Power Plant

It's a pleasure to start our archives reviews with this one. Let's be honest : I didn't like it on first listening. Why ? Well, somehow the originality of Gamma Ray wasn't here anymore. Copy Cat ? No ! but here and there, Power Plant is a glossary of the 80's (Maiden, Manowar, Helloween...). As Kai Hansen mentioned it : "Powerplant represents the music we like, even if the overall album sounds like very well known 80's bands". Well, following first listening sentiment, I was totally wrong. Yes, this is a "glossary" album, but what a killer ! No weak moments my friends. A few hours later, I have to admit that all songs have that Gamma Ray's special touch (melodies). Power Plant is fresh from the first song to the last one. All members have participated to the song writing this time. The album start with "Anywhere in the galaxy" : 10 seconds in a Maiden style start and......let's fly in the galaxy. It's heavy metal at its best, confirming by the way that Mr Kai Hansen is Mr Heavy Metal of the 90's. New song writing structure (forget the old "verse, bridge, chorus"). This already cult album ends with a bombastic 8'44 song called "Armageddon". Power Plant is the best melodic heavy/speed metal I heard since years, and even the cover is very good (Pet Shop Boys - It's a sin). From Derek Riggs's cover (whoaw !!!) to the wonderful booklet, Power Plant is the kind of masterpiece I listen once a week. A must.