“Our new songs aren't a concept album in the narrower sense, but as usual the whole album is held together by a central theme. This time the leitmotif is emotional impoverishment which is increasingly supported by the new media. At the end of the day, social networks have the opposite effect of what they suggest: they make people grow lonely.” Stirring words by a musician who has composed an album which is stirring in every respect, because Cybersteria presents that typical intelligent mélange of melodic heavy metal and progressive elements that we've come to expect of Powerworld.
The album's opener 'Children Of The Universe', a brilliant piece featuring a powerful guitar riff and an intricately complex structure, is typical of this unique combination and refers to the global effects of the actions of every single one of us, be it in a media or a technical context. The subsequent 'Slave To The Powerworld' with its ambiguous title sketches in detail how powerful and at the same time merciless the world of the Internet has become. Ersin: “There have even been cases where governments were overthrown through the power of the Internet.” Cybersteria also holds a number of stylistic surprises in store: 'Black Ash' is unusually cheerful for this band, featuring consciously selected major chords which create a very individual, open atmosphere. Ersin: “Our roots are in the Blues, so we usually prefer minor atmospheres, but in this instance the major chords complement the melodic line perfectly.” And all those interested in finding out which direction this band is likely to opt for in the future will be able to find out more on 'Coast Of Tears', a skilful refinement of that typical Powerworld sound.
Talking of sound: Ilker Ersin produced and mixed Cybersteria at his MusikundWeb studios in Hirschaid near Bamberg, the album was mastered by Tommy Newton (Victory, UFO), and the instruments were recorded by Ersin, guitarist Andreas Rippelmeier, keyboardist Marco Grasshoff and drummer Guido Gallus. The biggest surprise: the vocal parts were recorded by Michael Bormann (ex-Jaded Heart), who stepped in at short notice for David Reece (ex-Accept, Bangalore Choir). Ersin: “It transpired during the recordings that David and I have different approaches which cannot be combined under the moniker of Powerworld. As a result, we decided to end our collaboration. There were no hard feelings between David and me, it was simply a decision by two grown men who agreed to follow their gut instincts.” In Michael Bormann, Powerworld have found an ideal replacement, particularly since Bormann had already successfully filled in during their most recent tour for former Powerworld vocalist Andrew McDermott, who suffered from ill health (he died in August 2011), and had also been scheduled as a choir singer on Cybersteria. “Michael did a brilliant job and even rewrote the lyrics with me. We're not only totally thrilled, but also very grateful for his support.”
Tracklisting: 1. Children Of The Universe 2. Slave To The Powerworld 3. Back On Me 4. World Knows Your Secrets – Virtuality 5. You Gotta Hold On 6. Am I Digital? (Intro) 7. Coast Of Tears 8. Black Ash 9. Like A Shadow 10. Cybersteria 11. You Will Find A Way 12. Not Bound To The Evil.
"Cybersteria" will be released in Germany on May 24, in Europe on May 27 and in the US/Canada on June 4 through SPV/Steamhammer as CD and download!
LINE-UP: Michael Bormann – vocals (Ex-Bonfire, Ex-Jaded Heart), Ilker Ersin – bass (Freedom Call, Ex-MoonDoc), Marco Grashoff – keyboards, Andreas Rippelmeier – guitars, Guido Gallus – drums.
WebLinks: www.powerworld.org / www.spv.de.
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