Gamma Ray--Somewhere Out in Space

Gamma Ray--Somewhere Out in Space (1998/Noise) Rating--8.8

A splendid album, as it is faster and more rapid than the band's early catalog releases. Still leans on the late '80s Helloween sound, though things are starting to thicken up in places, ala Rage. The speed always remains, though.
There's no more Scheepers, as Kai Hansen's gruffness handles the vocal parts. There are still some of the "light-hearted" vocal chorus harmonies from time to time. Those moments are very melodic---sort of Queen-ish.
This slab is likely the band's best in terms of start-to-finish quality---nudging out its followup.
"Men, Martians and Machines" is a heavy and intricate tune, and the driving "No Stranger" features some lightning solo work.
Just about every song can be singled out for having good qualities.... "The Guardians of Mankind" has a rapid thump and rhythm, "The Winged Horse" is swift and chopping, and all of "Beyond the Black Hole," "Valley of the Kings," "Watcher in the Sky," "Shine On," and the title track blend power and speed.
A non-listed song, Uriah Heep's "Return to Fantasy," is actually one of the stronger cuts featured. Make sure to let the disc run a few extra seconds at the end...
TRACK LIST: Beyond the Black Hole/Men, Martians and Machines/No Stranger (Another Day in Life)/Somewhere Out in Space/The Guardians of Mankind/The Landing/Valley of the Kings/Pray/The Winged Horse/Cosmic Chaos/Lost in the Future/ Watcher in the Sky/Rising Star/Shine On/(Return to Fantasy)

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