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| Gamma Ray - Skeletons In The Closet |
 Released: 2003 / 2004 Label: Noise Records / JVC / Victor Entertainment / Metal-Is Cat. No.: ? / 62272/3 / 62419 / 73016 Total Time: 48:37 / 54:42 (plus bonus track) | |
Reviewed by: Gary Carson, August 2003 Gamma Ray. It's only been 8 years since their last live album [only? – Ed (PPO)], their Alive 95M disc (was) released in 19... [yes, we're not that dumb – Ed (PPO)], and what an interesting kettle of metal they've put together. Not only have they stayed away from anything remotely earmarked as "Gamma Ray Hit Songs" but they've managed to enthral for the entire 100 minutes with some remarkably (honest) performances across the board. But first, let's go through some tacky promotional points:
Ok, let's hit the album itself. All of Gamma Ray's albums are covered here, in particular their last two studio albums PowerPlant and No World Order (7 tracks in total) as well as the Helloween track "Victim Of Fate." The deliberate, and quite bold, move of performing the less notable hits is one that the band have pulled off with ease. Performances all around are at an all-time high, with special mention going to Dan Zimmerman on drums. And I'm not specifically talking about the drum solo but his overall performance is mesmerising. I've always been skeptical about Kai Hansen's vocal performance (we all know how good he is on the guitars). I still think he struggles a bit but considering the style of metal he's singing (and who he replaced), the fact that he's up there on stage playing guitars as well, he certainly pulls out all stops to sing as well as he possibly can. Alongside Kai is Henjo Richter and, like Kai's guitars, there are absolutely no complaints to be had. The foursome (including the unheralded Dirk Schlachter on bass) know what they're doing and it's great to hear so many non-classic Gamma Ray tracks played live. Playing alongside on keyboards is Axel Mackenrott (who plays for the Helloween-inspired Masterplan). The sound is a tad low compared to other live albums of late (except Angra's Rebirth World Tour Live which is about as empty as you can get) but that said everything seems in place without the need to play with the sound too much (although due to the fact the recordings are from different shows there's a little movement in and around the levels). There are a number of outstanding songs on this album including "Armageddon" (this lengthy song is ripe for a roaring live version), "Heavy Metal Universe" (an extended version appears here and completely slays the studio version), "No Return" (the variation in Kai's vocals show the rawness of the album along with the power), "Victim Of Fate" (the crowd just loves it), "Rich And Famous" (one of the more "classic" numbers from Gamma Ray), "New World Order" (they couldn't not play this track, another epic), "The Silence" (the simplicity, the emotion), "One With The World" (wow, this is such a great song) and "Heaven Or Hell" (the catchy song-writing is something they are very well known for). It's funny but my first time through this I thought what a great album. The second, more intense, listen was: "Why aren't they playing [insert hit Gamma Ray] track?" and subsequent listens has revealed why this band have remained at the top of the German metal front. This is a fine album indeed, and if you're a fan of live albums then add this to your recent Edguy and Blind Guardian live CD purchases. PPO rating: 8/10 [This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.] More about Skeletons In The Closet: Track Listing: Disc One: Gardens Of The Sinner / Rich And Famous / All Of The Damned / No Return / Armageddon / Heavy Metal Universe / One With The World / Dan's Solo Musicians: Contact: Website: www.gamma-ray.com Discography
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