Masterplan cover

Masterplan

Masterplan · 2003

59 min · 13 tracks · power metal

Epic melodies intertwine with thunderous rhythms, creating an exhilarating soundscape that defines power metal's soaring ambitions.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Spirit Never Die — Opening with a powerful anthem about resilience, this track sets the tone for the album's themes of perseverance and hope.
  • →
    Heroes — This song exemplifies classic power metal with its soaring chorus and inspirational lyrics, resonating deeply within the genre's fanbase.
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    Crawling From Hell — A darker, more intense track that showcases the band's range, blending melodic elements with heavier riffs to create a compelling contrast.
  • →
    Into the Light — This brief yet impactful piece highlights a moment of reflection, offering a serene interlude before diving back into the album’s energetic flow.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Masterplan showcases strong melodies and dynamic arrangements typical of power metal, establishing its identity within the genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of dual guitar harmonies, particularly in the opening track, which sets a high-energy tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate tempo changes that shift from fast-paced verses to slower, melodic choruses, creating dynamic contrasts.
  • The last three tracks exhibit a gradual decrease in tempo, allowing for a more reflective conclusion to the album.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • epic melodies for grand moments
  • cathartic release through intensity
  • soaring anthems for uplifting moods
  • powerful rhythms that energize
  • reflective moments amidst the chaos

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quiet, subtle soundscapes
  • avoid lengthy album experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2003, Masterplan is the debut album from the German power metal group formed by former Helloween guitarist Roland Grapow. Following Grapow's split from Helloween, this album marked a significant new beginning in his career as he sought to establish a distinct identity for Masterplan.
Stylistic neighbors
Kamelot· Sonata Arctica· DragonForce

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Spirit Never Die 5:18
  • 2 Enlighten Me 4:27
  • 3 Kind Hearted Light 4:31
  • 4 Crystal Night 4:55
  • 5 Soulburn 5:56
  • 6 Heroes 3:26
  • 7 Sail On 5:46
  • 8 Into the Light 2:43
  • 9 Crawling From Hell 4:06
  • 10 Bleeding Eyes 5:31
  • 11 When Love Comes Close 4:03
  • 12 Through Thick and Thin 4:04
  • 13 Black Dog 4:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata