MKII

Candlelight

Former Helloween axeman Roland Grapow has returned with the third installment of his Melodic Metal passion known as Masterplan. The new CD titled MKII finds the band with a new line up that includes former Rage members Mike DiMeo on vocals and Mike Terrana on drums. While long time fans will no doubt be quick to dismiss the current incarnation of the band as legit, let me be the first to say that while I loved the former line up very much this new endeavor boasts a decisively profound outlook for the future and is sure to become one of the bands pinnacles of success if just given the attention it deserves.

If you’re looking for this to be a relatively close match to what came before you may have the wrong idea as this is now and that was then. Don’t get me wrong there are similarities but the best way to hear this album is to out away any preconceived notions. What is represented here on MKII is nothing short of a solid no holds barred slam dunk of an album that showcases the bands penchant to deliver driving riffs, lush melody lines and powerfully executed song arrangements.

Stand out cuts include the first single “Lost and Gone” which wields a seriously ferocious and headbanging worthy riff, “Take Me Over”, another heavy rocker that begins with a light acoustic intro. And what is possibly my favorite song on the album, the medieval sounding “I’m Gonna Win” which incorporates soaring, anthemic like overtures that are rich and full bodied with just the right amount of emotional texturing. For fans of the Melodic Metal genre MKII will make an easy addition to your library.

-Priest