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Masterstroke
Album: Sleep
Release Date: November 26, 2007 (IMPORT)
Label: Dynamic Arts Records
Track Listing
01. Transition
02. Killing Creatures
03. Turn Away
04. Under Our Command
05. Another Failure
06. The Circle
07. Being Me
08. Sleep
09. Silent
10. Final Journey
Reviewer: Eric
Old metal music fans tend to be unfair when it comes to anything with
melodic in front of their genre. Masterstroke might be one of those acts that
use melodic-ness in their music, but it isn’t just tacked on. Instead of doing
the same old routine Masterstroke goes above and behind the call of duty.
Masterstroke formed back in 2002. After a few lineup changes and several gigs,
the band earned themselves a record contract. Their debut album, Apocalypse,
received praise from across the globe, earning the band some much deserved
respect.
The album does not start at as well as you’d think. Transition sounds
like an intro track that was added at the last minute, it could have easily been
put on the first actual song, Killing Creatures. Once the full blown
music train hits with the band it is a whole different story.
Niko Rauhala vocals remind me a lot of Tobias Sammet, the mastermind behind
Avantasia and Edguy. Rauhala’s vocals do range in style at points, the chorus
parts in some of the tracks are high pitched and great sounding. There is some
aggression heard too, Under Our Command is one of those tracks that will
have you throwing your fist up in the air.
It is a real shame because at times you can’t even hear the keyboards. The
keyboard parts seemed to be drawn out by the drumming, which is faster than
normal albums in this genre. Adding that extra speed really works out (check out
Silent for the fast drumming I was talking about).
To finish things off Masterstroke went ahead and ended the album with Final
Journey, their epic, final track. Full of insane guitar solos and more
Tobias Sammet sounding vocals, this track stands out real well. The funky
keyboard solo adds character to this track. I wish this track was longer than it
was, but the six and a half minute time frame might have been for the best.
Final Verdict
Sleep is one album power metal and melodic heavy metal fans need to check
out. With everything the band put into this record it makes you wonder why we
haven’t heard about them sooner. Great sophomore release, I’m already looking
forward to their third release.
Rating
8.75 out of 10
Masterstroke Official Web
Site
Masterstroke on Myspace
Masterstroke - Turn Away
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