### Gamma Ray: Master of confusion

#### 26/04/13 || Habakuk

Rarely does one hear a record and immediately say go “Wow. They’ve got to have a new drummer”. “Painkiller” is such an album, and Gamma Ray’s new EP here evokes exactly that feeling, too. And rarely does a drummer change make such an impact, if the first track is in any way a telltale sign of what’s to expect from the band’s next full-length.

Yeah, Gamma Ray. One of the few German power metal bands that I give something resembling a shit about, since their “Power Plant” and “No world order” albums happened to hit me at the right time in my personal metal development. They kick of this EP with “Empire of the undead”, which sounds like a modern-day Motörhead effort (!) when the title riff kicks in – I might actually have heard that riff before there somewhere, Anyway, the notion is supported by d-beat drumming switching to a groovy hi-hat section, climaxing into energetic double-bass/shred sections. Guys…? What the fuck’s going on here?

At least Kai Hansen goes into his trademark Heavy Metal singing again, which yours truly does enjoy, as if Kai wanted to remind the listener that yes, this is still Gamma Ray. Still, even on the vocals front there is a bit of a heavier edge to be noted with some Angelripper-like “Ugh!“s in prominent display. Phew.

The title track then goes back into one of their trademark melodic intros – they don’t get old, do they – and stomps on in classic Gamma Ray fashion, rockish vocals / guitars alternations and simple, effective lead work included. Still, I did not fail to note the occasional metallic bass fill that pops its head out as to confirm the slight Motörhead direction from track one. And either it’s me trying to make a point, or it’s them really wanting to hint towards a somewhat heavier direction, but the fact that they cover Holocaust’s dirty smasher “Death or Glory” rings a similar bell.

“Master of confusion” actually only holds two original tracks and two cover versions (Sweet – “Lost Angels” is number two, and it could just be a Gamma Ray song…). The rest is live material covering various stages of their career. In other words filler, as the days when live recordings added something to metal songs are over since, like, “Decade of Aggression”. Whatever though, it’s an EP and advertised as one, so I’d consider the live tracks a bonus of doubtful use, if anything.

So, this was definitely a big head-turner for me. I guess that was the point of this EP, and it did succeed on all accounts. I’ll keep an eye out for their next one.

- Information
- Released: 2013
- Label: earMUSIC
- Website: www.gammaray.org"
- Band
- Kai Hansen: vocals
- Dirk Schlächter: guitars, keyboards, bass
- Henjo Richter: guitars, keyboards
- Michael Ehré: drums
- Dan Zimmermann: drums (on the live tracks)

- Tracklist
- 01. Empire of the undead
- 02. Master of confusion
- 03. Death or Glory (Holocaust cover)
- 04. Lost Angels (Sweet cover)
- 05. The Spirit (live)
- 06. Wings of destiny (live)
- 07. Gamma Ray (live)
- 08. Farewell (live)
- 09. Time to break free (live)
- 10. Insurrection (live)