MASTERPLAN – Novum Initium [Limited Edition digipak] (2013)

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Formed in 2002 by Roland Grapow (guitar) and Uli Kusch (drums) after their departure from Helloween, MASTERPLAN put out three killer melodic metal records with Norwegian monster shouter Jorn Lande at the mic.
In 2013, not only Jorn is no more – replaced by renowned singer Rick Altzi (At Vance) – but also the band has a new rhythm section in drummer Martin ‘Marthus’ Skaroupka and bassist Jari Kainulainen (ex- Evergrey). When Masterplan announced the new lineup in November of last year, Jorn apologists flooded the comment strings of various metal news outlets with comments like “another band is spoiled by a vocalist change” and “no Jorn…no Masterplan”.
Well, let me tell you that the brand new CD from Masterplan, “Novum Initium”, is a killer one, and Rick Altzi proves to be a more than compatible replacement for Jorn… and dare I say – a wee bit better in spots.

Musically, this new album ranks as one of the band’s finest, recalling the best heard from the self-titled debut, 2005’s Aeronautics and the appropriately titled 2010 Time To Be King, but more melodious, mid-paced, almost commecial at places.
“Novum Initium” can be defined as ‘what Whitesnake would sound like if they tipped a bit into melodic metal’. Altzi has added more dynamics to the proceedings shifting his vocals with a slab of grit while on the way up to the high range. Also the songs structures have been stylized around the four minute mark on most tracks.
Of course, there’s some quite power numbers present as opener “The Game”, an admirable driving melodic metal song with noticeably well-crafted double bass drumming and copious amounts of heaviness intertwined with trademark melody. Grapow proves here what amazing solos he can play.
But immediately, “Keep Your Dream Alive” throws a commercial, mid-paced winning melody showing the album’s musicality and intention to reach a wide audience (check video below). It’s the song where Altzi shines brightest, showing the breadth of his range – and for many moments you said: “Jorn who?”

Next, “Black Night Of Magic” has in irresistible catchiness (love the pre-chorus), while “Betrayal” is one of the most elaborated cuts on the CD with its Middle Eastern charm that falls into the heaviest riff on the recording drawn out like slamming shudders by Axel Mackenrott’s keyboards.
“Pray On My Soul” has a bouncing groove really Whitesnake influenced (one of my favs), same with the balladry of “Through Your Eyes” where there is also an awesome guitar work of rhythm and lead.
Other notables are the appealing riff in “Earth Going Down” which is dominated by the keyboards as the song progresses, “No Escape” blending great melodies of sheer Power Metal force yet features a very melodic chorus, the speedier “Return to Avalon” and the never dull ten minute title track “Novum Initium” (especially great at 6:13 to 7:15) and featuring a vocal duet of Altzi and Grapow. Epic composition but not pretentious, incorporating progressive elements and a few orchestral arrangements.
Highly recommended is this digipak version with bonus tracks “1492” (some kind of a melodic hard rock song wrapped by double bass and driving guitars) and “Fear The Silence”, a darker heavy short number featuring articulated guitar licks and a racing rhythm section. The artwork for this Limited edition is slightly different than the regular one.

“Novum Initium” is a killer recording. This may be a new beginning for Masterplan in member changes, however the creation of high quality, catchy melodic metal perseveres.
Every song on this album is made solid and very enjoyable to listen, never too long and focused to appeal a wide array of listeners: metalheads, melodic hard rockers and why not classic rock fans. Production is awesome, BIG, brilliant and crisp.
A Very Recommended release.

01. Per Aspera Ad Astra
02. The Game
03. Keep Your Dream Alive
04. Black Night Of Magic
05. Betrayal
06. No Escape
07. Pray On My Soul
08. Earth Is Going Down
09. Return From Avalon
10. Through Your Eyes
11. Novum Initium
12. 1492 (digipack bonus track)
13. Fear The Silence (digipack bonus track)

Rick Altzi – vocals
Roland Grapow – guitars
Axel Mackenrott – keyboards
Jari Kainulainen – bass
Martin Marthus Skaroupka – drums

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