Creating a buzz in the music world, the highly anticipated new album from MASTERPLAN, titled 'Metalmorphosis,' finally has a confirmed official release date—and it's set for May 22, 2026, through Frontiers Music Srl. And there's more exciting news: the album's debut single, 'Chase The Light,' is scheduled to drop on January 15, 2026. But here's where it gets controversial... this album represents a significant stylistic shift for the band, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how it will be received.
In a recent interview with Brazil's Todo Mundo Em Campo, veteran guitarist Roland Grapow from HELLOWEEN shared insights into the making of 'Metalmorphosis.' He revealed that the album is already completed, hinting that it's been a long journey—beginning around five years ago. Grapow explained that his vision for this record was to craft something more straightforward, steering away from overly progressive or melodic elements commonly associated with the band’s earlier work. Instead, he aimed for a harder, more direct metal sound—hence the album’s name, 'Metalmorphosis.' He mentioned that while the band still maintains some of their signature midtempo tracks and progressive touches, this new release is more aggressive and stripped-down. Grapow expressed an openness to future experimentation, teasing that the next record might lean even further into a heavier direction, depending on audience response.
He also emphasized that this creative evolution was a natural progression. Grapow underlined his dislike for repeating himself musically, stating, 'If I made the same album repeatedly, I’d feel unfulfilled.' He enjoys challenging himself and exploring new musical territory. Lyrically, the album is more critical and reflective of current world issues, without losing the positive, resilient outlook that defines the band’s mindset. This mixture of hope and critique is what makes the album not just sonically diverse but also thematically relevant.
Back in October, Grapow also mentioned that three music videos have already been filmed in support of 'Metalmorphosis,' highlighting the promotional efforts underway.
Regarding the album's thematic direction, Grapow explained that the title stems from a desire to reconnect with pure metal influences—returning to their roots, yet incorporating progressive elements and classic MASTERPLAN sounds. This approach reflects a conscious decision to avoid poppier, more commercial tracks, favoring a balanced yet heavy sound rich with melody and strength.
Grapow addressed the band's switch from longtime label AFM Records to Frontiers Music Srl. He recounted that their relationship with AFM was initially fantastic, driven by the label’s passionate owner, Andy Allendörfer, who was a dedicated fan of MASTERPLAN. Sadly, after Andy’s passing and subsequent changes within AFM, support waned, and the band felt sidelined, leading to a lack of new releases and a focus on studio work for other projects. The move to Frontiers brought new energy, attention, and enthusiasm. Grapow expressed satisfaction with how the new label’s team, especially the individual handling their account, clearly appreciates the band and its music—something he values highly.
In a discussion with Honduras’s Conexión radio station, Grapow elaborated on the band's approach to balancing their signature sound with experimentation. While committed to maintaining their core musical identity—a style that blends elements from HELLOWEEN, Rainbow, Deep Purple, and even non-metal bands like Foreigner or Toto—he also enjoys incorporating new ideas. He highlighted how previous albums, like 'Time To Be King' (2010), showcased heavier and more experimental sounds, but this time around, they are aiming for a return to their metal roots with subtle modern touches. Grapow also mentioned that every song on the upcoming album will have a distinct vibe, avoiding monotony—believing that a collection of 10 diverse tracks is more engaging than a homogeneous set.
He continued to reveal that much of the album’s music was composed by Axel Mackenrott and himself, with lyrics contributed by himself for most songs and one song featuring lyrics from the band’s singer, Rick Altzi. The creative process was a true team effort, involving collaborations with guest writers from Slovakia and Sweden.
Looking back at his past work with HELLOWEEN, Grapow noted that his guitar and arrangement style heavily influence his work with MASTERPLAN. The band’s sound is a modern evolution of HELLOWEEN, infused with classic rock and progressive nuances inspired by iconic artists like RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE, and '80s favorites like Toto. His admiration for Steve Lukather’s guitar work is evident—Grapow admits he emulates many of his idols in his playing, blending their influences into his own distinctive style.
Earlier in 2025, Grapow discussed the musical trajectory of the new MASTERPLAN material, emphasizing that although they aim to stay true to their roots, experimenting with faster, more progressive elements keeps their sound fresh. He stressed that musically, they cannot or do not want to stick to just one style like AC/DC; instead, they prefer to explore and incorporate various influences, which keeps their music dynamic and personal.
Historically, MASTERPLAN's discography includes a 2017 album, 'PumpKings,' a collection of reworked HELLOWEEN classics, paying tribute to the band’s roots. Their first official concert release, 'Keep Your Dream aLive,' came out in October 2015, showcasing live performances from festivals like Masters of Rock and Wacken Open Air, along with footage from their Asian tour and other notable shows.
Their latest studio album filled with original material, 'Novum Initium,' was released in June 2013 via AFM Records. The band also released a single, 'Rise Again,' earlier in 2024, further fueling anticipation for their upcoming projects.
So remember, as MASTERPLAN continues to evolve and experiment, the real question remains—do you believe their new direction will strengthen their legacy, or do you think they risk losing their essence? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
