(Reigning Phoenix Music)
Rating: 8.0
Old friends and BW&BK 6-Pack Weekend alumni, Brainstorm have returned, with album #14, the first since the pandemic casualty Wall Of Skulls, which never received a proper promotional push (or tour) given the pall hanging over the planet, back in 2021.
To say the guys are eager for Plague Of Rats to greet listeners’ ears (on home stereos and onstage) is an understatement. Thankfully they’ve delivered another winning disc, with a couple of surprise vocal guests.
In some respects, Rats revisits the past, opting for sounds and inspiration from Indian culture. That dates back to “Shiva’s Tears” off Soul Temptation. Just take a look at the colorful album artwork this time around. Other moments are not as blatant, sneaking in a riff or two here and there (witness: “Your Soul That Lingers In Me”, which also showcases Leaves’ Eyes’ Elina Siirala, trading lyrics with Brainstorm mainstay Andy B. Franck).
Following a 76 seconds jangly soundscape, lively anthem “Beyond Enemy Lines” sets the table for the forthcoming aural banquet. The next course served up is the mid-tempo, pre-release single, “Garuda (Eater Of Snakes)”, which slithers along, slower an grittier (dirtier?) than its predecessor. It’s washed down with a tasty “False Memories”. More aggressive, it nestles into territory akin to the best moments of Liquid Monster, two decades ago (has it really been that long? Wow!). Great stuff.
Eastern rhythms and instrumentation introduce “The Shepherd Girl (Gitavoginda)”, otherwise pure sing-along Brainstorm. After appearing on “Turn Off The Light” (from the last record), Brainstorm decided to employ Seeb Levermann as producer this time around.
The younger, Orden Ogan mastermind captured the Storm’s live fire, particularly on the speedier and heavier material, ala “Masquerade Conspiracy”. There’s a second Leaves’ Eyes connection (by way of Atrocity), thanks to the bellowing throat of Alex Krull, counterpoint to Franck’s higher register, on a hammering “From Hell”.
“The Dark Of Night” is a mid-tempo gem. Big keyboard bounce to “Crawling” and snippets of acoustic guitar. Appropriately entitled “Curtains Fall” closes the album, devoid of any ballads or outright mellow inclusions.
Get it, no questions asked. The CD is scheduled to include an exclusive rendition of Rick Springfield’s “Celebrate Youth”.
Release date: February 28th, 2025
Source: bravewords.com
