Masterplan - PumpKings (2017)^{Release ID: 7683}

Re-recording albums can cause some mixed reactions from a band/artist's fanbase. Some enjoy the idea of earlier songs getting a more modern production, while others prefer just hearing new songs. Sadly, we live in a world where people can easily judge something before giving it a try. One other suspicious thing was the timing; at the same time as this release was announced, his former band Helloween embarked on the Pumpkins United tour that saw the return of Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske, but not Roland Grapow. Turns out it was a big coincidence, since Roland began working on the project a couple years before that tour.

Not gonna lie, the name of this album PumpKings almost made me laugh. I guess that's another reason for fans' suspicions. All I'm gonna say is, this album is a great way to revisit some Helloween classics, with Rick Altzi's vocals guiding you through alongside the other members. The songs are mostly from Pink Bubbles Go Ape, Chameleon, and Master of the Rings, plus a few other songs Roland has written in his remaining albums with the band.

I can already hear what would influence Masterplan's earlier material in the speedy "The Chance". That track and "Someone's Crying" kick things off greatly. Another gem "Mankind" has been given a heavier treatment, especially considering it's from one of Helloween's albums with the least power metal.

One of the two songs from the least metal Helloween album Chameleon, "Step Out of Hell" is also made heavier while still sounding rock-ish. "Mr. Ego" isn't as quick as much as it's quirky. But then we get into high-gear with another one of my favorite tracks here, "Still We Go". A more crushing track is this one from The Dark Ride, "Escalation 666", filled with the mid-paced heaviness that would shape up some of Masterplan's more well-known material.

Rick Altzi really channels his inner Andi Deris in the powerful "The Time of the Oath". Then "Music" comes on. Originally another metal-reduced track from Chameleon, it was given quite a heavy enchantment and turned into a magical highlight. The vocals here are quite amazing, though I admit that it's almost like if it was covered by a tribute band. "The Dark Ride" is the 9-minute epic in which Altzi really striking through with his vocals, despite not having the same power as Deris or Kiske. The closing track, "Take Me Home" takes away some seriousness, but it's fun hearing Roland pull off some guitarwork from his ex-Helloween bandmate Michael Weikath.

All in all, I find PumpKings a great album yet not the best part of Masterplan's discography. Some songs could've had more magic or could've been replaced with Helloween's earlier classics, similarly to Rhapsody of Fire's Legendary Years. Still it's meant to represent Grapow's era. We should also be grateful for Masterplan's existence that would continue the darker heavier sound he wanted to make since The Dark Ride. PumpKings is for fans of Helloween and/or Masterplan, better if it suits what you really like....

Favorites (one song per original album): "Mankind", "Still We Go", "The Time of the Oath", "Music", "The Dark Ride"