I have to lay it out to you; the last album of BRAINSTORM that I can truly declare that it had my utmost attention was "Liquid Monster" of 2005. Although I knew the band's earlier releases, especially "Hungry" and "Ambiguity", that now almost seven year old album gripped me tight. I actually found a new version of BRAINSTORM that had much depth, maturity, striking sound and an amazing somewhat diverse Metal direction. The last few releases of BRAINSTORM crossed my mind from time to time but not as "Liquid Monster" once did. As their new "On The Spur Of The Moment" came to light, I knew I had to commit myself to it in the same level of depth I gave to "Liquid Monster".

First of all, I have always found BRAINSTORM to be one of the mightiest bands in German Metal. I can easily place them on the same line PRIMAL FEAR, GAMMA RAY, HELLOWEEN and SINNER among others, even though they changed a bit as time passed. The way I see it, BRAINSTORM has always been underrated in comparison to the other veterans I mentioned. "On The Spur Of The Moment", via AFM Records, is yet another display of power but as on the band's later albums since "Liquid Monster", with elegance.

On the production end worked one of the band's fans, Axel Heckert. In overall, I was pleased of his work but I can't say that his doings were to perfection. Over and over, especially half middle of the album, the bass or guitars' channels seemed to have too much gain thus causing a few disturbances while listening. Nevertheless, Heckert continued the same sound pattern that BRAINSTORM has been saving for years.

BRAINSTORM used to charge with aggressive Power Metal notes alongside thrashy onslaughts as were seen on their first releases. However, over the years they changed their direction a bit, while consuming modernity under their wing, and approached Power Metal from different angles. Don't get me wrong, they are still heavy and "On The Spur Of The Moment" will prove that but it seemed that throughout every album recorded BRAINSTORM has been getting in touch with emotional elements more than often. When I heard one of the hit songs of this here album, "In These Walls", it actually sent me back seven years back to their 2005's hit, and single, "All Those Words". The same aura caressed the riffs and the amazing vocal rhythm of Franck. Not only that this song was affecting, it shared strong similarities to later EVERGREY works, especially when it came down to the harmony between low toned guitars and atmospheric keyboards.

On the other hand, BRAINSTORM has never forgotten their Metal roots as they shared their appreciation, even not in full form, to 80s Metal. "No Saint - No Sinner" was a true bombastic Heavy Metal track. It was as if its creators read my mind while playing those riffs or singing such a wonderful vocal melodies. I see this track as a part of the new age BRAINSTORM. Maturity is not just about emotions, it is also about knowing how to channel classic formula. Boy did they do that with this song.

Between those two tracks, which served as tow antithesis to each other, at least from my end, "On The Spur Of The Moment"had more tracks that stood well in the front line. Tracks as "Below the Line", "In the Blink of an Eye", "Still Insane" and the final anthem of "My Own Hell" displayed how BRAINSTORM has been progressing all those years. In general, I liked what I heard here on "On The Spur Of The Moment", this image of BRAINSTORM is very attractive and I believe that they should finally get the recognition they so deserve.