Reviews : Albums : Masterplan, "Aeronautics"
Email the reviewerMasterplan, "Aeronautics"
This second offering from Masterplan has been out for quite awhile now and I've been listening to it for ages trying to make up my mind about it. If you're unfamiliar with the band, it consists of ex-Helloween guitarist Roland Grapow and drummer Uli Kusch along with vocalist Jorn Lande, keyboardist Axel Mackenrott and bassist Jan S. Eckert. Lande's vocals are superlative; he has a rich, mid-ranged rasp but can reach the upper registers with ease when necessary. His vocals are often compared to David Coverdale, and that's a fair likening in my book - both singers have an emotive, bluesy approach and there's no question that Jorn's phrasing has been inspired by the Deep Purple/Whitesnake crooner.
Musically this sophomore effort is more laid back than the debut. Punchy hard rock of the '70s seems to be the major point of inspiration here as opposed to the more hyperactive Euro power metal that the band dabbled with on the debut (though the influence is still present at times - as should be no surprise considering the guys on guitar and drums, but elements of atmospheric prog rock also creep in - as should be no surprise, I guess, considering that the vocalist was in Ark). Tempos are much more plodding and the overall mood is heavier and darker. Pundits should appreciate that the guys haven't tried to reiterate their first record (and I do), but after repeated listenings, I do miss the unbridled energy that was more evident on the self-titled release. That said, the CD is a good to wicked good listen and there are times when the light shines through, but the hooks aren't as big as they were on the debut. Keyboards have taken more of a supportive, orchestral role, often only taking the lead during quieter interludes and then playing support to the guitars when the Big Crunch is needed. Grapow is a fine player that layers his rhythm work nicely, and he's no slouch when it's time to rip out a lead.
Song lengths tend to clock in at the four-minute mark, but "Black in the Burn" is a ten-minute long, keyboard-laden "epic". Production and mix are great, featuring a full sound without any single element taking up too much space or giving too much ground. All of the performances are stellar, and if you're willing to invest the time and effort of repeated listenings, the record will satisfy on many levels, but those of you looking for instant karma may be disappointed. In short, this is a hard rock "grower" that may require devotion from the listener. I really like the album and think that it successfully marries the musician's past musical efforts without being a carbon copy of their previous release.
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