Aeronautics (Aeronautics - Masterplan)

Member Name: Frankingsteins

Product:	Aeronautics - Masterplan
Date:	31/12/08 (58 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well-executed, and not over-the-top.

Disadvantages: Bland and samey.

Masterplan is a reasonably popular power metal band that I had previously avoided due to a personal aversion to singer Jørn Lande, based only on his work in the disappointing Allen-Lande side project. This wasn't entirely fair though, as although his style is certainly more commercial and soft than most power metal vocalists, there was no reason to expect that his own band would necessarily follow the same insufferably melodic route. And it hardly does at all. Well, maybe a little bit.

Masterplan is the sort of power metal that could easily appeal to the masses, as long as they're stuck in the mid-1980s. It's polished, well-produced and very well performed, and I was pleased to hear that it wasn't all about the choruses, guitarist Roland Grapow sharing the spotlight equally with his solos. There are extended instrumental sections in songs such as 'I'm Not Afraid,' but an attempt to reach more epic heights by adding piano and extending the song length in ten-minute finale 'Black in the Burn' doesn't really convince.

The band has a knack for slow, soft songs that don't entirely lose the power metal kick, but those looking for something with more energy and intensity should continue their quest; there are plenty of bands out there to satisfy your needs.

Summary: Masterplan's second album (2005).