Masterplan

Masterplan - German power metal band

Group from Germany

Genres: Power metal, heavy metal, melodic metal, metal, german

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About Masterplan

1. Masterplan is a German power metal band founded in 2001 by guitarist Roland Grapow and drummer Uli Kusch after both musicians left Helloween. During Helloween’s “The Dark Ride” tour in 2001, Grapow and Kusch began developing material for a separate project. Tensions within Helloween increased as other members perceived their focus to be shifting toward the new project, and both musicians were subsequently dismissed from the band. The name Masterplan was chosen to reflect the idea of a “master plan” to create a new power metal band for the new millennium. To complete the initial lineup, Grapow recruited keyboardist Janne Wirman. Vocalists Russell Allen and Michael Kiske were both approached but declined the role. The position was eventually filled by Norwegian singer Jørn Lande, whose work with Ark and solo material had impressed the founders. Masterplan’s self-titled debut album, “Masterplan”, was released in 2003 and produced by Andy Sneap. Although Wirman contributed to early sessions, Axel Mackenrott joined as a full-time keyboardist for touring and future work. Studio bass contributions were handled in part by Jürgen Attig, while Grapow performed most bass parts on the album. Jan-Sören Eckert later became the band’s touring and recording bassist. The album achieved significant success in Europe, earning the band the European Border Breakers Award in 2004. Their second album, “Aeronautics”, was released in 2005 and followed a similar production approach with Andy Sneap. During the writing of their third album, the band parted ways with vocalist Jørn Lande due to “musical differences”. The split was described as amicable, and Lande completed several scheduled live performances before leaving. In 2006, drummer Uli Kusch left the band, citing difficulties with the band’s decision-making process. Shortly afterward, Masterplan announced a revised lineup featuring Grapow, Mackenrott, Eckert, vocalist Mike DiMeo, and drummer Mike Terrana. This lineup recorded the album “MK II”, released in 2007. In 2009, Jørn Lande rejoined Masterplan. The band subsequently released the single “Far From the End of the World” in 2010, followed by the album “Time to Be King” in 2010. Further lineup changes occurred in the early 2010s. Vocalist Mike DiMeo and bassist Jan Eckert departed, and Rick Altzi and Jari Kainulainen joined the band. The album “Novum Initium” was released in 2013 through AFM Records. Drumming duties later shifted to Kevin Kott. In 2017, Masterplan released “PumpKings”, an album consisting of re-recorded songs written by Roland Grapow during his time in Helloween. Grapow stated that the release was not intended as a reaction to Helloween’s activities but rather stemmed from previously planned material. After a period of reduced activity, the band returned with plans for new music and touring beginning in 2024. In 2025, Masterplan announced the upcoming album “Metalmorphosis”, scheduled for release in 2026 after a delay from its original planned date. Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masterplan_(band) Studio albums Masterplan (2003) Aeronautics (2005) MK II (2007) Time to Be King (2010) Novum Initium (2013) PumpKings (2017) Metalmorphosis (2026) --- 2. Masterplan is a Bristol-based electronic music act associated with the UK underground dance scene. The project has been active for some time and is known within that context for producing tracks in styles influenced by broken beat and jazz-influenced electronic music. Its debut release for the CoOp Presents label is a track at approximately 125 BPM featuring contributions from Glasgow-based multi-instrumentalist Liam Shortall, also known as the frontman of the Mercury Prize-nominated jazz group corto.alto, as well as additional keyboard and Rhodes parts by Bristol-based DJ, producer, and pianist Kasia Jordan.

Taken from Last.fm

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