German power metal act Brainstorm return with its fourteenth release and first album in four years, Plague of Rats. The album commences with an acoustic intro with some electronic effects, giving the brief track a bit of mystery. “Beyond Enemy Lines” is the first proper track with its baroque guitar intro, before blasting in to speed metal territory. Vocalist Andy Franck sounds eerily reminiscent of Jag Panzer frontman Harry Conklin at times, but this is more coincidence than anything. Dieter Bernert’s drumming does not relent on this track and pushes the song like a high speed locomotive. The guitar work is in top form as Milan Loncaric and Torsten Ihlenfeld throw out some high octane riffs and solos.
“Garuda (Enemy of Snakes)” showcases an Indian/Middle Eastern influence, which is fitting considering the song title; Garuda is the Hindu god of strength and vengeance. He is also the enemy of serpents, which explains the serpentine groove of the guitar riff. “False Memories” speeds things up again with a pummeling riff and Franck wailing “I never leave in sickness and tears.” There’s a sense of urgency on this track, as Franck wishes for a better world without violence and prejudice. “The Shepherd Girl (Gitavoginda)” is based on the Gita Govinda, a story about the love between Krishna and Radha. The bombastic drumming and Indian musical influences heightens the song’s theme of divine love.
Plague also features two guest appearances from the band Leaves’ Eyes. First, Elina Siirala on “Your Soul That Lingers In Me,” a mid-tempo track with a slight 80s vibe that allows Elina to shine. The Middle Eastern tinged guitar solo is another highlight. Second, Alex Krull lends his vocals on “From Hell”, and his death growls contrast with Franck’s clean singing. The combination works well as both vocalists sing over relentless bass drums. The guitar riffs are straightforward on this track, but the guitar leads flutter like birds over a furnace. Album closer “Curtains Fall” is a short, mid-tempo number with lumbering riffs and a catchy chorus.
Plague of Rats has very little, if any, filler and avoids lengthy songs. Most of the songs clock around four-and-a-half minutes, with “Dark Of Night” being the album’s longest track at five minutes. The songwriting is dynamic but showcases the band’s musicianship. However, Brainstorm could have explored the Indian theme a little more on “Garuda” and “The Shepherd Girl,” as it would heighten the story on both tracks. Seeb Leverman did a fine job producing the album, as it is loud, clear, and the guitars and bass have a strong bottom end.
Power metal and traditional metal fans will enjoy Plague of Rats. The vocals soar and the guitar work is incendiary at times, particularly when the band plays fast. It does not reinvent the wheel, but that is unnecessary as the album offers enough diverse songwriting and lyrical themes to entertain you for its 45-minute length. That’s well worth a plague of rats.
Check out the band’s website here: https://www.brainstorm-web.net/
