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Given the way Gamma Ray have remained stubbornly committed to '70s/'80s-style power metal, one would think that all of the people attending their concerts in the 21st century would be people over 40. But in fact, Gamma Ray acquired a lot of new fans in the '90s and 2000s -- people in the Gen-X and Gen-Y/Echo Boomer demographics -- and those post-'80s converts have really connected with their old-school approach regardless of how dated it sounds. Actually, the fact that this 2007 release sounds like it could have been recorded 25 years earlier might be a big part of its appeal to children and grandchildren of baby boomers. Someone who was 18 or 19 in 2007 wasn't old enough to remember the heyday of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Ronnie James Dio or Queensr˙che -- hell, 2007's college freshmen weren't old enough to remember when Nirvana and Pearl Jam set off the grunge/alternative rock explosion in the early '90s -- and artists who stick to old-school power metal give them a chance to experience something from an era that they missed. Of course, there is nothing wrong with sounding dated if you are good at what you do; quality, not whether artists sound modern or old-fashioned, is the main thing, and Land of the Free II is clearly a solid example of the classic power metal sound. Gamma Ray do not alter their musical recipe one bit on this 65-minute CD; they remain firmly committed to that old-school Judas Priest/Iron Maiden/Queensr˙che/Helloween aesthetic, which means larger than life lyrics, soaring melodies and choruses, and a big dose of fantasy and escapism. Land of the Free II is not about keeping it real; it is about keeping it in the fantasy realm, and Gamma Ray do that with plenty of passion on this enjoyable, well-crafted addition to their catalog. ~ Alex Henderson
Audio Mixer: Tommy Newton.
Recording information: High Gain Recording Studios, Hamburg, Germany (05/2007-09/2007).
Photographer: Axel Jusseit.
Gamma Ray: Henjo Richter, Kai Hansen (guitars); Dirk Schlachter (bass guitar); Dan Zimmermann (drums, background vocals).
Personnel: Gamma Ray (background vocals); Kai Hansen (vocals, guitar); Henjo Richter (guitar, background vocals); Dirk Schlachter (background vocals).
Kerrang (Magazine) (p.48) - "[F]iery, pulsing metal full of chanted hooks, a charging Maiden-esque rhythm section and Hansen's lightspeed guitar work." Q (Magazine) (p.105) - "[T]heir boundless energy makes this a hugely entertaining listen."
Solid Solid album, but not great in my view. The spirit is there, but I feel like I've heard all these riffs before, either in another GR song or in one of their influences. It's almost like they are remaking songs or something. My other beef is with the production. It's not even close to the last couple GR albums in sound quality. The drums and a lot of the guitars sound like mud. Remember how Nevermore released "Enemies of Reality" and had to remix it and rerelease it? I'm expecting the same thing to happen with this album. Is it just me? I've discussed this with other fans and they didn't hear it...it may just be me. Sorry. Otherwise enjoyable album. Submitted by Dr. Metal (Orlando, FL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 3 of 4 found this helpful.
Another Helloween Another Kai Hansen's Helloween 20 years later; not less nor more. Get the remastered Walls Of Jericho instead... Submitted by Tibey (Orlando, FL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 3 found this helpful.
ONE OF THE BEST Gamma Ray return with this masterpiece!!, great music and guitars power riff uff!!! buy it!!. Submitted by md45bass (Puerto Rico) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
Great contemporary metal album I've been into metal for 30 years so I've heard most of it before. The influence of Iron Maiden is evident (From the Ashes is a Maiden tribute I think!), but the strength of Kai's voice is amazing and the tightness in the riffs superb. Empress and Opportunity are standout tracks, and overall this album is a great combo of old and new speed metal with a diversity in riffs and tempo that many contemporary metal bands should pay attention too. If I could I'd give it 4.5 stars!! Submitted by david.ryan (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
GREAT STUFF! This album rocks and has sufficient diversity. They continue to put out the a**-kicking tunes. I think Dr. Metal needs to get a new stereo system (no offense Dr. M) - everything is crystal clear to me. Anyhow, some of the songs do have the flavor of the older stuff which adds to the overall enjoyability of the album; it also has a high playback rating. Rock on! Submitted by jdshadowman (Bradenton, FL, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 1 found this helpful.
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