Label: Reigning Phoenix Music
Release date: February 28th, 2025
Twenty-two years after they showed interest in Indian thematic on album “Soul Temptation” (Metal Blade Records), Brainstorm is back to their passion. But this time more obvious if we are talking about the album cover at least. Shiva, the main Lord in Hinduism, in the vision of Gyula Havanczák perfectly symbolizes transformation, destruction and harmony.
With oriental intro Brainstorm are opening the door of the realm of Indian culture continuing with “Garuda”, a song dedicated to divine eagle-like sun bird and the king of birds. Well balanced oriental sound with powerful heavy metal is followed by the video that was released as an announcement of an album in December 2024. Brainstorm are masters of earworm choruses, so this time they did not fail too. Once you hear:
“Garuda – bringer of heaven
Garuda – enlighten the night
Garuda – three-headed bird watching all sides…”
it would be hard to get rid of it. Changing the pronunciation of Garuda is a brilliant idea. Powerful bird, powerful song…
The next one, “False Memories”, is pure Brainstorm pearl. From the very first riff you simply know which band stands behind the song. Not just that you will recognize Brainstorm’s wibe, but you will recognize who is hiding behind the album production. Flawless cooperation shows once again that a winning team should not be changed. Drum section nails, guitar solos speak for themselves, great rhythm and speed tempo will simply blow your mind…
“The Shepherd Girl” is inspired by Gitagovinda, a Sanskrit poem written in the 12th century. It describes the love affair between the Hindu god Krishna, his companion Radha and the Gopis (shepherd girls). Same as Gitagovinda plays with mysticism and erotism, the band managed to transfer that atmosphere in the XXI century through heavy metal (mysticism throughout traditional Indian instruments and eroticism in vocal interpretation and rhythm).
“Your Soul that Lingers in Me” with slight whisper reveals hints at something magnificent and that magnificent is a successful collaboration with Elina Siirala (Leaves’ Eyes). Her soprano is in the contrast of Andy’s vocals and with addition of slightly growl in the background perfectly depict the emotions woven into lyrics.
“Masquerade Conspiracy” brings back the power, Dieter Bernert drums with all his strength as if it were the last day of life on the planet. Perfect timing for a bit more brutal sound before Brainstorm introduces another guest, Alexander Krull. To be honest, if I didn’t know who was singing, I would hesitate between Tim “Tetzel” Schmidt and Alex Krull. In any case, very interesting cooperation and absolutely expected, because Brainstorm spoiled the fans with guest appearances (Seeb on “Turn off the Light” or Peavy Wagner “Escape the Silence”). In “From Hell” once again you will clearly recognise the production, and here Krull will add depth and bit of brutality to spice the album.
“The Dark of Night” delivers beautiful harmony and emotion for all those who advocate the theory that a metal album is not good without ballads, this is the closest thing to a ballad you will get on this album from Brainstorm. “Crawling” is the next single, launched on album release day as an announcement of an upcoming tour. The song continues at the same pace, and if you haven’t realised by now, Brainstorm have no shortage of harmonies, beautiful melodies, catchy choruses and I must note that they have perfect metrics.
“The Curtains Fall” stands out with its chorus and although judged by the song title you might expect it is the last song on the album, wait a bit… They saved the best for last! “Beyond Enemy Lies” was released as the second single in January 2025, and here is more than obvious, especially when it comes to the chorus, that once again, Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann did a great job not just in this song but in overall production not on this album but as long as their cooperation lasts. This is a song about friendship, two individuals divided on two sides of war, different attitudes and perspectives. It is a very tense song filled with emotions, ups and downs and inner conflicts.
What you can notice when it comes to Brainstorm is that by persistently repeating the choruses they simply want to hypnotize the fans. Just remember for example “Ravenous Minds”. Here, that repetitive, hypnotizing moment you have in “Garuda” or “Beyond Enemy Lies” for example and instantly you know you have an anthemic song. Speaking of anthemic… In their almost 40 years long career, Brainstorm had a lot of not just anthemic songs, but albums and somehow, they remained one of the most underrated bands. Brainstorm is a band that, with its persistent work, quality lyrics and music, who developed a distinctive and unique sound (although many compare them with “bigger” names, which I strongly disagree with) and above all with its dedication and passion, not only for music but also for its fans, deserved to finally come out of the shadows.
