Gamma Ray

No World Order

Solid

Review Score:

(10/10)
First off, I am a Gamma Ray fan. Let me say, I know this style of music isn't everyone's bag, but I love it. "Powermetal" as it has been aptly called, embraces the Priest/ Maiden influence that has been all but forgotten in contemporary mainstream heavy metal. Kai Hansen, guitarist and lead singer, is widely considered one of the founders of the genre, as the creative figurehead behind Helloween's early albums, namely the Walls of Jericho (just amazing). However, Gamma Ray is a much more epic force, the songwriting is heavily concept oriented, far from the thrash/ true metal roots of his work in the 80's. On that note for newbies to the genre, and don't kid yourselves there are many in the states, let me get to my review.
No World Order stands up to some of Gamma Ray's best works, comprable to Land of the Free and Somewhere Out in Space. It is much better than their Powerplant effort though, but thats just my opinion. I say that because it gets down and dirty with some really heavy rythm work, coupled with some really good guitar solos that only further accentuate the driving riffs. Consequently, the keyboard/synth stuff is not as prevalent. Check out Heaven or Hell, Solid, Eagle, or Dethrone Tyranny (especially for Heading For Tomorrow fans).
If you crave something new in your metal diet give these guys a try, some great material. The only problem I have ever had with them is the often simplistic, cliche lyrics, but a lot of times it works to their advantage. Obscuring the meaning behind songs is great, the idea is to captivate the audience anyways, right? Why not let them come up with their own meaning from the lyrics by keeping them vague (I revel in this, being a musicain). Still, the simple message is always the best one, songs like Heading for Tomorrow and Land of the Free from their respective albums are incredible examples of this. The ambiguity is very dodgy, and can redefine themselves with every spin of the disc, especially in today's political and socio-economic overtones. Now I'm rambling, but I think it's clear, I can't get enough. Maybe you won't be able to either! If you like these guys, check out Blind Guardian, Demons and Wizards, Iced Earth, Raphsody, and especially SYMPHONY X!!! C'mon, join the powermetal legions, what have you got to loose?

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