Gamma Ray - Land Of The Free II (Album)
Listening to Gamma Ray’s recent release 'Land of the Free II' was like my serious induction into their world, never having been an enthusiastic listener of their (and similar band’s) operatic power metal. Those operatic, high-pitched vocals have never done it for me. But what I found on this album is that, beyond the trademark vocals is some awesome guitar work and sounds that signal Gamma Ray’s return to form.
'Land of the Free II' is the band’s sequel to their 1995 album 'Land of the Free', their highly successful ‘concept’ album that effectively spearheaded their career. A few less successful albums followed LOTF, then Gamma Ray announced they would return to the style and themes of LOTF for the next release. 'Land of the Free II' was the result, and while it does borrow substantially from its namesake’s original, it does show the musical grandness that this band can achieve.
The sped up tempo and razor edge guitars of album opener 'Into the Storm' and 'To Mother Earth', with its melodic cries of ‘She was so beautiful…..’ (an ode to the planet we are slowly destroying) are exemplary of perfect power metal songs. Opportunity is a contrast to the light nature of most tracks; its heavy tone lends a heavy rock feel to it. There are elements of Helloween and Gamma Ray’s past albums to be heard throughout the album, but that’s expected, given vocalist Kai Hansen’s involvement (past and present) with both bands.
'Empress' is a standout track, with a majestic melodic guitar solo that’ll make you want to take up guitar lessons. Rain is somewhat darker in parts, musically and lyrically (‘Here comes the rain again/It’s like a thunderstorm/I can not escape…where the fuck is my superman outfit’) and a little heavier and bolder in the riff department, sometimes taking on a similarity to Metallica’s classic 'Master of Puppets'. But that’s about as close as Gamma Ray and classic thrash get!
The album ends emphatically with Insurrection, an 11 minute epic on which Gamma Ray combine the lot: all conquering solos, a multitude of tempo changes showing the skillful song arrangement on this album, dramatic fantasy lyrics and ascending melodic vocals.
'Land of the Free II' had already been hailed as a successful return to classic Gamma Ray. Given its close ties with traditional power metal, its ‘revisiting’ of classic Gamma Ray and all over accessibility, I wouldn’t argue with that!
