Novum Initium
Masterplan · 2013
63 min · 14 tracks · power metal
A robust blend of soaring melodies and intricate guitar work that embodies the essence of modern power metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Game — This track encapsulates the album's spirit with its anthemic chorus and driving rhythms, presenting a perfect fusion of lyrics about perseverance and melodic hooks.
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Keep Your Dream Alive — This song stands out for its uplifting message and dynamic arrangement, showcasing Altzi's vocal range while delivering an empowering anthem that resonates with listeners.
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Return From Avalon — With its epic structure and storytelling elements, this track highlights Masterplan's ability to weave fantasy narratives into powerful musical compositions, making it a key piece of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and guitar work typical of power metal but lacks standout tracks that elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
- Guitar solos are prominent throughout, often featuring intricate harmonies and counterpoint with the vocal lines.
- The lyrics frequently explore themes of hope and perseverance, with anthemic choruses designed for sing-along moments.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- soaring melodies that uplift spirits
- dynamic pacing with varied lengths
- epic themes for grand moments
- intense guitar work for attention
- cathartic releases throughout the album
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek minimalist soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Novum Initium is Masterplan's sixth studio album and marks their first release after the departure of founding vocalist Jorn Lande. This album showcases a new lineup featuring vocalist Rick Altzi, indicating a significant shift in the band's sound and direction as they aimed to redefine their identity while retaining their signature style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kamelot· Sonata Arctica· DragonForce
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Fear the Silence
The moment shifts perspective to confront internal fears directly, emphasizing vulnerability amidst a backdrop of heavy instrumentals.
This pivot in lyrical focus reveals deeper emotional layers not present in previous tracks, adding complexity to the overall narrative of overcoming obstacles.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Per Aspera Ad Astra 1:02
- 2 The Game 5:27
- 3 Keep Your Dream Alive 3:48
- 4 Black Night of Magic 3:41
- 5 Betrayal 4:41
- 6 No Escape 4:22
- 7 Pray on My Soul 4:35
- 8 Earth Is Going Down 3:41
- 9 Return From Avalon 4:25
- 10 Through Your Eyes 4:56
- 11 Novum Initium 10:18
- 12 1492 3:47
- 13 Fear the Silence 3:47
- 14 Killing in Time (Re-Recording version) 4:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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