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Long player number six from this promising German band. "Promising" is the key word here as even after six dang albums, these guys are still nothing more than a "promising" band. They seem incapable of delivering an album that remains consistent all the way through. I am going to be extremely generous and bail out on giving this album a rating as I'm sure there are going to be power metal freaks that are going to go wet over "Liquid Monster". Just a personal preference, as I expected a heavier and thrashier Brainstorm than this.

Just like EVERY single Brainstorm album released to date, this album features some ultra-cool and infectious stompers as well as generic, boring and 'been-there-done-that' type of songs. "Liquid Monster" opens with a roar, and the follower "Inside The Monster" is without a doubt the best song I've heard all year so far. It is straight up Angel Dust worship and if someone were to sneak this song in on Angel Dust's "Of Human Bondage" album, nobody would even know the difference because the vocalist almost flawlessly pulls off a Dirk Thurisch imitation. Killer melodies, chorus and grating riffs: an all round pleaser. A few other tracks flow in the same vein but not quite at that level of perfection. But then there are useless and highly predictable, instantly forgettable tracks on the menu as well. I just don't get it. And all in all, this album is more of a disappointment than a pleaser for me, despite the 2-3 great numbers on it. The crunchy and aggressive songs are far outnumbered by the flowery and generic ones. So if you like typical power metal, then this album will give you what you crave and then a little more. For anyone else who prefers the heavier end of the spectrum "Liquid Monster" will only tease you with a few songs and return to the basic ingredients.

One Line Review: Straight up, generic power metal fans will love this. Everyone else can steer clear.