Masterplan - Far From The End Of The World

Release Date: April 16th, 2010
Label: AFM Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Far From The End Of The World
     (Single Version)
2.  Lonely Winds Of War
3.  Far From The End Of The World
     (Album Version)

Total playing time:  11:34

April 6, 2010

Reviewer: M.J.

What we have here is the three track single promoting the newest Masterplan platter Time to be King. Jørn Lande rejoined Masterplan in mid 2009 after exiting the band in 2006 over creative differences. Ex-Riot vocalist Mike DiMeo joined the band upon Jørn’s departure and handled all the vocal duties on the band’s third release, 2007’s MKII. To most fans, Jørn is the voice of Masterplan and they enthusiastically welcomed his return last year with hopes that a new record would be imminent. Well, the time is almost here for Masterplan’s Time to be King.

The first song “Far From the End of the World” shows up twice on this single - as an edited shortened version and as a full length version. The difference between the two tracks is just fourteen secs. This seems rather pointless as the edited version offers no value other than to appease some radio programmer’s time constraints. These two tracks plus the other new song, “Lonely Winds of War” were mixed and mastered by Roland Grapow. Versions of both songs, (presumably the longer version of FFtEotW) will appear on Time to be King but will be mixed and mastered by Mikko Karmilla.

Jørn ferociously dominates the rough edged yet melodic leadoff single “Far From the End of the World” with his powerhouse vocals. The hunger and immediacy are undeniable. The band hasn’t been this forceful or earnest since their self titled debut. “Lonely Winds of War” is awash in heavy keyboards that create a mystique of intrigue that complements the forceful swagger of the song. Roland’s playing has never sounded more urgent and fluid while Mike Terrana is crazy mad (in a good way) on the drums. Both songs are of the quality we have come to expect from Masterplan and if the rest of Time to be King is this good then I might not be playing any other record for the rest of the year.

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