Gamma Ray Biography
Kai Hansen formed Helloween in 1984, playing guitar and singing on the speed-metal band's first four albums. He left in early 1989, however, and founded Gamma Ray with vocalist Ralf Scheepers (formerly with Tyran Pace). The duo intended to record a one-off project that Hansen originated while in Helloween, so they recruited bassist Uwe Wessel, drummer Matthias Burchardt and several other musicians. The album, Heading for Tomorrow, was released in 1990 and proved a hit with fans and critics, so much so that Hansen, Scheepers and Wessel decided to tour the album with added members Dirk Schlacter (guitar) and Uli Kusch (drums). During the tour the Heaven Can Wait EP was released. By 1991, Gamma Ray produced another album of new material, entitled Sigh No More. Following 1993's Insanity and Genius, vocalist Scheepers departed to try out for Judas Priest; he didn't get the gig, but opted to form a new band called Primal Fear rather than return to the fold, leaving Hansen to take over vocal duties on 1995's Land of the Free. Further recordings with Hansen as lead vocalist followed, including 1997's Somewhere Out in Space, 1998's Valley of the Kings, and 1999's Power Plant. Blast from the Past was released in 2000. Gamma Ray returned to a raging New Wave of British Heavy Metal style for 2001's No World Order, and followed that album with the live set Skeleton in the Closet. Gamma Ray returned in 2005 with Majestic, the release of which was accompanied by a world tour. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
Popular Biographies:
Hot water music Biography: Gainesville, FL-based post-hardcore quartet Hot Water Music were formed in 1994 by singers/guitarists Chuck Ragan and Chris Wollard, bassist Jason Black, and drummer George Rebelo. Debuting in 1995...
Linda mccartney Biography: The wife of Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney not only performed with her husband but was also an acclaimed photographer as well as a prominent advocate of vegetarianism and animal rights. Born Linda...
Converge Biography: Incredibly prolific punk-metal road dogs Converge were formed in the winter of 1990-1991, and after several singles, compilation appearances, and the requisite growing pains, they released their...
Taking back sunday Biography: Formed in 1999, Amityville, NY's Taking Back Sunday took their version of melodic hardcore from bands like Lifetime, Endpoint, and Sunny Day Real Estate, as well as guitarist Ed Reyes' emo band the...
Allister Biography: Chicago punk-pop combo Allister was formed in 1995 by vocalist/drummer Tim Rogner and guitarist Johnny Hamada, longtime classmates who first teamed in a cover band organized to play their school...
Spirit caravan Biography: Spirit Caravan's Scott "Wino" Weinrich's guitar tone evinces the slow burning wisdom derived from many decades of hard living and touring in the underground music community. In the wake of the...
Three days grace Biography: The members of Three Days Grace began bashing punk chords when they were in their teens, carving a derivative yet energetic sound that fueled their live performances. Three Days Grace was formed in...
Fleshgrind Biography: Death metal band Fleshgrind was formed in March 1993 by guitarist/vocalist Rich Lipscomb and drummer Dave Barbolla, who added bassist Casey Ryba and guitarist Steve Murray to complete the initial...