Gamma Ray's Reviews

No World Order

Their best post-Ralf Scheeppers album.

I perceive NWO as a return to the Hansen's roots of pure, simple and sincere power metal. It sounds as the Helloween of the époque of "Walls Of Jericho", but much more mature and refined. All along this CD you will enjoy the great vocals and choirs from Kai Hansen, the impressive guitar work (which does not abuse this time of our patience, but maintains the high-quality soloing!) of Richter and Hansen, the Zimmermann's drumming, the superb production and the solid musical arrangements.

All the songs are well-equilibrated and impressively played. Zimmermann's "Damn The Machine" and "Dethrone Tyranny" have a fresh sound, which adds a lot to the value of this album. "Solid", though childish, is a great tune that demonstrates Hansen's songwriting abilities, as well as the "Painkilleresque" "The Heart Of the Unicorn". Richter's "Helloweenesque" "Follow Me" is also very good and deserves to be mentioned. Finally, the ballad "Lake Of Tears" shows some Blind Guardian's influences and is effective in reaching some emotive peaks to close the album.

In general, GR has done a great job this time. I should mention however that you won't find any innovative composition here, nor very smart lyrics. I must also say that "Trouble" (from the Japanese version) is really a BAD song, and that "Heaven Or Hell" and "New World Order" are both a little bit cheesy and evident. Final score: Four stars. Nevertheless, this album is a must have for power metal fans, and mandatory for GR followers -like myself ;-) Just go for it now! -you won't regret after all ;-)

Buy this album on Amazon at $15.98