GAMMA RAY – Skeletons & Majesties

Power Metal legend Kai Hansen and his band Gamma Ray are back with an EP collection of songs to bring their past alive once again. Skeletons & Majesties contains seven tracks of re-created Gamma Ray classics. Just like any other Gamma Ray album, the purpose of this album is simply to have fun, and also gives fans a taste of what is in store for the coming months.

The album is set up into three sections: Skeletons, Majesties, and Bonus Tracks. The first two tracks comprise the Skeletons section, and are newly recorded versions of the songs “Hold Your Ground” (from the Heading For Tomorrow album), and “Brothers” (from the Insanity And Genius album). Both of these tracks are rarely, if ever, played live and Hansen is now able to provide the opportunity to give fans a new spin on songs that were previously recorded with Ralf Scheepers on vocals.

The Majesties section of the album also contains two more re-recorded versions of previous releases. This time, however, the songs are acoustic versions of “Send Me A Sign” (from the Power Plant album) and the epic “Rebellion In Dreamland” (from the Land Of The Free album). Both of these tracks are more popular fan favorites, and Hansen does an outstanding job of giving these tracks a completely new identity in the acoustic form … especially the transformation of “Send Me A Sign”, with its catchy and sublime melody, is an instant hit.

The three Bonus tracks on the album are “Wannabees” (which is a rare track only released on a special version of To The Metal!), an extended version of the re-recorded “Brothers”, and a karaoke acoustic version of “Rebellion In Dreamland”. Other than “Wannabees”, the other two songs could have been easily left out. However, true to Hansen’s humorous and satirical style, he is able to reach out to his fans by having an on-line karaoke contest for the song “Rebellion In Dreamland”.

Overall, the album should be a treat for Gamma Ray fans. The new versions of the first four tracks are extremely well done. Hansen could easily pull off re-recording more of the old Scheepers tracks, and give them new life as well. The acoustic versions of “Rebellion In Dreamland” and “Send Me A Sign” provide a lot of insight into the dynamic of a Gamma Ray song. Behind the ballsy and powerful exterior of these tracks lies a simple melody and gentle touch, which converts them into an almost new art form. Kai Hansen is either insane or a genius … perhaps both. Either way, he is truly the King of Power Metal.