A change is as good as a break
For myself, Masterplan have always been that band with two guys from Helloween in it. Their debut album 'Masterplan' was a standard power metal fayre and since then I've dismissed them as mere German power metal fodder. This is perhaps a small minded attitude but it was re-enforced after their likable if unspectacular set at Bloodstock Open Air in 2005. Since then ex-Helloween skins man Uli Kusch has departed along with vocalist Jorn Lande and it's always fascinating to see the aftermath of a band losing two key members, their ability to get back on their feet and also their success in finding suitable replacements. Because of this fascination I found myself a good position in the crowd and stood waiting to be impressed.
The Manchester Academy 2 was only half full when Masterplan appeared and if truth be told weren't enthusiastically received except for a few devotees, but even after the first song it was obvious Masterplan were a band rejuvenated by its new members. Vocalist Mike DiMeo of Riot fame was fantastic. His voice is powerful, melodic and has such a likeable tone. He has a grittier edge than his predecessor and along with new drummer Mike Terrana, who pounds the skins like a man possessed by the devil and rest of hell itself, really added that extra Oomph that was previously lacking in the band. Interestingly enough it was the 3rd gig I'd seen with Mike Terrana on drums over the past 12 months, with Masterplan being his 3rd band, the man certainly gets around and I knew how good he was prior to this show but his drum solo in the middle of the set was something else, and was perhaps the turning point between an appreciative crowd becoming a crowd that lapped it up.
Unfortunately his huge drum kit took up most of the room leaving Mike DiMeo about a foot square of stage to belt out the words. This caused him to look a little static but his general presence made up for his lack of mobility. Roland Grapow, perhaps one of the most accomplished guitar players around today, coolly soloed as he always does but he, and I suppose bass player Jan Eckert and keyboardist Axel Mackenrott, looked as though they'd turned up for a rehearsal or a sound check. There's little goading of the crowd and they have little in the way of image, is was as if they just turned up and played. Thankfully they delivered a polished set containing some great epics and tidy vocal harmonies that really warmed up a very Saxon friendly crowd.
I think they've generated a lot of interest from last nights performance especially from myself who will be picking up their new album MK2 very soon. With the new members in place it seems Masterplan have the potential to move up a level, all they need now is to write a killer album and a corner of the market could be theirs. Excellent