German power metal fans, rejoice! The wait is almost over for MASTERPLAN's highly anticipated album, 'Metalmorphosis', which finally has a release date. But here's the catch: it's still a few years away, dropping on May 22, 2026. And the excitement doesn't stop there! The band's first single, 'Chase The Light', will be released on January 15, 2026, giving fans a taste of what's to come.
Former HELLOWEEN guitarist Roland Grapow, in a candid interview with Brazil's Todo Mundo Em Campo, revealed that the album has been a long time in the making. He explained that the creative process began five years ago, and the album took a while to complete. Grapow wanted to create something more direct and less progressive, with a harder edge, while still retaining the signature MASTERPLAN sound. He said, 'I didn't wanna make any compromise... Maybe next album's even more harder.'
Grapow's vision for the album is intriguing, especially when he hints at a potential shift in style. He mentions that the lyrics are more critical, reflecting on the state of the world. This could be a controversial move for a band known for its upbeat and positive sound. But Grapow assures fans that the album still has the familiar MASTERPLAN elements, just presented in a more direct way.
The band has already filmed three music videos for the album, according to a previous interview with Argentina's El Cuartel Del Metal. Grapow also shed light on the album's title, 'Metalmorphosis', suggesting a return to their metal roots with a twist. He stated, 'We have a bit more metalish influences... Still proggy elements, still MASTERPLAN elements.'
The switch from AFM Records to Frontiers Music Srl is an interesting development. Grapow attributed this move to the changing dynamics at AFM after the death of the label's owner, Andy Allendörfer, who was a big MASTERPLAN fan. He expressed his excitement about working with Frontiers, where he feels appreciated and understood as an artist. This could be a turning point for the band, as Grapow believes they need a label that provides more attention and support.
When asked about the musical direction, Grapow emphasized the importance of experimentation while staying true to their style. He compared the upcoming album to their 2010 release, 'Time To Be King', which was heavier and more diverse. He said, 'We always did little bit left and right... This time we go back a little bit to a new experiment.' The album will feature a mix of styles, including power metal and progressive elements, but with a fresh twist.
Grapow's influences are vast, ranging from HELLOWEEN to RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE, and even non-metal bands like FOREIGNER and TOTO. He believes the new album showcases a melting pot of these influences, creating a unique sound. The music is composed by Grapow and keyboard player Axel Mackenrott, with contributions from guest writers from Slovakia and Sweden.
The band's previous releases, such as the 2017 album 'PumpKings' (a collection of HELLOWEEN songs) and the 2013 studio album 'Novum Initium', have kept fans engaged. The recent single 'Rise Again' in 2024 further demonstrates MASTERPLAN's commitment to their craft.
So, what can fans expect from 'Metalmorphosis'? Will it be a bold evolution of their sound or a return to their roots? And will the wait until 2026 be worth it? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: MASTERPLAN is back with a bang, and the metal world is eagerly awaiting their next move.
