In the grand scheme of things, this band would best be described as a metal "super group". You take guitarist Kai Hansen (Helloween circa early 80's) who uses some guys from early Holy Moses, Uli Jon Roth band, and Drivin' Force to form this incredible band. These veteran rockers who make up Gamma Ray released their first record in 1990. (There have also been some line-up changes since then as well).
The first song "Avalon" slides in with some ocean sounds that leads into some nice arpeggios. You might think it's mellow, but it reverts well between mid-tempo and heavy. Its 9 1/2 minutes of superb song-writing with operatic backing vocals, a trick ending, killer guitar solos and old school metal vocals - just like old times! Heavy hitters "Hellbent" and "Pale Rider" bring some ear-splitting sensations. This sound like everyone's pissed at each other! Thick tones, speed and singing that evoke terror.
"Born to Fly" is melodic and a little mellow, but maintains interest and is a strong song within itself. "Master of Confusion" picks up the pace again and has a Billy Idol feel. Totally digging this track! The title track shows the Helloween influence. "Empire of the Undead" showcases the metal triple threat of "Speed, heaviness and angst".
Have you ever heard Nazareth's "Love Hurts"? If you have, you know just how slow it is. Then you get "Time for Deliverance" which slams on the breaks here. I'm waiting for the children's choir to kick in, but I think they took the wrong turn in Albuquerque. Then like a horror movie, "Demonseed" comes slashing with a deep tone death-march chord progression. You'll circle your room on this one. "Seven" and "I will Return" give us some old time thrash - break-neck rhythm section and double picking on the guitar.
Closing off this well put together record is "Built a World". Sweet bass riffs all over the place. Yeah, this one is my personal fave. It is a bonus track so make sure the disc you get is the import if you want this song...trust me, you want this tune. It also comes with a DVD for around 34 bucks on amazon.
This is such a well-rounded record. Old school sound done by frontier veteran metal heads who know what metal should sound like. Every song is clean, clear, rippin' and heavy...(with the exception of "Time for Deliverance")...it's a sleeper for me...
Other than that, the vocals are GNARLY! The rhythm section is thunderous and the guitars are nonexistent..(haha! fooled ya!) Awesome ax-work. Guitar solos galore. Gamma Ray keeps the fire of that spooky- eerie sounding metal I grew up with. (Metal Church, Helloween, Death Angel, etc).
Dollars for donuts, I give GR's "Empire of theUndead" a living 9! Don't forget to check out their site for a bit of metal history reading. You can stomach a little history, can't ya?
Tim Duran, HMS
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