Get ready for a heavy metal treat as MASTERPLAN's highly anticipated album, "Metalmorphosis," finally has a release date! Mark your calendars for May 22, 2026, and prepare to be blown away by this epic musical journey. But here's where it gets intriguing... the band's former guitarist, Roland Grapow, has some interesting insights to share about this upcoming masterpiece.
In a recent interview, Grapow revealed that "Metalmorphosis" is a departure from their usual sound, taking them back to their roots with a harder edge. He explained, "I wanted to make it more direct, less progressive, and less commercial. It's about finding that balance between our signature sound and pushing the boundaries."
Grapow further elaborated on the album's title, "Metalmorphosis," saying it reflects their return to a more metal-oriented style while still incorporating their unique MASTERPLAN elements. He added, "We wanted to showcase our love for the genre and pay homage to our influences."
But here's the part most people miss... Grapow also addressed the band's label change, explaining how their longtime label, AFM Records, lost its personal touch after the owner's passing. He felt they became just another band in the roster, which led to a lack of interest in releasing new material. That's when Frontiers Music Srl stepped in, offering a fresh start and a passionate fan as their point of contact.
When asked about the musical direction of the new album, Grapow emphasized the importance of experimentation while staying true to their classic sound. He mentioned influences from his time in HELLOWEEN and his admiration for bands like RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE. "It's a melting pot of my musical heroes," he said. "I wanted to create something unique and exciting."
The album's first single, "Chase The Light," will be released on January 15, 2026, giving fans a taste of what's to come. With MASTERPLAN's signature guitar riffs and powerful vocals, this single is sure to ignite excitement among metal enthusiasts.
And this is the controversial bit... Grapow revealed that the album features a mix of progressive and metal elements, with some songs even drawing comparisons to HELLOWEEN. He admitted, "One song is very progressive and fast, almost like a HELLOWEEN track. But we wanted to keep it diverse and not limit ourselves to one style."
So, what do you think? Are you excited for MASTERPLAN's "Metalmorphosis"? Do you think they've struck the right balance between their classic sound and experimentation? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss this highly anticipated album!
