Gamma Ray's Reviews

Blast From The Past

(Average Rating: 8.94 out of 10)

Almost a brand new album!

(Rated this album with 10 out of 10)
Reviewed by Mark Witt from Chicago, IL USA

Make no mistake - all bands should make "Best Of"albums as good as this one. There is so much new material on thisdouble-disc LP it could qualify as a new studio album.

Disc One has re-recorded versions of songs from the first three studio albums. Not only do they feature Kai on vocals, there are many arrangement changes, new guitar solos, and even a few new lyrics! I'll leave it to the listener to decide which are better, the originals or these new versions - but they are definately different from each other. These songs stand on their own, which sets this album apart from BOAs from other bands. As Kai Hansen says in the album booklet, these songs have been reinterpreted for Gamma Ray, circa 2000. Very cool.

Disc 2 has three more re-recordings from the "Land of the Free" LP. Subtle differences and better production quality enhance these songs. Plus, Disc 2 features "The Silence '95" previously available only on the "Silent Miracles" EP. The rest of the tracks are remastered selections from "Somewhere Out In Space" and "Powerplant".

All of the tracks were chosen by the fans through Gamma Ray's fanclub website... so it's a safe bet the track selection will be pleasing for most fans.

If you want an introduction to Gamma Ray, then this is your best bet. If you're a die-hard, long-time fan like me, get this album - there are plenty of new surprises to make it well-worth your money.

Buy this album on Amazon at $16.98