Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: “Masterplan” stands as bit as a comeback for A Spell Inside as it’s their first new album since “Autopilot” (2014). The German formation set up in 1989 (!) by Michael Roeder (vocals, music) and Peter Kirchmeyer (music) strikes back with eleven new cuts.

Content: “Masterplan” is an album that will appeal to all lovers of electro-pop music. But A Spell Inside never has been what I would call a ‘Depeche Mode clone’ composing ‘classical’ electro-pop. They have this unique approach for mixing harder cuts driven by EBM-inspired bass lines together with pure electro-melancholia and dark reverie. “Masterplan” is a diversified piece of music, which has this power to now make you dance and then make you cry.

+ + + : I can’t really speak about a comeback, but I think it’s a damn good thing A Spell Inside has finally achieved this new opus. I can’t say “Masterplan” is the band’s best work to date, but I like it for its diversity and some potential hit songs. I’m referring to some of the most powerful cuts from the album, which are “Rise” and “Ballerina’s Poem”. Some of the tracks are empowered by guitar sounds adding this little extra boost.

– – – : As I already mentioned “Masterplan” is not what I would label as A Spell Inside’s most convincing and original work to date although it’s a mature and accomplished production.

Conclusion: “Masterplan” reflects the experience of A Spell Inside, which always remained in the shadow of greater German electro-pop bands, but always has had the merit to compose enjoyable music.

Best songs: “Rise”, “Ballerina’s Poem”, “Hundred Years” “Fehlermeldung”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.aspellinside.com / www.facebook.com/aspellinside.band

Label: www.darkdimensions.de /  www.facebook.com/pages/Dark–Dimensions–Label–Group/486014725206