Gamma Ray
To The Metal

Three years after the second chapter of Land of the Free, Gamma Ray returns with this "To The Metal", their tenth studio album, released on January 29, 2010. Aware of their great popularity both in Europe and worldwide, the latest work from the Teutonic band shows no stylistic evolution, but is grounded on more traditional power metal coordinates, partially revisiting the style of their first three albums. Despite this, their class and great ability to engage the listener has remained unchanged for over twenty years now. The most noticeable feature when listening to the album is its live-oriented inclination, clearly crafted to captivate the audience during live performances.

The opening track "Rise" embodies the band's return to its roots. Missing are tracks like "Rebellion In Dreamland", "Armageddon" or "Insurrection" with their lengthy durations which added something extra to their work. The opener is not a bad song for sure, but the double bass, guitars and usual chorus do not excite for originality. Moving along the same lines is "Deadlands", a power bullet shot at full speed. "Mother Angel", on the other hand, brings a bit of light with its hard rock attitude.

Apart from the critiques on lack of originality, the songs are still well-crafted. A band that has been performing on stages around the world for twenty years does not forget how to make music. However, the sense of déjà vu weighs heavily on the judgment, despite some good moments. "Chasing Shadows", with its prog inclination, surprises with its power and aggressiveness, as does the very fast "Shine Forever", where Kai Hansen emulates Rob Halford, delivering a gritty vocal rendition that perfectly matches the battle-like atmosphere of the track.

The title track, on its part, disappoints. The lyrics (which seem to be written by Manowar) and the repetitive rhythm end up tiring the listener. There is also the ballad "No Need To Cry", where the bass player Dirk Schlachter adds his vocal part.

The Teutonic band disappoints those who expected any kind of musical evolution. Instead, they satisfy those who only wanted a good power metal album, thanks to fast and catchy songs, filled with choruses to shout out loud. For a band like this, which has found the right formula, the decision not to change, continuing on the tracks that have given them so much popularity, is understandable. Yet, the same old power metal saga (albeit of great class, of course) will eventually tire even the most die-hard fan...

1. "Rise" (5:05)
2. "Deadlands" (4:24)
3. "Mother Angel" (5:20)
4. "No Need To Cry" (5:56)
5. "Empathy" (5:04)
6. "To The Metal" (5:29)
7. "All You Need To Know" (4:00)
8. "Time To Live" (4:48)
9. "Shine Forever" (3:53)
10. "Chasing Shadows" (4:22)