Formed in 1989 by Torsten Ihlenfeld and Milan Loncaric on guitars and Dieter Bernert on drums, Brainstorm released their first demo 'Hand Of Doom' after one year of existence. Soon the tracks "Kings, Queens and Sins" and "Law" appeared on a compilation LP. After completing their line-up with bassist Andreas Mailänder, the band released the second demo 'Heart Of Hate' in 1992, which quickly gained cult status in the local metal scene. Initially unable to find a suitable singer, the band solved the problem when Marcus Jürgens joined the band, being named "Newcomers of the Month" by the German Rock Hard magazine with their third demo 'The Fifth Season', released in 1994. After releasing yet another demo and single tracks on compilations, the band signed their first recording contract in 1997.

HUNGRY (1997) B.O./IRS

I thought that this Brainstorm album, their first, would be quite hard to get. But I got lucky, and made a good trade with a dude in France (thanks Francois)! Brainstorm had grown to be one of my favorite bands, upon hearing 'Ambiguity' and 'Metus Mortis'. One of the main reasons for that, has to be their vocalist, Andy B.Franck. I was not expecting the same from Mr. Jürgens, and BOY was I surprised!! He has almost as good a voice, and almost no accent. Brainstorm establish high quality from the beginning, and although it escaped me, it must have made quite a sensation among power metal fans, when it first came out. There are of course some minor problems here and there, the band isn't interacting as good as on later releases, but it's just petty of me to go in to detail. Because first and foremost, this is a fiery power metal album. Complete with harmonic melody-lines, and excellent riffs! Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear, ex-Gamma Ray) sings duet with Marcus on "Mr. Know-it-all".

Killer tracks: Nail In My Hands, Innocent Until Caught, The Other Side

UNHOLY (1998) B.O./CONNECTED

One of the biggest holes in my collection is finally taken care of. "Unholy" was the second album from Brainstorm, and the last one featuring Marcus as their vocalist. (I wonder if he ever did anything after this band. He is an excellent singer!). And as I've grown accustomed to, this is yet another fine piece of power metal! It's impossible not to get hooked by most of these songs. I'm not sure what else to say, other than if you claim to love power metal, you owe it to yourself to buy this album!!

Killer tracks: Holy War, Voices, Don't Stop Believing, For The Love Of Money

AMBIGUITY (2000) METAL BLADE

I had heard "Tear Down The Walls" on a sampler somewhere, and thought it was great! So I bought the CD, and got instantly hooked. When the third song, "Beyond My Destiny", reached my ears I was just awestruck. This is one of the most beautiful power metal ballads ever! The orchestration, the vocal-arrangements, everything's perfect. And believe me when I say that the other songs aren't any worse either. 'Ambiguity' is one killer metal album, and climbs high of my top 20 list of 2000 releases.

Killer tracks: Crush Depth, Beyond My Destiny, Arena, Maharaja Palace

METUS MORTIS (2001) METAL BLADE (Limited Edition)

After a horrible intro, Brainstorm once again kick off! These German lads now show that they are a band to be reckoned with. Although they remind me a bit of Iced Earth here, they truly have their own trademark sound by now. This album equals 'Ambiguity' in being a killer record. It just screams HEAVY METAL from note 1! Brainstorm have with these 2 last albums become one of my favorite bands. I'm not sure if it is the harmony melody-lines, the killer riffs, or the neck breaking guitar-playing here and there, but Brainstorm RULES! Another MUST! This limited edition digi-pack includes a bonus track.

Killer tracks: Blind Suffering, Shadowland, Checkmate In Red, Hollow Hideaway, Under Lights

SOUL TEMPTATION (2003) METAL BLADE (CD/DVD)

Because this band have become one of my all time favorite band, it's safe to say that this album came with high expectations. And what a relief it is that it doesn't disappoint me one bit. Even after reading only positive reviews, I still am not let down. 'Soul Temptation' is everything I hoped it would be, and a worthy successor to both 'Metus Mortis' and 'Ambuigity'. Brainstorm have really put themselves on top of the heavy metal ladder with this release. The only negative thing about this album is the bonus track on this digi-pack version. "Amarillo" is a terrible cover of the Tony Christie hit, "Is This The Way To Amarillo". But not only do we get a new album, but also a live DVD. "This DVD contains NO f*#%ing overdubs! This is real... this is LIVE... this is BRAINSTORM!" And that about makes this one of the finest live offerings I've even watched. Just check out the set-list, then take a peak at my favorite tracks from 'Metus Mortis'. Almost uncanny..... Do yourself a favor; BUY!!!!!!!

Killer tracks: Highs Without Lows, The Leading, Shiva's Tears, Soul Temptation

ALL THOSE WORDS (2005) METAL BLADE (EP)

When an underground band starts to release singles it usually means that they are now selling bundles. That usually also leads to the record company assuming that they can sell even more, by releasing these "exclusive" CD's. Charts all over Europe are largely based on singles sales, so it is not that hard to understand why the record companies are trying to get their bands on those charts. However, in most cases that means to deliver a song that ultimately they hope will be played on the radio. And since metal isn't exactly considered radio-friendly these days, one usually pick one of the catchier and/or softer songs. Thus I actually dreaded what Metal Blade had come up with in this case, as Brainstorm have become one of my all time favorite bands. And to an extent it looks like they have come up with a song that they hope will cut the mustard. Nightwish have gathered a huge following lately, with their symphonic, bombastic and melodic power metal, with female vocals. "All Those Words" also incorporates a symphonic sound, and the addition of female vocals. But luckily it still sounds very much like Brainstorm!! Andy sounds amazing, and the music is still heavy! After only 2 spins, the song is stuck in my head, and I was headbanging along like crazy! Now I can't wait to hear the new album, as I know it must be awesome! The other tracks are decent too, but the title track is the best one. "Before The Dawn" is a Judas Priest cover tune.

LIQUID MONSTER (2005) METAL BLADE (Limited Edition w/DVD)

Ok, how many killer albums is it possible for a band to deliver before it starts to go downhill? Because Brainstorm are not showing any signs of weary yet, and this is their 6th album! 'Liquid Monster' is everything I hoped it would be, and then some! They have no problem taking my breath away this time around either. Just listen to the first 3 tracks on this album. If you are still sitting tight in the same spot after that, I am taking your pulse, because then you have to be at least tone deaf! In my case, I almost started to weep of joy, that is how good I think this album is. It's like re-affirming ones love for metal once again. This is the kind of stuff that makes my metal heart pump. Somewhere in between classic heavy metal and thrash metal, you find their power metal. Brainstorm continues to deliver riffs to die for, hooks that stick to your brain like glue, musicianship as effective as it is good, and a voice that almost no other vocalist can even touch! I know I'm letting the superlatives fly loosely here, but make no mistake about it, these guys deserve it! 'Liquid Monster' will be one album it is going to be hard to beat in 2005, and we are not even half way through yet. Watch it throne of the number 1 spot on my top 20 list of 2005 releases. The DVD that comes along with this Limited Edition contains a 25 minute home video, filmed by the band members. Not much to watch for us, but probably a cool vacation memory for themselves! You also get their rendition of the Judas Priest song, "Before The Dawn", which I already had on the 'All Those Words" EP. Oh, did I mention that Brainstorm RULE!?!

Killer tracks: Every single note on this album is perfect!

FIRE WALK WITH ME (2007) METAL BLADE (Single)
Fire Walk With Me (Single version) Breathe Words Are Coming Through (live) Painside (live) Fire Walk With Me (Firestarter mix)

A short single, released to promote the 'Downburst' album. 'Fire Walk With Me' is the closest thing to a commercial track on that album, so I understand the choice of single. But the "Firestarter mix" of the song is pointless. Techno and metal do NOT mix well!! The non-album track "Breathe" is the reason I bought this single, but I enjoy the 2 live tracks the most.

DOWNBURST (2008) METAL BLADE (Limited Edition)

Sans one bass-player, my favorite European real power metal band returns once again. I've instantly loved every single album this band have release so far, so this one should be a no-brainer too.

Thus imagine my shock when initial listens uncovered an album that left me lukewarm at best!! I simply couldn't believe that Brainstorm had managed to let me down! Fortunately though it seems that I am taking a little longer these days to really get into new albums. I'm not sure what it is, but many of the newer CD's I buy these days fail to impress me right away. So I have to patiently keep spinning them, and in most cases they open up to me after a while. And what an opening 'Downburst' gave me! Yes, this is yet another masterpiece from Andy and co. It might not be the best album they've released, as I've read so many reviews claim. But it is satisfyingly good nonetheless. This time they've changed things just slightly. I've already mentioned the bass-player going M.I.A. But this time they boys have used a different producer also. At first I dreaded what the fluffy producer team, Sascha Paeth and Miro had done to their sound. After all, they are more known for their take on the Euro-metal scene, with bands such as Avantasia, Rhapsody, Angra, Heaven's Gate etc. I've nothing bad to say about any of these bands, but I wasn't sure that this "style" would fit Brainstorm. Luckily they've not tried to create a similar sound for Brainstorm, but rather given them a "facelift", so to speak. The production is just a tad more modern, but don't expect anything all that different. In fact, it sounds fresh, and it really suits the band. The music is much the same, with Andy's distinct voice over Todde's catchy riffs. 'Downburst' is more back to the roots from the previous albums, that saw the band experiment a bit more. There are no epic tracks here, and no female guest vocals (which seems to be the new trend in metal these days). This is jut no holds barred Heavy Metal, capitol H and M! Brainstorm continue to deliver me the quality I expect, and 'Downburst' will throne high on my best of 2008 list!

My limited edition comes in a 3D-covered jakebox (a new patent where the actual CD is held in a paper "jaw" inside the digipak). The CD is also colored blood red, the booklet printed on glossy paper, and the album comes with 2 bonus tracks.

Killer tracks: Again, I love them all, but check out "Stained With Sin" and "End In Sorrow" to be blown away.

MEMORIAL ROOTS (2009) AFM RECORDS (Limited Edition Digipak)

I anxiously await every new release from Brainstorm, as they have become one of my all time favorite bands. They have yet to disappoint me. 'Memorial Roots', the bands 8th studio album even sports the best cover art they have use so far. The band has also moved from Metal Blade to AFM, and added a new bass player to their ranks.

However, you know that even your favorites fail to deliver perfect albums at one point in time. 'Memorial Roots' seems to be the album that confirms this rule for me. That is not to say that it is a bad album. It is just not as breathtaking as most of their past ones. Musically they have ventured a little away from their patented "German US power metal". Now they have more in common with their country brothers in Primal Fear, then say Iced Earth. A tad more melodic, but I wouldn't dare to call it commercial. But the fact is that for the first time I'm really noticing the keyboards on a Brainstorm album. And that was never the focus on any of my older favorites from them, although it was always there. This is what I dreaded the most having Sascha Paeth and Miro doing the production. I prefer my power metal to be powerful! I also find most of the songs to be too samey. I can't really tell them apart.

Now, I might seem a little bitter, and ever harsh. So I wanna make it clear that 'Memorial Roots' is by no means a disappointing release. It's just not as good as I had hoped for. So you'll still find some of the bands finest moments here, like the latter-day Iron Maiden-esq "The Conjunction of 7 Planets", and the beautiful "Nailed Down Dreams". The limited digipak edition comes with 2 bonus tracks. Both of these are actually better than some of the "regular" songs on the album. I just hope Brainstorm return to a more no-frills approach the next time around.

Killer tracks: The Conjunction Of 7 Planets, Nailed Down Dreams, Would You, Too Late To Deny

Related artists:

Symphorce, Metalium, Ivanhoe