After what feels like an eternity (okay, 12 years), German power metal veterans Masterplan are finally gracing us with a new album. Because who doesn’t love waiting over a decade for new material from a band that was already formed from the ashes of Helloween’s ex-members? The suspense has been killing us, truly.
Their upcoming opus, “Metalmorphosis”, drops on June 26, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. And yes, they’re celebrating by releasing a new single called “Chase The Light,” because nothing says “we’re back” like a song about fear, control, and a world that feeds on pain. Uplifting stuff!
Guitarist Roland Grapow, who apparently has strong feelings about the state of the world, describes the track as “a dark and aggressive track about fear, control, and a world that feeds on pain.” Thanks, Roland, we were feeling just fine until you mentioned that. He continues, explaining how “power rises while compassion fades, trapping people in silence and despair.” Wow, sounds like someone’s been reading the news! The song pushes through chaos and suffering toward release — because what’s power metal without a little existential crisis?
Grapow seems genuinely excited about “Metalmorphosis”, Masterplan’s first new songs since 2013’s “Novum Initium”. “It really captures what this album means to us: a transformation, but still true to the spirit of Masterplan,” he says. “We’ve grown over the years, both as musicians and as people, and you can hear that in the new songs.” Yes, Roland, we’re sure those 12 years of silence were spent in profound personal growth and not, say, recording for other bands or anything.
The album title apparently reflects their musical direction: “a bit more back to the roots” with “more metal” influences. Because when you think Masterplan, you definitely think “not metal enough.” Grapow insists they have “a couple of progressive elements always” but “maybe one song I wrote is very progressive but very fast and double bass.” That clears everything up!
Founded in 2001 by Grapow and drummer Uli Kusch after their exit from Helloween (because one legendary power metal band wasn’t enough), Masterplan quickly established themselves with their 2003 self-titled debut. Since then, they’ve released several “highly regarded albums” with refined songwriting and a “powerful balance between classic power metal energy and progressive elements.” In other words, they sound exactly like you’d expect a band formed by ex-Helloween members to sound.
After their prolonged hiatus from studio releases, Masterplan has re-emerged with “renewed creative drive.” They recently signed with Frontiers Music Srl, marking “a significant milestone and the beginning of a new chapter.” Nothing says “new chapter” like switching to a label that actually cares about promoting your music instead of treating you like “just one of hundreds [of bands].”
The track listing for “Metalmorphosis” includes gems like “Electric Nights,” “Shadow Man,” “Pain Of Yesterday,” and “Ghostlight.” Because nothing screams metal quite like naming your songs after generic concepts!
In various interviews, Grapow has been remarkably consistent in his messaging: the album is heavier, more direct, not too poppy or commercial (heaven forbid), and still has that classic Masterplan sound. He’s also made it clear that he doesn’t like repeating himself, which is why it only took 12 years to make this album. Truly, we’re witnessing an artist in his prime!
The band has already filmed three music videos for the album, proving they’re serious about this whole “comeback” thing. They’ve also reworked their 2024 single “Rise Again” for inclusion on the album, because why write all new material when you can just polish up old stuff?
Masterplan is also gearing up for a European tour starting April 12, which will surely be attended by dozens of dedicated fans who’ve been waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for this moment. The band will likely perform both new material and classics, giving audiences the full “we’re still relevant” experience.
So there you have it, folks. Masterplan is back, they’re heavier than ever, and they’ve got plenty to say about the state of the world. Whether you’ve been waiting 12 years for this moment or just discovered the band exists, “Metalmorphosis” promises to be everything you’d expect from a German power metal band formed by ex-Helloween members: epic, melodic, technically proficient, and probably a bit pretentious. Welcome back, Masterplan. We almost forgot you were gone.
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