Brainstorm - Plague of Rats Review • Strah

“Plague of Rats” is a deep trip to 1990’s to Teutonic Metal music Brainstorm do here. As a matter of fact, this is very natural because the band’s roots lie back then – the band’s debut was in 1997 with “Hungry.” Here and there the band revives the Indian themes first presented on 2003’s “Soul Temptation” that marks the return to the band’s roots and fascination for Indian culture.

The exciting and turbulent, because it is full of movement, “Beyond Enemy Lines” was the natural choice to commence the album just before the cinematic “Intro,” a track with the most unexpected name ever. In the background, the dear fan might notice some very subtle Indian themes done with a keyboard. Although not fast as it would be expected, “Beyond Enemy Lines” is pungent with its midtempo guitar lines. The Indian themes get a little more prominent with an acoustic guitar solo around the first minute and half. It’s interesting to realize Brainstorm use these themes in order to spice up a little their music, I mean, they are there to give some mysterious mood to the music. Following track “Garuda (Eater of Snakes)” is faster and comprises better the aforementioned spirit of 1990’s Metal music with a strong chorus. Then comes “False Memories” that is opened with a very peculiar oriental theme. Here the band uses again the midtempo guitar riffing that gives the song a kind of peaceful mood. A kind of calm before the storm I must say. A highlight to “Your Soul That Lingers In Me” that features Elina Siirala for the change of pace with the vocal duo and the interesting guitar riffing.

With “Plague of Rats” Brainstorm make a return to their roots as the fast guitars and drumming of “Masquerade Conspiracy” showcases the fan. A honest album that honors a band’s career and inspiration proving that the loyalty to the roots always pays off.

Brainstorm “Plague of Rats” will be released on February 28th via Reigning Phoenix Music.

Track Listing:

1. Beyond Enemy Lines

2. Garuda (Eater of Snakes)

3. False Memories

4. The Shepherd Girl (Gitavoginda)

5. Your Soul That Lingers In Me (feat. Elina Siirala)

6. Masquerade Conspiracy

7. From Hell (feat. Alex Krull)

8. The Dark of Night

9. Crawling

10. Celebrate Youth