"Liquid Monster" is all in all a typical Brainstorm album with the usual characteristics - heavy, dense and intense songs with a thick guitar wall and pounding drums. Frontman Andy B. Franck, who as always sounds much better with Brainstorm than he does with his other band Symphorce, adds further to a positive result by providing his most powerful vocal performance to this date.

As I stated earlier on Brainstorm has a darker sound than most German colleagues but, as often is the case, there is always an exception to the rule. IN this particular case the exception is called "All Those Words", a slightly more upbeat quasi ballad which will surely be both hated and loved by many. I have listened to this album many times already but still can't decide what to think about that song. Speaking of ballads, the album features a real ballad as well called "Heavenly" with a mighty sing-along chorus. Unfortunately this is the lowest point of the album in my opinion and shows the least qualitative side of Brainstorm.

Despite one or two less fortunate steps sideways, "Liquid Monster" is an album that erases every trace of doubt you've ever had about German metal and it is easily one of the best albums released so far this year. If Jag Panzer, Nevermore and Iced Earth make you have wet dreams at night than you owe it to yourself to check out this band as well. 50 minutes of pure oral pleasure and satisfaction guaranteed.

written by Vincent Eldefors

Playing time: 51.23