BRAINSTORM – Midnight Ghost

Label(s):
AFM Records
Released Year:
2018
Type:
Full-length
Tracklist:
1. Devil's Eye2. Revealing the Darkness3. Ravenous Minds4. The Pyre5. Jeanne Boulet (1764)6. Divine Inner Ghost7. When Pain Becomes Real8. The Four Blessings9. Haunting Voices10. The Path

BRAINSTORM have been around for quite a long time, I consider them to be one of the most prominent bands of the recent (back when I was young at least) German metal scene and I have to say I was never disappointed by them. Throughout their carrier, they have achieved remarkable feats in both songwriting and performing their material and, frankl, I feel that they have never gained the recognition they deserved.

In any case, Ξ™ am always eager to listen something new from them and as usual, this year’s “Midnight ghost” didn’t let me down. Picking up from where “Scary creatures” left, BRAINSTORM newest creation is another fine dose of European teutonic power metal, which translates to rock-steady drum and bass, galloping rhythm, sharp riffs and catchy choruses.And even though the band follows a “brighter” approach in both the music tone and the aesthetics the outcome is neither cheesy, nor immature. For example listen to the first “single” called “The Pyre” a fine tune of power metal excellence or the epic song “Jeanne Boulet (1764)”.

Occasionally there are traces of BRAINSTORM‘s older albums in this one, for example “The Four Blessings” or “Haunting voices”, which seem to have been dragged off “Soul Temptation”.

So are there any weak moments? Well of course there are. Some songs dangerously get near more “commercial” paths, for example the bland “Haunting Voices” or the last song called “The Path”, too mellow for my taste. Nevertheless the album is great.

To sum up, unfortunately BRAINSTORM, again, haven’t surpassed my favorite album (1998’s “Unholy”), but they have managed to create another fine record of pure power metal. Considering that this is their 11th album this is a remarkable feat. I wish them the best and hope for a live show soon enough…

Previous article MYSTERY (CA) – Lies And Butterflies
Next article ACHELOUS – Macedon
While he struggles between trash and elaborate culture, Zippo, finds himself dwelling into the deepest and most notorious Heavy Metal paths. Or at least that is what he thinks…
Forgotten Scroll Fanzing Issue #6

Issue #6 Out Now

76 pages, 10 interviews. DAMASCUS (US) SANCTUM (US) HORIZON'S END (GR) LORD OF LIGHT (SWE) ETERNAL CHAMPION (US) GOTHIC STONE (IT) LEVIATHAN (US) NEAR INFINITY (US) ANGEL EDGE (US) OBLIVION KNIGHT (US) plus LEGIONED MARCHER (US)...

Follow Us

1,346FansLike
21FollowersFollow

NOVA SKELLIS – Life Amongst The Damned (Vinyl Reissue 2024)

What we deal with in NOVA SKELLIS’ case, is the chance of exploring the transcontinental fusion of almost any kind of heavy/power metal blend;...

WARLORD: The legend of William J Tsamis lives – Interview and...

To tell you the truth I was a little bit skeptical when I first learned about the Warlord tribute project set by drummer and founding member Mark Zonder and singer Giles Lavery to honor the music and memory of founder guitarist William J Tsamis who unfortunately passed away back in 2021. I was looking at the facts very closely, reading announcements about forthcoming live shows, new line up and a new album. The response from the fans was massive including both positive and negative (or very negative) comments about the above facts. "How can Warlord exist without Bill Tsamis?", they were asking. One afternoon I got a call from Giles Lavery himself asking me if I wanted to do an advance review of the forthcoming Warlord album. I replied positively still being in this skeptical mood. It all went away after the first listen... William J Tsamis was there. His music, his legend, his compositions, evolved into complete songs. In total excitement I texted Giles a single message "Bill is alive". The very next evening found Mark, Giles and I talking about the album, about Bill, about the music and the legacy. It was late at night when we ended the call. I asked them if I can publish our conversation and they got no problem. So here it is again: Me talking with Warlord. The usual stuff I am doing the last 25 years for various reasons. But this time I would not call this conversation an interview. To my eyes this is a big ethical, artistic and soulful statement, by some people who want to keep the Dream, alive.