Gamma Ray, the quniccential outfit of the 21st century, was first started in 1989 by Kai Hansen, former guitarist of the power metal giant Helloween. After leaving Helloween on a bad note, he recooperated himself, and took on a daunting task of re-organizing his musical career. He then took on Ralph Scheepers, an ol' friend and several other musicians to record his first album, Heading for Tomorrow('90), under the band name Gamma Ray. Initially thought to be a project album with different musicians playing on it, it turned out to be a Power metal album with elements close and very similiar to Keepers of The Seven Keys (Helloween), and using permanent musicians.
A brave new start for Kai, he pushes the line up further, recruting on Dirk Schlachter on guitars and bringing on a new drummer Uli Kuch, as the original drummer was not avaliable for touring and live performances. With this lineup, they produced a mini ep Heaven Can Wait and their second album Sigh No More ('92).
Sigh Mo More did not receive favarouble reviews from the critics, as it was a drastical change in concept, a more slower approach then to Kai's previous work. Kai claimed that it was a depressing time for him at that time, with the gulf war raging in the middle east. His depression were reflected on the album itself, with songs like "We Won't Stop The War " and "Changes", tackling issues of war and injustice. War also broke out internally for the band at the end of the tour when Uli Kush (drums) and Uwe Wessel (bass) parted ways. A new breathe of fresh energy surges through the band when 2 new replacements, Jan Rubach (bass) and Thomas Nack (drums) took their respective places.
Subsequently, they recorded Insanity And Genius('93).The band's sound grew ever stronger, fiery and more varied in a big way. Ralph Scheepers voice grew stronger and their songwriting, more colourful. They potrayed an insane image, and started to play their songs fast and furious. Gamma Ray were well known with this lineup, and they did lots of projects and band members appeared as guests in other groups' albums. But as the popularity grew, a riff began to grow between Ralph and the other band members. Eventually, Ralph was dropped from his vocal spot, due to commitment reasons, and thus ends an era of the signature Gamma Ray voice. However to Kai, the sacking of Ralph means the new beginning of another chapter in life for Gamma Ray. He began to reconstruct the band into an image of what he had always wanted it to be.
He took on the vocal duties of Ralph Scheepers, and found it was easier to write the songs as he wanted it to be. Gamma Ray was now a tighter 4 piece outfit, and this shows in their next release, Land Of The Free('95). It was a tremendous change for them, and the fans. No one expected that it would turn out to be this good, and with Kai so confident on vocals and guitars than ever before. Gamma Ray have finally found their own signature sound. Riding high on their success and widely accepted Land Of The Free, they released a live album containing excellent performances on stage. Though Kai voice can't carry Gamma Ray's older tunes in which Ralph used to sing, he compensated it tremendously by making the newer tunes come to life. It's so hard for a good guitarist to front a band, let alone the nature of Gamma Ray's tunes, which require the energy only few mucisians could have. However, this success did not fulfill the yearnings of the rhythm section of the band. Jan Rubach wanted to reform his former band Anesthesia. As expectations were too high to meet from the Gamma Ray camp, Jan decide to leave and play for his former band, where he feels he could write more freely. Thomas Nack followed, as his drumming was required and both of them had a close rapport. Once again, Kai was faced with the task of reforming the rhythm section and rebuilding the band. Not clouded by his vision, he searched around for a quality drummer and bassist, and found Lanzer's skinman Daniel Zimmermann. Kai had previously helped to produce Lanzer's debut album "Under The Same Sun", but no one would expect that Kai would pick up Dan, as his drumming on the album did not potray what he could offer to Gamma Ray's music. At the same time, Dirk, who had been playing guitars for the past 4 Gamma Ray albums, decided to move to bass, his primary instrument. And so a search for Kai's axe partner began, which lead to the shortlistment of Henjo Richter, former Rampage six slinger.
With the anticipation of the next album from the fans, Kai released a full massive 15 tracks (14 for US release) for Somewhere Out In Space('97), and album which blew away Land Of The Free in terms of speed and songwriting. The album took on a more 'Outer Space' theme, with song primarily written based on a Star Trek eposide. Musically, it took on a step higher than LOTF, with the new drummer proving everybody that he really is the untimate choice for Thomas Nack's replacement. Henjo, on the other hand, fit the bill perfectly, as he was able to play good guitars and write excellent songs in the style of Gamma Ray! "The Guardians Of Mankind", written by Henjo, was surprisingly 'Gammaraystique', a song even Kai was surprised with. Dirk's playing on the bass was excellent, and one wonders why did he play guitars instead of bass in the first place. Its obvious he's the best bassist Gamma Ray ever had. Once again, Gamma Ray is back on their feet, and looks like Kai and his new gang are stronger than ever before. Right now they are touring, promoting their ever excellent "Somewhere Out In Space". Until then, we await for their new release or any other news.
Im standing tall, cause I won't fall, I'm no stranger to myself - Kai Hansen
Written by Adzam Samat. Any discripencies please mail them to me.
