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.
There are 94 replies to this review. Last one on Tue Jun 05, 2007 10:16 pm
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