PumpKings
Masterplan · 2017
68 min · 12 tracks · power metal
A frenetic blend of soaring melodies and thunderous rhythms that encapsulate the essence of power metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mr. Ego (Take Me Down) — This track serves as a centerpiece of the album, featuring intricate guitar work and anthemic choruses that highlight both technical prowess and emotional depth.
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The Time of the Oath — Reinterpreted with fresh energy, this song stands out due to its powerful lyrical themes and dynamic instrumentation, making it a fan favorite.
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I Don't Wanna Cry No More — This track showcases a blend of melancholy and hope, with compelling vocal delivery that captures the essence of power metal's emotional range.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album reinterprets classic tracks with energetic performances but lacks standout compositions.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of double bass drumming throughout, driving the tempo and energy of each track.
- Melodic guitar solos frequently interrupt verses, creating a dynamic contrast between vocals and instrumentation.
- Several tracks incorporate choral backing vocals that enhance the epic feel typical of power metal.
- The last three tracks slow down the pace significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- soaring melodies with dramatic shifts
- energizing anthems for empowerment
- cathartic release of tension
- intense rhythms for workout motivation
- narrative arcs through emotional highs
Maybe skip if you
- slow-paced reflective listening
- minimalist soundscapes and simplicity
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2017, PumpKings marks a unique moment in Masterplan's career as it is a reinterpretation of classic tracks originally written for the band's previous vocalist, Andi Deris. This album comes after their 2013 release, Novum Initium, showcasing a return to their earlier material while experimenting with new arrangements and interpretations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kamelot· Sonata Arctica· DragonForce
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Chance 3:47
- 2 Someone's Crying 4:27
- 3 Mankind 6:17
- 4 Step Out of Hell 4:25
- 5 Mr. Ego (Take Me Down) 7:02
- 6 Still We Go 5:02
- 7 Escalation 666 4:40
- 8 The Time of the Oath 6:54
- 9 Music 7:27
- 10 The Dark Ride 8:51
- 11 Take Me Home 4:24
- 12 I Don't Wanna Cry No More 5:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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