a different lineup, there are still great strengths while having slight weakness. One upside is, some of the more rock-ish parts are discarded to make way for more of that pure power metal sound, also reducing some progressiveness. The only thing closer to the rock side is the vocals by Rick Altzi, who seems to be more flexible with the sound than Jorn Lande. Still the speed is set aside a couple times for the more melodic and slower tracks.

"Per Aspera Ad Astra" (Through the Rough Road to the Stars) is a brief yet epic intro to get you pumped. It segues to the technical speed of "The Game". A great heavy start! However, I can't stand the sh*tty keys in "Keep Your Dream Alive" which has one of the worst power metal choruses I've heard. Wow, the first ever Masterplan stinker... Luckily, it's made up for "Black Night of Magic", in which the keys sound more magical as the guitar heaviness gets you hooked, similar to Stratovarius at that time.

Next up, "Betrayal" hits hard. Same thing with "No Escape" with its pounding riffs and Altzi's vocal power. There's not much feeling in "Pray on my Soul", though it's still good. Punching through with some keys and their earlier more rock-ish side is "Earth is Going Down" without ever quieting down.

"Return from Avalon" has some new aspects for the band that really feels like a ride to victory without ever going cheesy. They really dominate in that one! Up next, "Through Your Eyes" is the closest thing we have to an 80s-style power ballad. Then at last, we get to the closing title epic, their longest track at over 10 minutes. It's an awesome journey that you just gotta hear to believe!

Once again, I'm not up checking out the limited edition bonus tracks that are more mediocre than the rest. Otherwise, the rating would be as low as what some fans think of the album. Although they were indeed kinda playing things safe, the guitars and keys still rule in most of the tracks (the only exception being that one sh*tter). Basically, the band is just taking a lot of aspects from their earlier albums in a more modest mix. There are more anthemic tracks similar to the debut and much less of their acoustic ballads. Don't expect too much groundbreaking, though I don't see any reason to complain, other than that one d*mn track....

Favorites: "The Game", "Black Night of Magic", "No Escape", "Return from Avalon", "Novum Initium"