The Good
German power metallers GammaRay return with their 9th studio album which
finds them continuing the saga that was their 1996 album Land of the
Free.
For those of you not familiar, GammaRay is the brainchild of former Helloween
guitarist Kai Hansen. This sequel isn’t so much a continuation of
its predecessor, but more of homage to its sound and feel.
“Into the Storm” takes you into the belly of the beast with
double kick drums and lightening-fast guitar playing. “From the Ashes” continues
to capture the energy and power that GammaRay is putting out there, while
keeping the chorus melodic. “To Mother Earth” is practically
a guitar and drum duel between Kai Hansen and Dan Zimmerman to see who can
plat the fastest. In between that competition is a great song about saving
our planet.
“Rain” comes at you like a furious storm rather than a like
trickle. “Empress” has more of a commercial feel as the speed
is brought to mid-tempo. It still packs a punch with its arena rock feel.
Finger-twisting guitar runs and frantic chugga-chugga riffs are plentiful
on “When the World.” “Real World” is laden with keyboard
tones, power chords, and tuneful melodies. “Insurrection” is
an eleven minute power metal epic that reminds you why you like this genre
in the first place.
The Bad
Nothing
The Verdict
Sequels don’t usually live up to the original. Fortunately with Land
of the Free II you’re not getting another chapter in the story, but
more of a fresh take on an old classic. If it’s power, high energy,
and fast-paced guitars that you’re craving, look no further than this
album. You’ll even get vocals rich and melody as a bonus. Seventeen
years has not slowed down the power metal machine that is GammaRay.
Did You Know?
The album cover was designed by Herve Monjeaud, who designed the last GammaRay
covers as well.
GAMMARAY
