Kai Hansen "XXX Three Decades in Metal" [Limited Edition CD + Bonus CD] Japan CD

Product Description
Content Introduction Kai Hansen of Gamma Ray, who has long been a leading figure in the German metal scene, releases his first solo album, "XXX"! 30 years since his debut as a member of Helloween! As the album title suggests, this 30th-anniversary album condenses Kai's love for heavy metal, cultivated over 30 years, into one album! Kai Hansen debuted in 1985 as the vocalist and guitarist of Helloween with the mini-album "Helloween." Their second album, "Keeper of the Seven Keys - Chapter 1" (1987), and third album, "Keeper of the Seven Keys - Chapter 2" (1988), released with dedicated singer Michael Kiske, were highly acclaimed in Europe and Japan, propelling them to popularity. Kai also became a respected figure, leaving behind masterpieces such as "I'm Alive," "Future World," and "I Want Out" on these albums. Amidst these circumstances, Kai, who left Helloween in 1989, formed a new band, Gamma Ray, with former Tyrann Pace member Ralph Scheepers (vocals). Their debut album, "Heading for Tomorrow" (1990), presented a unique style that blended Helloween-esque melodic speed metal with influences from Queen. Their fourth album, "Land of the Free" (1995), followed by their fifth album, "Somewhere Out in Space" (1997), saw Ralph leave and Kai taking on vocal duties as well, resulting in an even more dramatic style. Kai showcased his overwhelming talent as a composer and guitarist, solidifying his popularity. After that, the band released a series of powerful works that emphasized their orthodox heavy metal sound, while Kai joined Iron Savior in 1997, led by Pete Sielck, a member of Helloween's predecessor band Iron Fist (he left in 2001). Furthermore, in 2011 he joined Unisonic, founded by Michael Kiske, and has continued to be active in the German metal scene for 30 years. Now, Kai has completed his first solo album, "XXX". This album features Alex Dietz, guitarist of Heaven Shall Burn, on bass, Ike Freese, who co-produced and engineered Gamma Ray's albums, on guitar, and Daniel Wilding of Carcass on drums. The album is characterized by a more straightforward heavy metal sound than Gamma Ray, with songs that pursue the classic style while being aggressively aggressive. This is a work overflowing with the metal spirit that only Kai, with his 30-year career, can deliver. [Includes Japan-exclusive bonus tracks/Japanese liner notes] [Members] Kai Hansen (vocals) Alex Dietz (bass) Ike Freese (guitar) Daniel Wilding (drums) [Track Listing (tentative)] 01. Born Free 02. Enemies of Fun feat. Ralph Scheepers & Pete Sielck 03. Contract Song feat. Dee Snider & Steve McT 04. Making Headlines feat. Tobias Sammet 05. Stranger in Time feat. Michael Kiske, Frank Beck, Tobias Sammet & Roland Grapow 06. Fire and Ice feat. Cl?mentine Delaunay, Marcus Bischoff, Richard Sunneson & Michael Weikath 07. Left Behind feat. Alexander Dietz & Clementine Delaunay 08. All or Nothing feat. Clementine Delaunay 09. Burning Bridges feat. Ike Freese 10. Follow the Sun feat. Hansi K?rsch & Tim Hansen [Japan-only bonus track] 11. Born Free (karaoke ver) 12. Burning Bridges (karaoke ver) [Bonus CD planned tracks] [Rough mix ~ Kai Hansen vocals] 01. Born Free 02. Enemies of Fun 03. Contract Song 04. Making Headlines 05. Stranger in Time 06. Fire and Ice 07. Left Behind 08. All or Nothing 09. Burning Bridges 10. Follow the Sun Media reviews and more Kai Hansen of Gamma Ray, a long-time leader in the German metal scene, releases his first solo album! 30 years after his debut as a member of Helloween! As the album title suggests, this 30th-anniversary album condenses Kai's 30 years of love for heavy metal into one disc! (C)RS