Downburst by Brainstorm
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Release date : January 2008
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
Assembled almost two decades ago during 1989, Brainstorm's inaugural lineup consisted of guitarists Torsten Ihlenfeld and Milan Loncaric, whereas Dieter Bernert stepped behind the drumkit. Initial demo Hand of Doom emerged a year later in 1990, a foundation built upon with further demo material (1992's Heart of Hate and 1994's The Fifth Season respectively). Brainstorm didn't actually ink a record deal until 1997, unmistakable proof of their devotion towards the Heavy Metal genre. Lacking label support during an eight year tenure, relatively few outfits would retain sufficient faith to strive onwards. Their gruelling work ethic eventually reaped dividends though, a union with independent label B. O. Records giving birth to full length efforts Hungry (1997) and Unholy (1998). Signatures were committed to paper during 1999, that paper being a record contract with Metal Blade Records. The vocal strains of Andy B. Franck (holding a CV which can boast credits with Symphorce, and an erstwhile stint with Ivanhoe) figure amongst the Teutonic group's numerous Metal Blade releases, and it's these specific releases which have accrued considerable international acclaim. These worthy albums gave multiple reasons to undertake a weighty touring schedule, and cast a spotlight upon Brainstorm's live approach. Downburst comprises Brainstorm's first batch of fresh material since April 2005, April 2005 being the month that critically esteemed album Liquid Monster received global distribution. Behind the production desk were Sascha Paeth, and Miro. In its inaugural week of release, lead cut “Fire Walk With Me” immediately climbed to the top slot at the Hungarian singles charts. To celebrate Brainstorm's tenth year as recording artists, the albums Hungry and Unholy were re-released during 2007. Containing over five hours of footage, Brainstorm's first double DVD named Honey From The B's (Beasting Around The Bush) entered several DVD charts during the same year.
Whilst Downburst is indeed scarred by irritable nuances in some respects, it's admittedly both heartening and extremely surprising to hear a musical unit finally discover a winning blueprint after two decades in the Metal industry. If the methodically executed Power Metal leanings prevalent amongst Liquid Monster's tracks suit your particular tastes, then you'll unquestionably concede that Downburst is better equipped to whet that appetite. Largely mirroring its predecessor, Downburst can be crudely described as Liquid Monster undergoing the psychological trauma of steroid abuse. In comparison to Brainstorm's previous releases, both intensity and aggression are tuned up several more gears. Although a less friendly individual in its current guise (as the cover artwork suggests), the trademark melodic element, which the group has built a reputation upon, remains nevertheless. Downburst's brace of three opening compositions confidently sprint to a winning start, claiming an initial victory. Permanently enveloping itself over the listener's membrane tissue, “Falling Spiral Down” scratches and grates its claws against your psyche. “Fire Walk With Me” and “Stained With Sin” rapidly follow, undoubtedly verifying the claim that Brainstorm is gifted with the capabilities to author sublime numbers. Weighing the merits of the two songs collectively, the pair can be tersely described as grandiose, melodic Power Metal in its finest moments. Not only do they provoke the staunch urge to chant along to every lyric, the two tracks make you wish to throb your head up and down. In the vein of Metal adolescents from earlier years, it's difficult to resist the temptation of defiantly producing a pumping fist.
Midway into the album's leisurely stroll, the album's progress grinds to a shuddering halt. While much affection can be expressed towards Downburst's opening segments, Brainstorm fail to build upon these solid foundations. A string of pedestrian, middling tracks must take sole responsibility for these flaws, despite the fact you wouldn't necessarily switch them off. During repeated listens though, you'd likely skip through these uninspired numbers should the remote control be within your beckoning call. The Helloween-esque “Protect Me From Myself” saves Downburst's middle section from wholly losing the album's initial momentum, until that initial momentum is successfully restored courtesy of both the heavier “Frozen” and the anthemic stadium tune “All Alone” - the two songs which draw Downburst to a conclusion. Overall, this is Brainstorm’s finest work to date. Having said that, one cannot help but welcome the possibility that the German quintet has yet to pen their career defining body of work. Perfecting the musical blueprint defined by 2005's Liquid Monster, Downburst still takes only minimal measures towards venturing in new directions. Purists will find this effort quite to their liking, whereas those who hear Brainstorm's amazing potential will sincerely treasure it. All the while, both parties will hope Brainstorm's next full length arrives sooner than later.
