Get ready for a metal metamorphosis! Roland Grapow, the legendary former Helloween guitarist, is shaking things up with Masterplan’s upcoming album, Metalmorphosis. But here’s where it gets controversial: Grapow admits he didn’t want to compromise on this record, opting for a harder, more direct sound that might just divide fans. Is this the bold move Masterplan needs, or a risky departure from their signature style? Let’s dive in.
In a candid interview with Brazil’s Todo Mundo Em Campo, Grapow revealed that Metalmorphosis, tentatively set for early 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl, has been five years in the making. ‘It’s finished already,’ he said, reflecting on the lengthy process. ‘The idea was to make it more direct, less progressive, and not too melodic—though I love melodies, don’t get me wrong. But this album isn’t about poppy, commercial vibes. It’s about going back to a harder direction, maybe one Masterplan never fully explored.’
And this is the part most people miss: While the album retains midtempo tracks and progressive elements, Grapow emphasizes its straightforward, no-compromise approach. ‘Maybe the next album will be even harder,’ he teased. ‘It depends on how people react.’
Grapow’s philosophy is clear: he hates repeating himself. ‘I’m not the kind of guy who likes to stay in one place,’ he explained. ‘I need to challenge myself, to see what I can do differently.’ This mindset extends to the lyrics, which are more critical than previous efforts, though still rooted in positivity. ‘It’s about addressing what’s going on in this crazy world,’ he added.
Speaking of changes, Grapow also addressed Masterplan’s label switch from AFM Records to Frontiers Music Srl. ‘With AFM, we felt like just one of hundreds after the owner passed away,’ he said. ‘Frontiers brings fresh wind—their guy is a huge fan of my work, and that kind of passion is what I need. It’s not just business; it’s about feeling supported.’
When asked about the album’s direction in an interview with Honduras’ Conexión, Grapow admitted it’s a blend of classic Masterplan and experimentation. ‘We’ve always pushed boundaries,’ he said, citing Time to Be King (2010) as an example. ‘This time, we’re mixing power metal with new elements, like prog influences and even a touch of Irish flair in one ballad. But we left out a couple of songs that felt too far off—one was almost like a Helloween track, and another was too happy for Masterplan.’
Here’s a bold question for you: Is Masterplan’s new direction a betrayal of their roots, or a necessary evolution? Grapow seems to think it’s the latter. ‘Everything I learned in Helloween still influences my guitar work,’ he said. ‘Masterplan is a modern take on that style, mixed with my heroes like Rainbow, Deep Purple, and even non-metal bands like Toto. It’s a melting pot of my influences.’
The album’s title, Metalmorphosis, reflects this return to metal roots while keeping proggy elements intact. ‘It’s more metal, less pop,’ Grapow summarized. ‘But we still have those nice melodies on every song.’
As for the creative process, Grapow and keyboardist Axel Mackenrott composed the music, with lyrics primarily written by Grapow himself. ‘It’s teamwork,’ he said, acknowledging contributions from guest writers. ‘And I think the result is pretty good.’
Looking back, Masterplan’s journey has been anything but linear. Their 2017 album, PumpKings, featured reworked Helloween tracks, while their 2015 live release, Keep Your Dream Alive, showcased their festival and tour highlights. But Metalmorphosis feels like a new chapter—one that’s unapologetically raw and unfiltered.
Final thought-provoking question: Can a band truly evolve without alienating their fanbase? Grapow seems to think so, but only time will tell. What’s your take? Are you ready for Masterplan’s Metalmorphosis, or do you prefer their earlier sound? Let’s debate in the comments!
