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Brainstorm as we know it (do we?) is german power-metal. They don't actually bring anything
revolutionary new into the genre, there are alot of german power bands these days. However,
what they do they do it good. And this has some differences to the so called standard german power-
metal: First of all this has more trashy edge, darker and heavier sound than in your everyday
hero-metal. Singer Andy B.Frank has crystal clear voice at range avarage-pretty high. For
what ive heard he's one of those vocalists one either loves or hates. Some just needs more rough
voice but some thinks it fits perfectly since his voice is beatifully clear but strong.
I could say im in-between. I dont love nor hate his voice, i think its solid. But if you
imagine say, Chris Boltendahl singing instead of Andy on this album it'd be really heavy class...
Anyway, i think Andy and trashy edge guitarsound is the link between melodic powermetal and
trashy heavymetal on Brainstorms sound and it does good. Shadowland, Cycles and Into The Never offers
speedy moments while Checkmate In Red (with eastern music influences nicely adding depth to sound)
and Meet Me in The Dark crushes slower speed. Blind Suffering and Hollow Hideaway offers solid
mid-fast riff-moments. Weakness Sows it Seed and Face Down (bonus) are more emotional, melodical
and yet very powerfull which works great as combo. Nothing slow light stuff!
Under Lights impresses with technical moments, strong mystical melodies and catchy rhythms and
is definetely one my favourites on this album along with "Checkmate...".
Two guitars working as twin, strong bass, hardbeating drums and Andys crystal clear voice
creates nice athmosphere. Really a band worth of checking out, more than just average power-metal band,
and hopefully upcoming star! They have all it takes i think... looking up for next release!