Together for 35 years, German power metal stalwarts Brainstorm are back in action with album number 14, Plague of Rats, 11 tracks of trad metal accented with Indian flourishes. The quintet—Andy B. Franck (vocals), Torsten Ihlenfeld (guitar), Milan Loncaric (guitar), Dieter Bernert (drums), Jim Ramses (bass)— are in top form on their debut for new label Reigning Phoenix Music, which is set for release on February 28. We offered the band the opportunity to take us track by track through its latest offering, which you can order here. (Also check out some European tour dates at the end.)
Beyond Enemy Lines
Andy: A song that deals with a little of the current issues in our world. The text is a lament that speaks of deep emotional injuries and the loss of hope in a military conflict. A toxic relationship between former friends who are now on opposite sides of the war. The supposed affection is full of deceit and betrayal and ultimately causes pain. Both sides want a change, an escape from this painful situation. The “enemy lines” symbolize the separation that needs to be overcome.
Torsten: The song starts with a beautiful melody solo opening that is directly adapted from the guitar riff, followed by a delicate verse, a pre-chorus with powerful guitars, and a MEGA chorus that immediately gets stuck in your head. For me, this is the best uptempo song in the band’s history so far and the perfect album opener.
Garuda (Eater of Snakes)
Andy: Our first single. In Indian mythology, Garuda is a snake-killing, half-human, half-eagle mount of Vishnu. The wings symbolize freedom, power, and the ability to reach the highest spheres. The fight against the snake represents the eternal battle between good and evil… and he just eats her, haha…
Torsten: From the opening riff onwards, “Garuda” breathes the Brainstorm Eastern Influences DNA, an important trademark in the Brainstorm sound. In combination with the album cover as a visual counterpart, the song rolls into the ear canals in terms of sound and riffs, massive and unstoppable like lava. Andy’s vocal lines complement the whole thing perfectly, almost hypnotically.
False Memories
Andy: A psychological text… a search for identity and meaning. Our character seems trapped in an inner turmoil that prevents him from moving forward. The past is marked by lies and memories that have changed over time. Despite all the darkness, there is a spark of hope for a better future.
Torsten: An uptempo track like “False Memories” belongs on a Brainstorm record like the amen in church. Fast, two-voiced guitars, driving double bass drums, and endless harmonies. From the first idea, it was clear that this song had to be on the album.
The Shepherd Girl (Gitagovinda)
Andy: A Sanskrit poem from the 12th century that describes the love relationship between Krishna and Radha. A text full of deep melancholy and despair, but also a mirror of a soul’s deepest hopes and longings.
Torsten: One of the most beautiful and coherent tracks we have ever written. A mega-melodic riff with a fabulous vocal melody, a steadily increasing verse, and a powerful chorus. Musically and thematically, it also lives from the Eastern Brainstorm DNA!
Your Soul That Lingers in Me
Andy: One of my favorite tracks… singing alongside Elina Siirala from Leave’s Eyes! A metaphorical journey into the darkness of two people’s souls, confronting mortality and loss. Despite the darkness, it is a call to enjoy life.
Torsten: Perhaps the most melodic track of our career so far, but it does not feature any clean or acoustic guitars. The vocal lines lie majestically over the chords, and the chorus is a real firework of melodies. As a duet with female vocals, the song unfolds into a real gem!
Masquerade Conspiracy
Andy: A critique of our society, which is characterized by intrigue, abuse of power, and disinformation. The “masquerade” represents a false facade hiding corruption. The song seeks a true identity and truth.
Torsten: Musically, the challenge was to combine thrashy riffing in the verse, a “melo-death” pre-chorus, and “Viking-inspired” riffing in the chorus. The result is brilliant and so much fun to play, it could even make it into the live set.
From Hell
Andy: A very dark track featuring Alexander Krull from Leave’s Eyes and Atrocity. It explores inner conflict, guilt, and the desire for redemption. A battle between two souls searching for a way out of their own darkness.
Torsten: With almost old-school speeding/thrashing instrumentation, “From Hell” is probably the favorite of our traditionalist fans. Krull’s growls give the song the perfect spice and work fantastically as a counterpart to Andy’s singing.
The Dark of Night
Andy: A metaphor for the battle between love and hate, hope and despair. It raises existential questions about life, evil, and human nature. Despite the feeling of hopelessness, the song also gives the power to change.
Torsten: Category: Epic! The song starts with the chorus riff and the accompanying melody as a double guitar lead. In good company with songs like “Solitude” or “In These Walls”!
Crawling
Andy: A song about manipulation and the difficulty of having one’s own opinion in today’s world. We crawl through cracks instead of walking through doors to avoid attracting attention.
Torsten: Generally named within the band as “our ’80s hard rock track” on Plague of Rats. Listen to it and you’ll know exactly what we mean. Garnished with mega-catchy vocal lines, it might even be the secret hit of the record!
Curtains Fall
Andy: A song about painful experiences shaping who we are. It tells the story of someone overcoming suffering and seeking justice. A powerful lyrical twist that resonates with my own journey.
Torsten: The perfect album closer with everything that makes Brainstorm special. Cool riffing, cool vocals, cool chorus! Listen & repeat!
European Tour Dates:
February 27, 2025 – DE – Aschaffenburg
February 28, 2025 – CH – Solothurn
March 1, 2025 – DE – Essen
March 2, 2025 – DE – Mannheim
March 3, 2025 – DE – Munich
March 4, 2025 – DE – Hamburg
March 5, 2025 – DE – Hannover
March 6, 2025 – DE – Stuttgart