HANSEN AND FRIENDS
“XXX”
(“THREE DECADES IN METAL”)
August 16th, 2016
earMUSIC
The only holiday I celebrate is my birthday. Which holiday can be more significant than the day you were born? In past few years as a present to myself I always go at some trip. And it is always great if I can go at some gig or at least buy some CD at that trip.
Why am I writing about birthdays? Because, my friends, this year Kai Hansen, German metal legend, celebrates 30 years in metal. He celebrates 30 year anniverary in unique way, releasing album “XXX” (“Three Decades In Metal”). I see this album as nothing more but the great birthday party with long lasting friends. And I dare to write, his main guests/friends at this party are: Alexander Dietz-bass, Daniel Wilding-drums and Eike Freese-guitars. Of course, party would not be a party if he did not invite more friends. So, here we go…
Party starts with “Born Free”, first single which is fallowed by video. If it is possible that you never heard about Kai Hansen before, this autobiography song will intoduce you with his life and carrer. Party continues with his German friends Piet Sielck and Ralf Schepers (Iron Savior, Primal Fear). who joined forces in “Born Free”. Next one, “Contract Song” brings legendary Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) to the party. This party wouldn’t be a party without Tobias Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia). Everyone knows he is a huge Helloween fan, so he contributed as a guest star at “Making Headlines”. Again herr Sammet at “Stranger In Time” where he sings with Michael Kiske, former Helloween singer and his partner in metal opera Avantasia. Roland Graphow (Helloween, Masterplan) joins Sammet and Kiske in this song.
Wait! Only guys? I think it is time to involve ladies, and who else can that be than soprano singer Clėmentine Delauney (Visions Of Atlantis)? She contributes at three songs “Fire And Ice”, “Left Behind” and “All Or Nothing”. Her companion in “Fire And Ice” is Marcus Bischoff (Heaven Shall Burn). Interesting cooperation. “Left Behind” brings us more modern sound where Clėmentine Delauney is supported by Alexander Dietz. Hansi Kürsch joins the party at “Follow The Sun”.
I did’t want to write classic review and criticize or eulogize this album, cause, as I already wrote, I see it as a fun friend project.
Many of you will recognize Gamma Ray and Helloween sound in this solo project (with a little help of friends). Some critics even wrote that these songs are nothing more than Gamma Ray leftovers. Ok, maybe you will be disappointed if you expected something different from Kai Hansen. But at the end, you will realize, this is the great album.
XXX for three decades of the most influental Hevay Metal figure from Hamurg, Kai Hansen.
Herzliche Glückwünsche zum 30. Geburtstag!
(c) Ivona Bogner
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