reviews: Gamma Ray (Germany)

Gamma Ray (Germany): Skeletons & Majesties Live (earMUSIC) For many people, Gamma Ray singer, guitarist and mastermind Kai Hansen is the grandfather of power metal as we know it: the combination of thrashy speed with traditional heavy metal melody, as developed by Helloween and then Gamma Ray. On this pretty honest, live double album, the Ray showcases songs that they usually do not play in concert. Here’s the “problem”: all Gamma Ray songs sound like hits. In other words, this is simply another collection of great songs. Of course, this album is for people who can’t enough Gamma Ray. This is live, beautiful mistakes and all, like the wrong lyrics and laughing on “A While in Dreamland”; the always-funny/intelligent “Money” from the 1990 Gamma Ray debut; and some cool acoustic versions; and some songs with guest Michael Kiske, always fun for both former Helloweeners to get together and jam. www.gammaray.org