667. Masterplan / Novum Initium. 2013. 3.5/5

Following on from what turned out to be the rather lukewarm previous album Time To Be King, Masterplan has again parted ways with lead vocalist Jorn Lande, which may well turn out to be a blessing in disguise, given that the band probably needs to find its own identity away from that of their oft-quoted and adored former singer. This brought on a real reformatting of the band, with Martin “Marthus” Skaroupka (drums), Rick Altzi (vocals) and Jari Kainulainen (bass) coming in for this album to join original members and writers Roland Grapow (guitar) and Axel Mackenrott (keyboards).

From the very beginning of the album, it is obvious that Masterplan has regained their mojo. It is immediately obvious in both the music and the singing. Rick Altzi sounds much like Jorn Lande without being a clone or copycat, and as such his vocals fit very snugly into the Masterplan edict. Songs such as "The Game", "Black Night of Magic" and "Return from Avalon" are top shelf songs, up with the best this band has produced.

So, if I stick to my usual power metal album checklist, I think you'll find that all the boxes are ticked.

1. Fantastic drumming throughout, punctuated by some at times superb double kick that really drives the songs along (kudos " Marthus")
2. Awesome European power metal vocals, reaching the heights and stretching my own singing beyond its limits as I try to sing along. I have not heard of anything else that Rick Altzi has done in his career, but he is the absolute perfect fit for Masterplan, and his work here is incredible. Take a bow.
3. The power ballad, laden with keyboards which dominate. Yep, we've got a couple, and yes for me they just slow the momentum of the album at the wrong times. Look, for power metal ballads the ones on this album aren't so bad and they are well done so I can forgive them a little.
4. Lots of guitar driven songs. Roland Grapow's magnificent guitaring and great soloing here continues to produce the goods.

Truth be told, I am surprised by how good this album is. It's not that I expected it to be awful, but with Masterplan they are always going to have the unenviable task of being compared to their first two album, which they are unlikely to be able to match. Their next two albums were good without ever touching those heights, and with a lot of the band moving on before this albums release... well... who was to know what would come. What HAS come has been the trademark Masterplan sound, excellent songs that showcase the best that this band has to offer. The new members all produce the goods, while Roland and Axel continue to lead this band into new territory. One of the best albums so far in 2013.