(Dynamic Arts) Total Time: 41:58
MASTERSTROKE is another band from Finland – the country that has as many bands as lakes. They got together in 2002 and after a few changes in their line up in which Arto Tissari (ex-Korpiklaani, Crystalic) – bass and Jari Tiura (Snakegod, Michael Schenker Group) – vocals were included. Their first album “Apocalypse” was released only in Japan and Russia and for that it never became popular in Europe, so it’s reasonable to say that I had no previous knowledge about the band.
“Sleep” is their second album and after the instrumental intro you have 9 songs of solid sound and the characteristics of what I call modern classic heavy metal. That consists of mostly rhythmic playing in the guitars, simple and discrete usage of keyboards, powerful solos, a little bit of double bass drumming but not in euro-power speeds and melodic vocal lines - all of it wrapped up with a powerful production to complete the package. Bands like Masterplan, Brainstorm and Mystic Prophecy could be good comparisons for this band and the style they represent since this Finnish group has something to say. The same thing that is MASTERSTROKE’s quality guarantor is the same that makes this release not to be a masterpiece. All songs flow in the same line and are based in the repetition of certain patterns. Catchy choruses, well played riffs and heavy atmosphere make this record easily enjoyable but not memorable for a certain moment of perfection. A track that would stand out and make you throw your fists in the air is lacking although all the songs are of high quality. That is mostly due to the excellent production that is an example for any band that plays this kind of music. It is heavy, solid, without exaggerations and gives each instrument a great place in the set.
MASTERSTROKE is not the next big thing as they are not the next failure wannabe metal heroes either. They have the sound, the production and the good intentions. They just need to give it a bigger push and exceed themselves in terms of songwriting. They are relatively young so that gives them all the time in the world to go further than “Sleep”, which is a rather good album in case you didn’t get it already…
