German Metal vets Gammaray
have returned with some of their best work in years via the impressive Land of the Free II, the sub-sequent
sequel to their much heralded 1995 album Land of the Free. Former Helloween axeman and Gammaray
founder Kai Hansen is extremely convincing in his vocal delivery and I must say
I haven’t enjoyed hearing his voice this much… ever. I was always a fan of the
bands early material with former vocalist Ralph Sheepers (current Primal Fear frontman) but this latest
addition to the bands legacy has placed Hansen in a completely different light
for me.
Marking their debut with new label SPV Land of the Free II comes across as a very fast paced work of force with stellar dynamics
and a whole grip load of adrenaline. Song favorites include the opening track
“Into The Storm”, “Rain”, “Leaving Hell” and “Empress”. Apart from the overtly
cliché dare I say plagiarized Iron
Maiden influences especially noticeable on such tracks as “From The Ashes”
and ”When The World” Land of the Free II is a truly
remarkable achievement.
Could this latest masterpiece represent a picture of things
to come for this hard working Metal outfit? Possibly, only time will tell. Land of the Free II is definitely a
worthy addition to any Power Metal fans collection. If the guys manage to tour
the states in support of this album where the demand is increasing
exponentially they just might find this latest CD to be the pinnacle of their
career.
-Priest
