Brainstorm is a German power/heavy metal band that has been around in various incarnations since the late eighties, yet released their debut in 1997. Despite having nine full lengths under their belt, as well as the astonishing Andy B. Franck (also of power metal band Symphorce,) the band has only just come into my radar, and I am glad they did. Their newest full-length album On the Spur of the Moment is a chest thumping, head banging, high quality slab of heavy power metal that, while totally lacking in originality, fans of the genre will adore.

The album begins with “Below the Line,” an astoundingly catchy introduction to the band’s surprisingly dark brand of power metal. Where a lot of their German contemporaries go for the upbeat, sing-along power metal that is to this day bursting out of every pour of the country, Brainstorm has a slightly edgier, grittier sound. Vocalist Andy Franck is definitely the highlight of the band, and his range and delivery would not be unfairly compared to Bruce Dickinson, with a stronger emphasis on slow build, chanting style choruses, as seen on the follow-up “Blink of An Eye.” The next piece “Temple of Stone” is a more traditional, Judas Priest styled short, balls out heavy metal song, with a memorable chorus that need only be heard once before it is forever engrained into the listener.

“In these Walls” begins with a slight progressive drum/guitar intro before segueing into an awesome breakdown and melodic keyboard passage. Franck particularly shines on this one, and guitarist Cedrick Dupont really kills it with some emotive playing. “Still Insane” has some killer lead guitar and a nice driving groove to back up a pseudo-glam feeling track. “Dark Life” could be a track from any number of German power metal bands of the 80’s, and while it doesn’t particularly stand out from the pack, it’s got some decent riffs and a nice crowd inclusive chorus. “No Sinner, No Saint” begins with a pleasing acoustic guitar introduction that transitions into a solid track with yet more gorgeous, well crafted vocal melodies. “Where Your Life Leads You” is a punky shredfest with influences galore that would not sound out of place on a late 80’s German thrash album, with some great dual guitar work towards the mid point.

“A Life On Hold” channels the spirit of Painkiller era Priest, and as a quick draw heavy metal song with an even catchier chorus than said influence, really stands out as one of the better songs on display. “My Own Hell” is the album’s epic, and has some truly emotional guitar playing and an increased emphasis on powerful rhythms and increased keyboard prevalence. Franck spends a bit of time stretching his voice to a distinctly Russell Allen-esque gritty sound, and it works wonders for displaying his multi-faceted talents.  “This Pain is Mine” is a pretty generic little ditty that’s only real distinction is the use of pseudo growls throughout.

The album closer “The Heartless Spawn of Seed” throws the listener a bit of a curve ball, with some borderline tech-death lead guitar riffs overlaying what is by far the heaviest, darkest riffs on the album. Things slow down towards the latter half, and the proceedings fade to sound of thundering drums. Production wise this is a pretty pleasing release, with well mixed, powerful vocals, tastefully applied synth, cracking percussion and balanced guitars. As is becoming a rather disgusting trend in modern music, the loudness of the entire mix tends to drown out the bass guitar, and this is no exception. When all is said and done, this is an effective, powerful album of quality heavy metal songs with good replay value.