Collectively for 35 years, German energy steel stalwarts Brainstorm are again in motion with album quantity 14, Plague of Rats, 11 tracks of trad steel accented with Indian prospers. The quintet—Andy B. Franck (vocals), Torsten Ihlenfeld (guitar), Milan Loncaric (guitar), Dieter Bernert (drums), Jim Ramses (bass)— are in prime type on their debut for brand new label Reigning Phoenix Music, which is about for launch on February 28. We supplied the band the chance to take us monitor by monitor by its newest providing, which you’ll be able to order right here. (Additionally take a look at some European tour dates on the finish.)
Past Enemy Traces
Andy: A track that offers with slightly of the present points in our world. The textual content is a lament that speaks of deep emotional accidents and the lack of hope in a navy battle. A poisonous relationship between former buddies who at the moment are on reverse sides of the conflict. The supposed affection is stuffed with deceit and betrayal and finally causes ache. Each side need a change, an escape from this painful scenario. The “enemy traces” symbolize the separation that must be overcome.
Torsten: The track begins with a fantastic melody solo opening that’s immediately tailored from the guitar riff, adopted by a fragile verse, a pre-chorus with highly effective guitars, and a MEGA refrain that instantly will get caught in your head. For me, that is the perfect uptempo track within the band’s historical past up to now and the right album opener.
Garuda (Eater of Snakes)
Andy: Our first single. In Indian mythology, Garuda is a snake-killing, half-human, half-eagle mount of Vishnu. The wings symbolize freedom, energy, and the flexibility to achieve the very best spheres. The struggle in opposition to the snake represents the everlasting battle between good and evil… and he simply eats her, haha…
Torsten: From the opening riff onwards, “Garuda” breathes the Brainstorm Japanese Influences DNA, an vital trademark within the Brainstorm sound. Together with the album cowl as a visible counterpart, the track rolls into the ear canals by way of sound and riffs, huge and unstoppable like lava. Andy’s vocal traces complement the entire thing completely, nearly hypnotically.
False Reminiscences
Andy: A psychological textual content… a seek for id and that means. Our character appears trapped in an interior turmoil that forestalls him from transferring ahead. The previous is marked by lies and recollections which have modified over time. Regardless of all of the darkness, there’s a spark of hope for a greater future.
Torsten: An uptempo monitor like “False Reminiscences” belongs on a Brainstorm file just like the amen in church. Quick, two-voiced guitars, driving double bass drums, and limitless harmonies. From the primary concept, it was clear that this track needed to be on the album.
The Shepherd Woman (Gitagovinda)
Andy: A Sanskrit poem from the twelfth century that describes the love relationship between Krishna and Radha. A textual content stuffed with deep melancholy and despair, but in addition a mirror of a soul’s deepest hopes and longings.
Torsten: Some of the lovely and coherent tracks we’ve got ever written. A mega-melodic riff with a wonderful vocal melody, a steadily rising verse, and a strong refrain. Musically and thematically, it additionally lives from the Japanese Brainstorm DNA!
Your Soul That Lingers in Me
Andy: Considered one of my favourite tracks… singing alongside Elina Siirala from Depart’s Eyes! A metaphorical journey into the darkness of two individuals’s souls, confronting mortality and loss. Regardless of the darkness, it’s a name to get pleasure from life.
Torsten: Maybe essentially the most melodic monitor of our profession up to now, nevertheless it doesn’t function any clear or acoustic guitars. The vocal traces lie majestically over the chords, and the refrain is an actual firework of melodies. As a duet with feminine vocals, the track unfolds into an actual gem!
Masquerade Conspiracy
Andy: A critique of our society, which is characterised by intrigue, abuse of energy, and disinformation. The “masquerade” represents a false facade hiding corruption. The track seeks a real id and reality.
Torsten: Musically, the problem was to mix thrashy riffing within the verse, a “melo-death” pre-chorus, and “Viking-inspired” riffing within the refrain. The result’s sensible and a lot enjoyable to play, it may even make it into the dwell set.
From Hell
Andy: A really darkish monitor that includes Alexander Krull from Depart’s Eyes and Atrocity. It explores interior battle, guilt, and the will for redemption. A battle between two souls looking for a method out of their very own darkness.
Torsten: With nearly old-school rushing/thrashing instrumentation, “From Hell” might be the favourite of our traditionalist followers. Krull’s growls give the track the right spice and work fantastically as a counterpart to Andy’s singing.
The Darkish of Evening
Andy: A metaphor for the battle between love and hate, hope and despair. It raises existential questions on life, evil, and human nature. Regardless of the sensation of hopelessness, the track additionally provides the facility to alter.
Torsten: Class: Epic! The track begins with the refrain riff and the accompanying melody as a double guitar lead. In good firm with songs like “Solitude” or “In These Partitions”!
Crawling
Andy: A track about manipulation and the issue of getting one’s personal opinion in as we speak’s world. We crawl by cracks as an alternative of strolling by doorways to keep away from attracting consideration.
Torsten: Usually named inside the band as “our ’80s arduous rock monitor” on Plague of Rats. Hearken to it and also you’ll know precisely what we imply. Garnished with mega-catchy vocal traces, it would even be the key hit of the file!
Curtains Fall
Andy: A track about painful experiences shaping who we’re. It tells the story of somebody overcoming struggling and in search of justice. A strong lyrical twist that resonates with my very own journey.
Torsten: The right album nearer with every thing that makes Brainstorm particular. Cool riffing, cool vocals, cool refrain! Pay attention & repeat!
European Tour Dates:
February 27, 2025 – DE – Aschaffenburg
February 28, 2025 – CH – Solothurn
March 1, 2025 – DE – Essen
March 2, 2025 – DE – Mannheim
March 3, 2025 – DE – Munich
March 4, 2025 – DE – Hamburg
March 5, 2025 – DE – Hannover
March 6, 2025 – DE – Stuttgart
