Masterplan - Masterplan (2003)

Masterplan was created by former Helloween guitarist and drummer (respectively), Roland Grapow and Uli Kusch. They also asked original Helloween vocalist Michaek Kiske to be a part of it, but he wasn't keen, although he does appear here on one track.
This debut is good, solid rock, with positive themes throughout, highlights including the opening "Spirit Never Die" (which sounds a bit AOR-like), "Kind Hearted Light", "Sail On" and "Into The Light". There are some haunting keyboards, and a strong vocalist in Jorn Lande.  I don't think it deserves all the high praise it's received over the years (and it has received a lot); it doesn't stand out all that much from many other groups of similar style, but it's certainly worth a listen.

***