Gamma Ray's Reviews
No World Order (Average Rating: 9.00 out of 10)
Surprisingly good amalgam of prog and power metal influences (Rated this album with 10 out of 10)
Reviewed by
Bill Murphy
from Kentwood, MI United States
No World Order! is my first Gamma Ray CD. But it won't be my last.Vocalist/guitarist Kai Hansen (formerly of Helloween) has a voice that's a cross between Hansi Kursch of the German symphonic metal band Blind Guardian, Nick Barrett of Britian's neo-prog favorites Pendragon and even (on "The Heart of the Unicorn") a bit of the screech of AC/DC's Brian Johnson. But Kai's voice is better than all of the above-named artists. He sounds obviously non-American (much like Nick Barrett), but that doesn't detract from the songs. On the contrary, Kai's voice soars above the instruments, reaching notes that surprised me (particularly on "Solid," the seventh track). The first two tracks (the tone-setting "Induction" and the fast-paced "Dethrone Tyranny") sound so much like Blind Guardian that I'd swear I was listening to the latest BG release. The production sound is huge. And the vocals are layered one upon the other to create an anthemic sound that either pays tribute to Blind Guardian or rips them off shamelessly. Either way, it's a sound that you either love or hate. I happen to love it. A friend of mine recently wrote, "I don't like Gamma Ray at all. Can't recommend them. It's all speed, mediocre chops, awful vocals." I almost didn't buy No World Order! because of his opinion. Boy am I glad I didn't listen to his assessment. No World Order! has been my latest favorite disc, playing almost non-stop for two days. (And now I'm trying to get him to listen to No World Order! because I think he severely underestimated this German band.) I find Gamma Ray to be exceptionally listenable and enjoyable. The songs are uplifting, well-crafted and creative. Even some of the guitar riffs took me by surprise. The title track, for instance. It begins with a killer riff and high-hat intro that sound more in common with Motely Crue than with speed metal of today. As other reviewers have pointed out, No World Order! is about a secret society (the Illuminati) that tryannically rules the world. It's not necessarily the most original theme for a concept album, but it is one of the more realistic. Other favorite tracks include "Solid," which has a Judas Priest-like guitar riff and soaring vocal. "Fire Below" is another Judas Priest-like track. Great guitar riff. More like an '80s metal band than one from 2002. I like that. A lot. No World Order! is a remarkable CD and one I recommend highly. The songs are melodic, upbeat and driving. The guitar solos are like those from the shredders of old: fast, furious and plentiful. Just the way I like them.
Buy this album on Amazon at $15.98
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