After 2005's
Aeronautics
,
Masterplan
experienced some major lineup changes. Singer
Jorn Lande
and drummer
Uli Kusch
(of
Helloween
and
Gamma Ray
fame) both left the band -- and on 2007's
MK II
, the newcomers include
Mike DiMeo
(formerly of
Riot
) on lead vocals and
Mike Terrana
(who has played with
Yngwie Malmsteen
) on drums. But keyboardist
Axel Mackenrott
and guitarist
Roland Grapow
) are still on board; in fact,
Grapow
is the band's leader and produced
-- which, despite the personnel changes, is not a stylistic departure from
. Despite having a new lead singer and a new drummer,
still sounds like
-- and that means continuing to provide aggressive but melodic and intricate
power metal
with a strong
progressive rock
influence. Before
's sound was best described as
Iron Maiden
Judas Priest
Ronnie James Dio
with an awareness of
Rush
Journey
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
; that description is equally appropriate on
. Like
is proudly, stubbornly caught in a stylistic timewarp; this album is totally oblivious to post-'80s developments in
metal
, and
maintains his loyalty to the
prog rock
of the '70s and '80s. Of course, there is no law stating that all bands have to be innovative; the reality is that the vast majority of artists in
or any other area of music are going to be followers rather than leaders, which is fine as long as their material is solid.
is definitely solid -- every bit as solid as
. Those who are concerned about
unveiling a new lineup need not worry;
sees to it that his band continues to offer worthwhile, if derivative,
on
. ~ Alex Henderson