‘Time To Be King’ is the first to come out of via AFM Records
By Luiz Athayde
Masterplan is back again with two great news. The AFM Records is preparing a series of vinyl reissues, as a way to anticipate the anniversary of the group led by guitarist and ex-Helloween Roland Grapow.
“As a big Vinyl fan myself, I look forward to the “Time To Be King” re-release on Vinyl format” Masterplan guitarist Roland Grapow says. “The album’s first edition was gone very quickly back then, and our fans frequently keep asking for it. Now it’s going to arrive right in time for Masterplan’s 20th anniversary. This being said… of course that also means that our self-titled debut album is going to turn 20 very soon as well. We’re right now preparing something for this special occasion too. ”
Other hot news involves a new studio album; something that hasn’t happened since 2013’s Novum Initium. Not to mention PumpKings, a record of Helloween covers released in 2017. The guitarist updates us below:
“Our upcoming new studio album is written, just the vocals and some lyrics are still missing. It will be ready in about 3-4 months. We have already booked a few festivals for 2023 and hope to come back full force with Masterplan”.
The embryonic era of Masterplan emerged as a side project to Helloween, during the recording sessions for the album The Dark Ride. At the time, it consisted of Roland Grapow, drummer Uli Kusch, Roy Z as producer, keyboardist Janne Warman (Children of Bodom), and the American vocalist Russell Allen (Symphony X).
With Roland and Uli being fired from Helloween, the configuration as a band took shape when they decided to look for a vocalist. That’s when Jørn Lande came along, hired to make his debut with the self-titled album. Janne was involved as a guest musician until Axel Mackenrott joined, but Ferdy Doernberg (Axel Rudi Pell, Rough Silk) participates on the track “Into the Light”. As well as Michael Kiske, bringing additional vocals on “Heroes”.
Currently or Masterplan’s last known lineup is: Roland Grapow (guitar), Axel Mackenrott (keyboards), Jari Kainulainen (bass), Rick Altzi (vocals) and Kevin Kott (drums).
In addition to Time To Be King, also 2003’s Aeronautics album will see a reprint, this time coming on yellow 2-Vinyl. Both releases can be purchased/pre-ordered here.