Brainstorm - Downburst
Released: January 25, 2008
Label: Metal Blade
Band Website:www.truemetal.org/brainstorm/

Review by Nathan Dufour

"Downburst" is my first foray into the world of all things Brainstorm, and as such I really was unsure what to expect. Shame on me for taking so long to actually sit and listen to the band, especially considering that a friend of mine is their webmaster! So, into the tray goes the disc, and once again, shame on me.

All I knew was that Brainstorm was power metal, and I like bands such as Blind Guardian and Manowar (go ahead, laugh heh), so I figured that I had a good idea of what to expect. Then again, I can always be wrong. Brainstorm is an anomaly in the power metal world; there are no dragons or orcs or any sort of pillage to be had in terms of lyrical grist. What follows though, is a dark and introspective rollercoaster through the mind of lead vocalist Andy B. Franck, all the while set to a very powerful score of sweeping riffs and seductive drums with cool, slick bass lines. Comparisons to a slightly lighter Nevermore would not be out of place when thinking of Brainstorm, but really they appear to stand on their own two feet and really carve out an individual sound and identity, no doubt helped by the samurai dude on the cover of the disc.

The entirety of "Downburst" is heads-down affair, with top tier guitarwork and overall execution and instrumentation. For the power metal form (I feel bad calling it power metal but can’t think of anything better without smashing genres together like a metal garbage disposal) Brainstorm are definitely worth the time to check out. Check them out alone, preferably, in headphones. "Downburst" is an experience, not just another album to add to the collection. Worthy of high praise. And again, shame on me for not listening sooner.

Visit Brainstorms official website: www.truemetal.org/brainstorm/