BRAINSTORM - Ambiguity
June 15, 2000, 24 years ago
(Metal Blade)
Previously known solely for contributing ex-vocalist Henning Basse to Metalium, the German power metallers finally have a domestic release. In the glut of traditional/progressive releases saturating the world's record stores, Ambiguity might be an accurate title. With a workmanlike efficiency their countrymen, in and out of music, pride themselves on, Brainstorm deliver eleven gritty, yet melodic tracks, under the direction of moonlighting Gamma Ray bassist-turned-producer, Dirk Schlachter, and mixed/mastered by technical metal's master of the moment, Sascha Paeth. The collection lacks a classic tune, one to suck the listener in for repeated listens. The slower paced, Eastern-tinged 'Maharaja Palace' breaks up the consistent formula, but it's still not a novel idea. 'Far Away' is the requisite ballad, a nearly a cappella piece, comprised solely of voice, string section and piano.
