Brainstorm - Memorial Roots

February 24, 2010

Reviewer: Peter

It is hard to believe that the German heavy metal band Brainstorm has been around since 1989.  While they had recorded demos, it wasn’t until 1997 that they released their debut album in Hungry.  It wasn’t until 1999 that the band took on their identity with the inclusion of vocalist Andy B. Franck.  His approach to power metal vocals is fairly easy to get into and doesn’t require some aspirin afterwards.  However, Brainstorm hasn’t really gotten the recognition that they deserve, for with their consistent approach to power metal, it seems that they just simply don’t stand out, and they appear okay with that.

In recent years, Brainstorm has kept busy, with an album in 2008 called Downburst.  Not wanting to rest on their laurels, the band is back with a new album in Memorial Roots.  Much like the previous album, it is a solid album with some good songs, but lacking the one standout song that could elevate the band’s status as a very good band.

Memorial Roots begins with a darker sound that is evident on “Forsake What I Believe,” which actually shows Franck at his very best, as he is great at channeling the dark emotions that Brainstorm sometimes produces in its overall approach.  On the other end of the spectrum is “Cross the Line,” which is a more powerful song that displays some life.  Unfortunately, that is the most life that any Brainstorm song truly has on the album, as it seems the band just doesn’t venture outside of its comfort zone too often.  Yes, the album shows a good sense of musicianship, but it just sounds too familiar, especially to those who have listened to albums such as Liquid Monster and Downburst.  Even with repeated listens, the lack of musical range remains, which can frustrate a listener who has followed Brainstorm for awhile.  While Franck is a capable vocalist, the overall lack of range begins to show itself as it mirrors the lack of musical range.  That isn’t to say Memorial Roots doesn’t have its moments, as “Forsake What I Believe” and “The Final Stages of Decay” prove.  There just simply isn’t enough to truly give the listener a reason to keep the album in heavy rotation.

There are certain things that a music fan can count on, and Brainstorm is one of them when it comes to musical consistency.  However, there comes a time when things have to be shaken up, and after listening to Memorial Roots, it would appear that Brainstorm may want to think about adding something to the mix.  Yes, Brainstorm does deliver a very solid and consistent effort, but no band really gets noticed by playing it safe.  For Brainstorm to be a more relevant player in the power metal scene, they will have to roll the dice in some capacity.

Release Date: October 16, 2009
Label: AFM Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Forsake What I Believed
2.  Shiver
3.  The Conjunction of 7 Planets
4.  Cross the Line
5.  Nailed Down Dreams
6.  Blood Still Stains
7.  Ahimsa
8.  The Final Stages of Decay
9.  Victim
10.  When No One Cares
11.  Would You

Total playing time:  54:44

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: