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BRAINSTORM
Scary Creatures
2016 AFM Records

BRAINSTORM is one of the most consistent power metal bands in the world. Scary Creatures (the band’s follow-up to 2014’s excellent Firesoul) marks the band’s 11th studio release, (their fourth for the AFM label), and is set to be released January 15th in Europe and February 5th in the U.S.

BRAINSTORM is fronted by vocalist Andy B. Franck, possessor of a unique and powerful voice, with an impressive range and emotional quality that suits the band perfectly. The band explores the darker spectrum of power metal, with lyrical themes that are typically tales of human struggles, mind over matter, and life vs. death.

Overall, Scary Creatures seems to be a bit more focused than Firesoul, with all five members playing their best and contributing awesome backing vocals. The album begins with “The World To See”, a track with a brief intro that eventually erupts into the trademark pummeling double bass and riffing the band are known for. The huge chorus is also a BRAINSTORM trademark. This was the first track from the album to get a video, which was also well done. “How Much Can You Take” is an instant classic BRAINSTORM track, with its gang-style backing vocals. Guitarists Torsten Ihlenfeld and Milan Loncaric lay down some inventive riffs and solos on this track as well as follow up track “We Are…”, which was the second song to get a video. Another great choice, as this is one of the best songs on the album. Bassist Antonio Ieva also shows off on this track. The soaring chorus is a real winner, and I like the verses even more. Dieter Bernert’s precision double bass, fills, and cymbal work are on full display here, especially in the last section of the song. “Where Angels Dream” begins with a blistering riff and solo. This fast-paced track is another standout song on the album, which will undoubtedly induce headbanging in fans.

Things slow down slightly with the pulsing title track, but Bernert keeps the tempo up with his double bass drumming. This track has a satisfying chorus. “Twisted Ways” is another of my favorite songs on the album, a fairly fast-paced melodic tune with a grinding guitar riff, an uplifting bridge and soaring chorus from Franck. I’m also a fan of the tracks “Caressed By The Blackness” and “Scars In Your Eyes”. “Take Me To The Never” is a bit more anthemic and features a good riff. The album ends with “Sky Among The Clouds”, which is pretty good. There is really not a bad song on this album. There are 10 tracks total, clocking in around 50 minutes. There is a bonus track for the album titled “Lift Your Eyes To See”. Production is very good and the album sounds fantastic. Cover artwork is once again excellent. More people should know about BRAINSTORM, and hopefully this album will gain the band more exposure.

Scary Creatures is yet another high quality release from BRAINSTORM. The band has never released a bad album, and Scary Creatures keeps the streak alive. Scary Creatures will be available as: CD, CD/DVD Digipak (the bonus DVD contains a live performance at Essen, Germany in 2014), Ltd. golden vinyl and also as a special box set which includes a sculpture of the album’s cover artwork.

4.8 Out Of 5.0

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