Skeletons in the Closet
Gamma Ray
(Sanctuary)

This is a live 2-cd set from Germany's Gamma Ray, a band formed by Kai Hansen after he left Helloween. Having a slightly harder edge than Helloween, the band still play highly technical power metal. This type of music is loved in Germany, Scandinavia, and the UK, but loathed in North America. Power metal fans in the US seem to prefer less technical metal that is not a "pretentious". I am an exception to this rule and would rank this lot up there with both Helloween, Masterplan, and Iron Maiden. To demonstrate their dedication to their fans, the band allowed this live set to be entirely chosen by their fans. Thus it does not turn into a greatest hits package, rather a collection of tunes that demonstrates the bands wide range of talent. Nevertheless, rather often you hear the crowd singing along. Of course, with a band as good as this, it doesn't really matter. Fans of the band will recognise most of the tracks here from their own collections and newcomers will not know any better. Production values are extremely good, and the band is on top form. If you have anything like an ear for this sort of thing, this is well worth the purchase. The band, the crowd, and the music combine to make this an affecting release. I defie you not to head-bang after a couple of tracks. Highlights include 'Rising Star/Shine On' that, while a bit slower than the normal stuff, makes for a great crowd sing-along. 'The Silence' is great fun, too; hearing the crowd sing along to piano as an intro, it's almost a power ballad with a Meatloaf-metal kind of feel. 'Heaven & Hell' shows just how good this band can be, a heads down power metal tour de force, ditto 'New World Order'. Like any good live album, you damn well wish you were at the two gigs featured here. Oh, and another thing, this sucker gets better with each play.

Rating: 4.5