Pelata Kai Hansen certainly has made quite a name for himself in the world of Heavy Metal. The influence of Gamma Ray (let alone his music in the early days of Helloween) upon scores of modern Power Metal bands is simply undeniable. Now, this elder statesman of Metal has documented the current state of Gamma Ray with a double CD/double DVD release.

Recorded in Montreal, Canada on the band’s 2007 tour, Hell Yeah (the album) is 2 full CD’s loaded with megatons of live Heavy Metal grandeur. Loaded with Gamma Ray classics like “Blood Religion”, “Heavy Metal Universe”, “Beyond The Black Hole”, “Rebellion In Dreamland” and “Land Of The Free”, as well as the expected nod to Hansen’s former band Helloween in “I Want Out”. The DVD set contains the show filmed with great camera angles and perfectly captured light show. The band appears to be having a great time on stage, relishing every moment in front of their adoring fans that, quite obviously, are very energetic and into the show. The banter is cut on the CD, but it’s cool to watch Kai interact with the crowd. The second DVD in the set is packed to the seams with live and studio footage beginning in ’94. Here we can find television/backstage/live footage from the ’97 and ’00 Japanese tours, 7 music videos (a couple with original singer Ralf Scheepers), Wacken ’03 & ’06 footage, Unplugged In Japan & a 15-minute tour doc.

All in all, it’s a Gamma Ray fan’s smorgasbord. That’s the point of these types of releases anyway, right? It’s supposed to be sort of a “thank you” to the fans for all their support by offering pieces of the band’s history. I’d say it’s a must have for Gamma Ray fans.

nihq Wanting an endless supply of godly bands, we on this imperfect Earth have to suffice with great numbers of less than awe-inspiring albums to keep us entertained. However, there are times when almost all metal seems like irritating, imbecillic noise and only the very best handful stands out as enjoyable. When the thought of another hour of merely tolerable music is intolerable, there is yet a place for this double CD in my heart and mind.

Why this live album and not one of their hit albums from 1995-98? Well, here you have in one package many standout songs from that era and an abundance of their best moments from other albums – Land of the Free II does not suffer frequent listening in its entirety, but the band had the sense to feature the excellent sing-along Real World on this live collection. Similarly, while No World Order from 2001 leaves me yawning, The Heart of the Unicorn and New World Order are very good picks here. And then there is that expected cavalcade of Somewhere Out In Space – Land of the Free – Rebellion in Dreamland etc. etc. Fans of the Scheepers era might be disappointed, but there are a couple of songs for them as well. Considering the band’s extensive discography, the track listing is phenomenally well balanced.

The band performs with passion and integrity. While retaining reasonable precision (the backbone courtesy of Mr. Atomic Clock Zimmermann), the members seem to be having fun, especially evidenced by Hansen’s furious “FUCK YEAAAH! AWESOME!” ad lib ending to Send Me A Sign. Far from a lifeless replica of album versions, the live set is vibrant and energetic and, as a welcome bonus, Henjo presents many guitar fills and “lead riffs” that have either been buried in album mixes or not in the originals at all. Some examples to point out would be from Land of the Free: Man on a Mission and the title track are ever more glorious as the two-guitar arrangement is given adequate attention. Unfortunately, the bass is far too low in the mix, which weakens the overall sound a notch and hides the potential of Mr. Schlächter.

That complaint aside, this is a fierce, fiery live album, recommended for just about any moment in life. I cannot stop loving the energy here – this has actually grown to be my favourite Gamma Ray. Take a look at the DVD version as well.