REVIEW : Masterplan -- PumpKings (2017)

As you can all asume judging by the title of the new Masterplan's album, "PumpKings", this new opus is connected with Roland Grapow's time in Helloween. Yes, "PumpKings" includes songs which Roland contributed to Helloween's rich legacy during his time in the band. These songs have been re-recorded by Masterplan's current line-up recently. "PumpKings" will be released on August 11th as Digipak and colored (orange, of course) double Vinyl in gatefold sleeve.


The eleve tracks featured on “PumpKings” were written by Roland from 1990 - 2000 and they can be found on Helloween’s albums “Pink Bubbles Go Ape”, “Chameleon”, “Master Of The Rings”, “The Time Of The Oath” and “The Dark Ride” in their original versions. Some of them were even released as singles and rank among Helloween fan favorites.

“Our new versions of the songs are heavier definitely”, Roland says.

And, yes, Roland it's damn right! These songs, some are my personal favorites from this Helloween era, are heavier and they all sound fresh and updated without loosing their originality. My personal favorites from this album and of course, from Helloween's are "Mankind", "Mr. Ego", "Still We Go", "The Time Of The Oath", "Take Me Home" and "The Dark Ride".

After the first spin of this new Masterplan album, I caught myself enjoying this one a lot. As I already mentioned above, Masterplan achieve to give a fresher and heavier approach to these classics that will be appreciated by any pump-head out there!!! Buy or die!!!!

Rating : 8,5/10