By Pete Wadeson

At long last Gamma Ray have finally made the album they've been threatening for years. Since leaving Helloween, Gamma Ray guitarist Kai Hansen has seemingly tentatively tried his feet in the waters of too many different musical styles but now, unashamedly returning to his speed metal roots, the lad has come up trumps with the aptly titled "Powerplant." Granted, the band's influences are blatantly obvious from the Judas Priest-inspired album-opener, "Anywhere In The Galaxy," the ridiculously catchy "Send Me A Sign," the full on riffout of "Gardens Of The Sinner" and the speed metal blast of "Wings Of Destiny" the lads wear their influences proudly on their collective sleeves. Sure, at times it's cheesy and yes, they really do sing the words "Sad wings of destiny" on "Wings Of Destiny." Shame on you! Also, we could have definitely done without the Pet Shop Boys' "It's A Sin" cover---I know, I couldn't believe it either, but these minor transgressions forgiven Gamma Ray can well be proud of "Powerplant." I know it's all too easy for UK metal fans to scoff at his type of trad metal, but it's doing big business in many territories these days---so who's laughing now, I wonder?

More from the Online Metal Journal