Masterplan (band)
Masterplan |
|---|
Masterplan is a German-American power metal band founded by Uli Kusch and Roland Grapow upon leaving Helloween.
Biography
Masterplan was formed in 2002 by Roland Grapow and Uli Kusch, after the two were fired from the Power Metal band Helloween in the Autumn of 2001. The first MCD Enlighten Me was released on November 18th, 2002.
By the time their first full-length album Masterplan was released in 2003, Janne "Warman" Wirman was replaced by Axel Mackenrott. Warman actually played almost all keyboards on the album, but could not stay on as a full time member due to his commitments to Children of Bodom.
The band received the "European Border Breakers" award in 2004 from the European Commission.
In 2005 Masterplan released their second album, Aeronautics.
During the writing of the third album the band parted ways with singer Jørn Lande, citing "musical differences" as the reason for the split. The split was amicable enough that Jørn agreed to perform four previously arranged live appearances before departing although two of these were eventually canceled by the promoters.
On Oct 5th, 2006 Uli Kusch announced his departure from the band in an interview with Darkside.ru. Although not discussing the details of what happened, he mentioned the democratic principles of making decisions in the band as one of the reasons of his leaving - according to him, it often made getting a consensus nearly impossible.
On October 7th, Masterplan announced their new line-up through their official web site: Grapow, Mackenrott, Eckert, with new members Mike DiMeo (Riot, The Lizards) and Mike Terrana (ex-Artension, ex-Rage, Metalium).
The album, suitably titled MK II, was released on 26th February 2007. Andy Sneap, who produced the two previous albums, was utilized again when the album was recorded in September and October 2006.
Line-up
- Mike DiMeo - Vocals
- Roland Grapow - Guitar
- Jan S. Eckert - Bass
- Axel Mackenrott - Keyboard
- Mike Terrana - Drums
Former Members
- Jørn Lande - Vocals
- Jürgen Attig - Bass
- Janne Wirman - Keyboard
- Uli Kusch - Drums
Discography
Albums
- Masterplan (2003)
- Aeronautics (2005)
- MK II (2007)
Singles
- Enlighten Me - (2002)
EPs
- Back For My Life (2004)
- Lost and Gone (2007)