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 thrives. The quintet—Andy B. Franck (vocals), Torsten Ihlenfeld (guitar), Milan Loncaric (guitar), Dieter Bernert (drums), Jim Ramses (bass)— are in high type on their debut for brand spanking new label Reigning Phoenix Music, which is ready for launch on February 28. We supplied the band the chance to take us observe by observe by means of its newest providing, which you’ll order right here. (Additionally take a look at some European tour dates on the finish.)
Past Enemy Strains
Andy: A music 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 pals who are actually on reverse sides of the struggle. The supposed affection is stuffed with deceit and betrayal and in the end causes ache. Each side need a change, an escape from this painful state of affairs. The “enemy traces” symbolize the separation that must be overcome.
Torsten: The music begins with a lovely melody solo opening that’s instantly 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 music within the band’s historical past thus far and the proper 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 succeed in the 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 necessary trademark within the Brainstorm sound. Together with the album cowl as a visible counterpart, the music 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, virtually hypnotically.
False Reminiscences
Andy: A psychological textual content… a seek for id and that means. Our character appears trapped in an inside turmoil that stops 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 observe like “False Reminiscences” belongs on a Brainstorm document just like the amen in church. Quick, two-voiced guitars, driving double bass drums, and infinite harmonies. From the primary concept, it was clear that this music needed to be on the album.
The Shepherd Lady (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: One of the stunning and coherent tracks now we have ever written. A mega-melodic riff with a superb vocal melody, a steadily growing verse, and a strong refrain. Musically and thematically, it additionally lives from the Japanese Brainstorm DNA!
Your Soul That Lingers in Me
Andy: One in every of my favourite tracks… singing alongside Elina Siirala from Depart’s Eyes! A metaphorical journey into the darkness of two folks’s souls, confronting mortality and loss. Regardless of the darkness, it’s a name to get pleasure from life.
Torsten: Maybe probably the most melodic observe of our profession thus far, however it doesn’t characteristic 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 music 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 music 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 stay set.
From Hell
Andy: A really darkish observe that includes Alexander Krull from Depart’s Eyes and Atrocity. It explores inside battle, guilt, and the will for redemption. A battle between two souls trying to find a means out of their very own darkness.
Torsten: With virtually old-school rushing/thrashing instrumentation, “From Hell” might be the favourite of our traditionalist followers. Krull’s growls give the music the proper 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 music additionally provides the facility to vary.
Torsten: Class: Epic! The music 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 music about manipulation and the problem of getting one’s personal opinion in immediately’s world. We crawl by means of cracks as an alternative of strolling by means of doorways to keep away from attracting consideration.
Torsten: Usually named throughout the band as “our ’80s laborious rock observe” on Plague of Rats. Take heed to it and also you’ll know precisely what we imply. Garnished with mega-catchy vocal traces, it’d even be the key hit of the document!
Curtains Fall
Andy: A music about painful experiences shaping who we’re. It tells the story of somebody overcoming struggling and searching for justice. A strong lyrical twist that resonates with my very own journey.
Torsten: The right album nearer with every little thing that makes Brainstorm particular. Cool riffing, cool vocals, cool refrain! Hear & 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
