Kai Hansen
Encyclopedia
Kai Michael Hansen is a power metal
guitarist
and vocalist.
Hansen is the founder, lead guitarist, and vocalist of power metal band Gamma Ray
, and the co-founder and former member of German metal band Helloween
. He is a prominent figure in power metal, and has sold millions of albums worldwide. He is regarded as "the godfather of power metal", having founded two seminal bands in the genre.
In 2011, he joined the band Unisonic featuring former Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske
.
's co-founder and producer Piet Sielck
. In 1983 he and Michael Weikath
founded Helloween
, where he was guitarist and singer until Michael Kiske
took over the microphone for the albums Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1 and Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 2
. Hansen left the band due to the extensive touring in 1988-89 and went on to form his own power metal band Gamma Ray
. Hansen also joined Iron Savior
as guitarist in 1997, but quit after a few years to focus his efforts on Gamma Ray. He has now forged a very successful career with Gamma Ray, releasing several albums and playing sold out tours across the globe.
Kai participated in a large number of other projects. He appeared as a guest vocalist on Blind Guardian
's albums Follow the Blind
and Tales from the Twilight World
. Around the same time, he and fellow Gamma Ray bandmate Dirk Schlächter
collaborated on Angra
's first full length album Angels Cry, both playing guitar solos in the song "Never Understand". He also collaborated on Angra's album Temple of Shadows
released in 2004 doing vocals for the song "The Temple of Hate". Together with HammerFall
he recorded a cover version of Helloween's I Want Out
.
Kai played the role of Regrin the dwarf in Avantasia
's Metal Opera albums
by Tobias Sammet
. Later he was featured in the album The Scarecrow
playing guitar in the song "Shelter from the Rain". He was also one of the guest musicians in Avantasia's 2010 world tour, which have put him to play live together with fellow ex-bandmate Michael Kiske, after more than twenty years since he left Helloween. After this tour it was announced via Michael Kiske's official website that Kai would join his new band Unisonic, as they instantly felt the magic of Helloween years again and had a lot of fun together on and off
stage.
In 2005, he toured with the young German power/Viking metal band Stormwarrior
from his home town of Hamburg as lead singer, playing material from his classic Helloween debut album "Walls of Jericho" - the favorite album and greatest influence of Stormwarrior. "Stormwarrior featuring Kai Hansen" returned in 2007 to play at the Magic Circle Festival in Bad Arolsen
and at the Wacken Open Air
Festival.
In 2008 Kai Hansen featured Stormwarrior
at Sweden Rock Festival
2008.
His influence in almost all of the Power Metal bands to come from Europe and his introduction of a new form of Heavy Metal in the early 80's with his band Helloween
has earned him the title amongst other musicians in the Power Metal scene as "The Grandfather of Power Metal".
vocalists. Rather than using a smooth and clear style (like his follower Kiske) Hansen sang with a raspy sound, interluded by high-pitched screams for dramatic effect. Kiske was brought in as a singer originally because Hansen had trouble singing and playing the guitar simultaneously though later in his career he seems to have overcome these problems.
Beginning from 1995 onward Hansen has provided the vocals for his current band Gamma Ray
. Around that time, Kai's vocal style became more melodic and slightly clearer, more in the traditional power metal
sense, while still retaining the slight nasal tone and rasp of his early years.
. He first started using them during his days with Helloween
after hearing testimonials of ESP from artists such as George Lynch
and Kirk Hammett
of Metallica
. Before Helloween, he had owned a white Ibanez
guitar, and a Les Paul
, then saved up for a Marshall amplifier by delivering newspapers. His main ESPs are a pink ESP Custom guitar based on Jackson's Randy Rhoads
model and two custom V models based on the classic Gibson Flying V
shape. During the early '90s
, Hansen had used Stratocaster models. On his autobiography on the Gamma Ray website, he claims his first electric guitar was a white Ibanez Les Paul copy.
On the recent tour with Gamma Ray he has been seen using a Korina Epiphone flying V with EMG's.
Kai has used, and still uses, Engl amplifiers since the recording sessions of Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 2.
Gamma Ray
Iron Savior
Power metal
Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
and vocalist.
Hansen is the founder, lead guitarist, and vocalist of power metal band Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray (band)
Gamma Ray is a power metal band from Hamburg, northern Germany, founded and fronted by Kai Hansen after his departure from the German power metal Helloween. Hansen is the current lead vocalist, guitarist as well as the chief songwriter of Gamma Ray. The band is known as one of the most prominent...
, and the co-founder and former member of German metal band Helloween
Helloween
Helloween is a German power metal band founded in the mid 1980s by members of Iron Fist and Powerfool. The band was a pioneering force in the European Power Metal movement and their second and third studio albums, Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt...
. He is a prominent figure in power metal, and has sold millions of albums worldwide. He is regarded as "the godfather of power metal", having founded two seminal bands in the genre.
In 2011, he joined the band Unisonic featuring former Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske
Michael Kiske
Michael Kiske is a singer best known as the lead vocalist for the German power metal band Helloween, from 1986 to 1993. From 1996 up to 2009, Kiske recorded four solo albums, participated on various metal and rock related projects, while he also performed with numerous bands as a guest vocalist...
.
Biography
His musical career started in 1978 in a band called Gentry, alongside Iron SaviorIron Savior
Iron Savior is a German power metal band that formed in Hamburg, Germany in 1996. Following a period of several years working behind the scenes in music production, multi-instrumentalist and producer/engineer Piet Sielck joined with former Helloween bandmate Kai Hansen and then-drummer for Blind...
's co-founder and producer Piet Sielck
Piet Sielck
Piet Sielck is a power metal guitarist and vocalist. He is member of the power/speed metal bands Iron Savior and Savage Circus, as well as owner of the studio Powerhouse in Hamburg.-Early years:...
. In 1983 he and Michael Weikath
Michael Weikath
Michael Ingo Joachim Weikath is the guitarist of the German Power metal band Helloween."Weiki" was born in Hamburg, Germany. He is one of the Helloween founding members, along with the musicians Kai Hansen , Markus Grosskopf and Ingo Schwichtenberg . Along with Grosskopf he is the only other...
founded Helloween
Helloween
Helloween is a German power metal band founded in the mid 1980s by members of Iron Fist and Powerfool. The band was a pioneering force in the European Power Metal movement and their second and third studio albums, Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt...
, where he was guitarist and singer until Michael Kiske
Michael Kiske
Michael Kiske is a singer best known as the lead vocalist for the German power metal band Helloween, from 1986 to 1993. From 1996 up to 2009, Kiske recorded four solo albums, participated on various metal and rock related projects, while he also performed with numerous bands as a guest vocalist...
took over the microphone for the albums Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1 and Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 2
Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 2
*"Save Us" was not included on the original LP: appears on the NOISE Records release.*Tracks 1 and 2 also appear on the "Dr. Stein" single*Track 3 also appears on the "I Want Out" single*Tracks 4 and 5 also appear on the Treasure Chest compilation...
. Hansen left the band due to the extensive touring in 1988-89 and went on to form his own power metal band Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray (band)
Gamma Ray is a power metal band from Hamburg, northern Germany, founded and fronted by Kai Hansen after his departure from the German power metal Helloween. Hansen is the current lead vocalist, guitarist as well as the chief songwriter of Gamma Ray. The band is known as one of the most prominent...
. Hansen also joined Iron Savior
Iron Savior
Iron Savior is a German power metal band that formed in Hamburg, Germany in 1996. Following a period of several years working behind the scenes in music production, multi-instrumentalist and producer/engineer Piet Sielck joined with former Helloween bandmate Kai Hansen and then-drummer for Blind...
as guitarist in 1997, but quit after a few years to focus his efforts on Gamma Ray. He has now forged a very successful career with Gamma Ray, releasing several albums and playing sold out tours across the globe.
Kai participated in a large number of other projects. He appeared as a guest vocalist on Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in the mid-1980s in Krefeld, West Germany. They are often credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres...
's albums Follow the Blind
Follow the Blind
Follow the Blind is the second full-length album from the German metal band Blind Guardian, released in 1989. The album is more in the vein of speed metal, compared to the style that would later define the band's unique sound...
and Tales from the Twilight World
Tales from the Twilight World
Tales from the Twilight World is the third studio album that was released in 1990 by Blind Guardian. The cover artwork was created by Andreas Marschall, who has drawn the artwork for some of Blind Guardian's other releases...
. Around the same time, he and fellow Gamma Ray bandmate Dirk Schlächter
Dirk Schlächter
Dirk Schlächter is the bassist of the power metal band Gamma Ray.- History :Dirk got in touch with music for the first time joining a music school at the age of 8. At the age of 11 he got his first acoustic guitar followed by an electric guitar at the age of 15. At the age of 19 he turned to bass...
collaborated on Angra
Angra (band)
Angra is a Brazilian metal band from São Paulo, Brazil known for its symphonic interludes, highly technical instrumental playing and Brazilian regional elements.- Biography :...
's first full length album Angels Cry, both playing guitar solos in the song "Never Understand". He also collaborated on Angra's album Temple of Shadows
Temple of Shadows
Temple of Shadows is a concept album by the power metal band Angra and was released in 2004 by Paradoxx Music in Brazil and SPV label Steamhammer in the rest of the world...
released in 2004 doing vocals for the song "The Temple of Hate". Together with HammerFall
HammerFall
HammerFall is a power metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden. The band was formed in 1993 by ex-Ceremonial Oath guitarist Oscar Dronjak.- Early days :...
he recorded a cover version of Helloween's I Want Out
I Want Out
"I Want Out" is a song by the German heavy metal band Helloween from the album Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 2, that was released as a single in 1988....
.
Kai played the role of Regrin the dwarf in Avantasia
Avantasia
Avantasia is a heavy metal project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist and frontman of the band Edguy. The project's title is a portmanteau of the words "avalon" and "fantasia" and describes "a world beyond human imagination"...
's Metal Opera albums
The Metal Opera
The Metal Opera is the first full-length album by Tobias Sammet's side project opera, Avantasia. It is a concept album and a rock opera, and further information on the story can be found here.- Track listing :All music and lyrics by Tobias Sammet...
by Tobias Sammet
Tobias Sammet
Tobias Sammet is the vocalist and primary songwriter of the German Power metal band Edguy, as well as the creator of the metal opera Avantasia and a member of the metal project Final Chapter. He also made guest appearances on the Rob Rock album Holy Hell and the metal opera Aina...
. Later he was featured in the album The Scarecrow
The Scarecrow (album)
-Personnel:* Tobias Sammet – Vocal, Bass guitar, Additional Keyboards* Sascha Paeth – Guitars,* Miro – Keyboards, Orchestration* Eric Singer – Drums-Guest vocalists:* Roy Khan * Jørn Lande...
playing guitar in the song "Shelter from the Rain". He was also one of the guest musicians in Avantasia's 2010 world tour, which have put him to play live together with fellow ex-bandmate Michael Kiske, after more than twenty years since he left Helloween. After this tour it was announced via Michael Kiske's official website that Kai would join his new band Unisonic, as they instantly felt the magic of Helloween years again and had a lot of fun together on and off
stage.
In 2005, he toured with the young German power/Viking metal band Stormwarrior
Stormwarrior
Stormwarrior is a speed metal band from Germany that was formed in 1998 by vocalist and guitar player Lars Ramcke and drummer Andre Schumann, adding later in the same year guitarist Scott Bolter and bass player Tim Zienert...
from his home town of Hamburg as lead singer, playing material from his classic Helloween debut album "Walls of Jericho" - the favorite album and greatest influence of Stormwarrior. "Stormwarrior featuring Kai Hansen" returned in 2007 to play at the Magic Circle Festival in Bad Arolsen
Bad Arolsen
Bad Arolsen is a small town in northern Hesse, Germany, in Waldeck-Frankenberg district. From 1655 until 1918 it served as the residence town of the Princes of Waldeck-Pyrmont and then until 1929 as the capital of the Waldeck Free State...
and at the Wacken Open Air
Wacken Open Air
Wacken Open Air is a summer open air heavy metal music festival. It takes place annually in the small town of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany...
Festival.
In 2008 Kai Hansen featured Stormwarrior
Stormwarrior
Stormwarrior is a speed metal band from Germany that was formed in 1998 by vocalist and guitar player Lars Ramcke and drummer Andre Schumann, adding later in the same year guitarist Scott Bolter and bass player Tim Zienert...
at Sweden Rock Festival
Sweden Rock Festival
Sweden Rock Festival is an annual rock/metal festival held in Sweden since 6 June 1992. While having a clear rock/metal focus, the festival is noted for its diversity across these genres, having featured southern rock bands such as Molly Hatchet to death metal legends like Obituary.The first...
2008.
His influence in almost all of the Power Metal bands to come from Europe and his introduction of a new form of Heavy Metal in the early 80's with his band Helloween
Helloween
Helloween is a German power metal band founded in the mid 1980s by members of Iron Fist and Powerfool. The band was a pioneering force in the European Power Metal movement and their second and third studio albums, Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt...
has earned him the title amongst other musicians in the Power Metal scene as "The Grandfather of Power Metal".
Singing style
During his earlier years Hansen's singing style was reminiscent of many thrash metalThrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
vocalists. Rather than using a smooth and clear style (like his follower Kiske) Hansen sang with a raspy sound, interluded by high-pitched screams for dramatic effect. Kiske was brought in as a singer originally because Hansen had trouble singing and playing the guitar simultaneously though later in his career he seems to have overcome these problems.
Beginning from 1995 onward Hansen has provided the vocals for his current band Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray (band)
Gamma Ray is a power metal band from Hamburg, northern Germany, founded and fronted by Kai Hansen after his departure from the German power metal Helloween. Hansen is the current lead vocalist, guitarist as well as the chief songwriter of Gamma Ray. The band is known as one of the most prominent...
. Around that time, Kai's vocal style became more melodic and slightly clearer, more in the traditional power metal
Power metal
Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
sense, while still retaining the slight nasal tone and rasp of his early years.
Equipment
For almost 20 years, Kai has played ESP GuitarsESP Guitars
, located in North Hollywood, California, is an American-based, Japanese-owned manufacturer of electric guitars and basses.- History :In 1975, Hisatake Shibuya opened a shop called Electric Sound Products in Tokyo. It provided custom replacement parts for guitars. In 1976, ESP gained a reputation...
. He first started using them during his days with Helloween
Helloween
Helloween is a German power metal band founded in the mid 1980s by members of Iron Fist and Powerfool. The band was a pioneering force in the European Power Metal movement and their second and third studio albums, Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt...
after hearing testimonials of ESP from artists such as George Lynch
George Lynch (musician)
George Lynch is a hard rock/heavy metal guitarist best known as a member of the band Dokken, his own bands Lynch Mob and Souls of We.-Pre Dokken:...
and Kirk Hammett
Kirk Hammett
Kirk Lee Hammett is the lead guitarist and a songwriter in the heavy metal band Metallica and has been a member of the band since 1983. Before joining Metallica he formed and named the band Exodus. In 2003, Hammett was ranked 11th on Rolling Stones list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time...
of Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
. Before Helloween, he had owned a white Ibanez
Ibanez
is a Japanese guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki. Based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Hoshino Gakki were one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in import guitar sales in the United States and Europe, as well as the first brand of guitars to mass produce...
guitar, and a Les Paul
Les Paul
Lester William Polsfuss —known as Les Paul—was an American jazz and country guitarist, songwriter and inventor. He was a pioneer in the development of the solid-body electric guitar which made the sound of rock and roll possible. He is credited with many recording innovations...
, then saved up for a Marshall amplifier by delivering newspapers. His main ESPs are a pink ESP Custom guitar based on Jackson's Randy Rhoads
Jackson Randy Rhoads
The Jackson Randy Rhoads is an iconic model of electric guitar, originally commissioned by guitarist Randy Rhoads and produced by Jackson Guitars....
model and two custom V models based on the classic Gibson Flying V
Gibson Flying V
-External links:*, , , , and , from the Gibson website*, a June 2001 article from Guitar Collector magazine*, a tribute site that lists all models and re-issues and most notable players**...
shape. During the early '90s
1990s
File:1990s decade montage.png|From left, clockwise: The Hubble Space Telescope floats in space after it was taken up in 1990; American F-16s and F-15s fly over burning oil fields and the USA Lexie in Operation Desert Storm, also known as the 1991 Gulf War; The signing of the Oslo Accords on...
, Hansen had used Stratocaster models. On his autobiography on the Gamma Ray website, he claims his first electric guitar was a white Ibanez Les Paul copy.
On the recent tour with Gamma Ray he has been seen using a Korina Epiphone flying V with EMG's.
Kai has used, and still uses, Engl amplifiers since the recording sessions of Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 2.
Discography
HelloweenHelloween
Helloween is a German power metal band founded in the mid 1980s by members of Iron Fist and Powerfool. The band was a pioneering force in the European Power Metal movement and their second and third studio albums, Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt...
- HelloweenHelloween (album)-Credits:*Kai Hansen – vocals, Guitar*Michael Weikath – Guitar*Markus Grosskopf – Bass*Ingo Schwichtenberg – drums-Facts:* Recorded January – February, 1985 at Musiclab Studio, Berlin, Germany* Produced by Helloween...
(1985) - Walls of JerichoWalls of Jericho (album)Walls of Jericho is the debut full length studio album by German power metal band Helloween, released in 1985 on LP and had an important development in the power metal giving some influences.In 1988 Walls of Jericho was released on CD...
(1985) - Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1 (1987)
- Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 2Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 2*"Save Us" was not included on the original LP: appears on the NOISE Records release.*Tracks 1 and 2 also appear on the "Dr. Stein" single*Track 3 also appears on the "I Want Out" single*Tracks 4 and 5 also appear on the Treasure Chest compilation...
(1988)
Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray (band)
Gamma Ray is a power metal band from Hamburg, northern Germany, founded and fronted by Kai Hansen after his departure from the German power metal Helloween. Hansen is the current lead vocalist, guitarist as well as the chief songwriter of Gamma Ray. The band is known as one of the most prominent...
- Heading for TomorrowHeading for TomorrowHeading for Tomorrow is the first studio album released by German power metal band, Gamma Ray on 19 February 1990 by Noise Records. In 2002 it was re-released with a different cover as part of the Ultimate Collection box-set...
(1990) - Sigh No More (1991)
- Insanity and GeniusInsanity and GeniusJapanese release2002 re-release"Heroes" also appears on the 2002 re-release of Gamma Ray's 1991 album Sigh No More and is an alternative version of the song "Changes" from that album....
(1993) - Land of the FreeLand of the Free (album)Land of the Free is the fourth studio album by German power metal band Gamma Ray, released in 1995. Continuing a trend that would conclude with the band's fifth studio release, the lineup for the album was different from the previous one, as Land of the Free was the first Gamma Ray album to be...
(1995) - Alive '95Alive '95Alive '95 was the first live album by Kai Hansen's Gamma Ray. It was released on May 1996, following the live concerts in Milano, Paris, Madrid, Pamplona and Erlangen, during the band's "Men on a Tour" European tour.-Track listing:CD1...
(1996) - Live album - Somewhere Out in SpaceSomewhere Out In SpaceSomewhere Out in Space is an album by German power metal band, Gamma Ray. It was released on August 25, 1997 and is the band's fifth studio album. Continuing in the tradition of the previous four albums, it contained yet another different lineup, but would also be the first album to feature the...
(1997) - The Karaoke Album (1997) - KaraokeKaraokeis a form of interactive entertainment or video game in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music using a microphone and public address system. The music is typically a well-known pop song minus the lead vocal. Lyrics are usually displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol,...
Compilation album - Power Plant (1999)
- Blast from the Past (2000) - "Best of" Compilation album
- No World Order (2001)
- Skeletons in the Closet (2003) - Live album
- MajesticMajestic (album)Majestic is the eighth full-length studio album from the German power metal band Gamma Ray, released in 2005. The band also released an LP version through their website to complement the supporting tour, limited to 1500 copies worldwide....
(2005) - Land of the Free IILand of the Free IILand of the Free II is the ninth full length studio album by Gamma Ray. It was released on November 16, 2007 in Germany, November 19 in Europe, November 21 in Japan and January 15, 2008 for North America. To promote Land of the Free II, Gamma Ray joined Helloween on the 2007/08 Hellish Rock Tour...
(2007) - Hell yeah! - The awesome foursome - Live in MontrealHell Yeah! The Awesome FoursomeHell Yeah!!! The Awesome Foursome is a live album from the German power metal band Gamma Ray, released in 2008.-Track listing:Disc 1...
(2008) - To The MetalTo the Metal-Album versions:# Regular jewel case CD# Limited edition featuring an additional DVD # Red vinyl in gatefold packaging# Collectors’ edition featuring CD and 7” vinyl with 2 unreleased tracks, completely hand-signed-Critical reception:...
(2010) - Skeletons & Majesties (2011) - Compilation album
Iron Savior
Iron Savior
Iron Savior is a German power metal band that formed in Hamburg, Germany in 1996. Following a period of several years working behind the scenes in music production, multi-instrumentalist and producer/engineer Piet Sielck joined with former Helloween bandmate Kai Hansen and then-drummer for Blind...
- Iron SaviorIron Savior (album)- Track listing :-Personnel:Iron Savior* Piet Sielck – vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, production* Kai Hansen – guitar, vocals, additional production* Thomen Stauch – drums, additional productionAdditional musicians...
(1997) - UnificationUnification (album)* The Swiss power metal band Excelsis won a band competition on Iron Savior's 1998 Atlantis Falling tour, earning them a guest spot on Unification.-Personnel:Iron Savior* Piet Sielck – lead vocals, backing vocals, guitar...
(1998) - InterludeInterlude (Iron Savior album)Interlude is an EP by the German power metal band Iron Savior, composed of five live tracks, four new songs, and one cover. The live tracks were recorded at the 1998 Wacken Open Air festival during the tour promoting their first album, Iron Savior...
(EPExtended playAn EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
, 1999) - Dark AssaultDark Assault-Personnel:Iron Savior* Piet Sielck – lead vocals, guitar* Kai Hansen – guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals on "Solar Wings"* Joachim "Piesel" Küstner – guitar, backing vocals* Andreas Kück – keyboards, backing vocals...
(2001)
Guest appearances
- With RampageRampageRampage may refer to:* Rampage , an American rapper* Dodge Rampage, a subcompact, unibody pickup truck* Rampage , a video game series....
:- Love Lights Up The Night – vocals on "Life"
- With AngraAngra (band)Angra is a Brazilian metal band from São Paulo, Brazil known for its symphonic interludes, highly technical instrumental playing and Brazilian regional elements.- Biography :...
:- Angels Cry – guitar solo on "Never Understand"
- Temple of ShadowsTemple of ShadowsTemple of Shadows is a concept album by the power metal band Angra and was released in 2004 by Paradoxx Music in Brazil and SPV label Steamhammer in the rest of the world...
– vocals on "The Temple of Hate"
- With Blind GuardianBlind GuardianBlind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in the mid-1980s in Krefeld, West Germany. They are often credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres...
:- Follow the BlindFollow the BlindFollow the Blind is the second full-length album from the German metal band Blind Guardian, released in 1989. The album is more in the vein of speed metal, compared to the style that would later define the band's unique sound...
– vocals on "Valhalla", and guitar solo on "Hall Of The King" - Tales from the Twilight WorldTales from the Twilight WorldTales from the Twilight World is the third studio album that was released in 1990 by Blind Guardian. The cover artwork was created by Andreas Marschall, who has drawn the artwork for some of Blind Guardian's other releases...
– vocals on "Lost in the Twilight Hall," guitar solo on "The Last Candle" - Somewhere Far BeyondSomewhere Far BeyondSomewhere Far Beyond is the fourth studio album by German power metal act Blind Guardian.It was released in 1992 and produced by Kalle Trapp...
– lead guitar on "The Quest for Tanelorn"
- Follow the Blind
- With Tobias SammetTobias SammetTobias Sammet is the vocalist and primary songwriter of the German Power metal band Edguy, as well as the creator of the metal opera Avantasia and a member of the metal project Final Chapter. He also made guest appearances on the Rob Rock album Holy Hell and the metal opera Aina...
's AvantasiaAvantasiaAvantasia is a heavy metal project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist and frontman of the band Edguy. The project's title is a portmanteau of the words "avalon" and "fantasia" and describes "a world beyond human imagination"...
:- The Metal OperaThe Metal OperaThe Metal Opera is the first full-length album by Tobias Sammet's side project opera, Avantasia. It is a concept album and a rock opera, and further information on the story can be found here.- Track listing :All music and lyrics by Tobias Sammet...
– as "Regrin the Dwarf" he has vocal parts in "Inside" and "Sign Of The Cross" - The Metal Opera Part IIThe Metal Opera Part IIThe Metal Opera Pt. II is the second full-length album by Tobias Sammet's side project opera, Avantasia. It is a concept album and a rock opera, and further information on the story can be found here. The songs carry on the story begun in The Metal Opera, with the same characters...
– he reprises his role and has vocal parts in "The Seven Angels" and "Chalice Of Agony" - The Scarecrow - lead guitar on "Shelter from the Rain"
- The Flying OperaThe Flying OperaThe Flying Opera is the first Avantasia live album by German power metal vocalist Tobias Sammet, released in March 2011. It was recorded during their first world tour in 2008, in support of the album The Scarecrow.-Tracklist:DVDDisc 1...
(live album) - vocals on "The Toy Master"
- The Metal Opera
- With HammerFallHammerFallHammerFall is a power metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden. The band was formed in 1993 by ex-Ceremonial Oath guitarist Oscar Dronjak.- Early days :...
:- I Want Out EPI Want Out"I Want Out" is a song by the German heavy metal band Helloween from the album Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 2, that was released as a single in 1988....
- vocals on "I Want Out" and backing vocals on "Man on the Silver Mountain"
- I Want Out EP
- With HeavenlyHeavenly (French band)Heavenly, a power metal/neo-classical metal band from Paris, France, was formed in 1994 by vocalist Benjamin Sotto and drummer Max Pilo. They were originally a cover band and played under the name of 'Satan's Lawyer' before evolving into a full-fledged Helloween-influenced power metal outfit, and...
:- Coming from the SkyComing from the SkyComing from the Sky is the first full-length album by the French power metal band Heavenly. It was released on July 25, 2000, by Noise Records.-Track listing:All songs written by Ben Sotto# "Coming from the Sky" – 1:39# "Carry Your Heart" – 4:17...
– vocals on "Time machine"
- Coming from the Sky
- With StormwarriorStormwarriorStormwarrior is a speed metal band from Germany that was formed in 1998 by vocalist and guitar player Lars Ramcke and drummer Andre Schumann, adding later in the same year guitarist Scott Bolter and bass player Tim Zienert...
:- Stormwarrior - vocals & guitar on "Chains Of Slavery" and "Heavy Metal is the Law" and narration on "Iron Prayers"
- Northern Rage - additional vocals on "Heroic Deathe" and guitar solo on "Welcome Thy Rite"
- With Headhunter:
- Parody Of Life - guest appearance on "Cursed"
- With Michael KiskeMichael KiskeMichael Kiske is a singer best known as the lead vocalist for the German power metal band Helloween, from 1986 to 1993. From 1996 up to 2009, Kiske recorded four solo albums, participated on various metal and rock related projects, while he also performed with numerous bands as a guest vocalist...
:- Instant ClarityInstant ClarityInstant Clarity is the first solo album of vocalist Michael Kiske . The album features guest appearances by Kai Hansen and Adrian Smith...
- guest appearance on "New Horizons" , "Be True To Yourself" , "The Calling" , "Thanx A Lot"
- Instant Clarity
- With Heavenwood:
- SwallowSwallowThe swallows and martins are a group of passerine birds in the family Hirundinidae which are characterised by their adaptation to aerial feeding...
- vocals & guitar on "Lunas", and vocal on "Downfall"
- Swallow
- With Primal FearPrimal Fear (band)Primal Fear is a German power metal and speed metal band formed in 1997 by Ralf Scheepers and Mat Sinner . Sinner & Scheepers formed the band after Ralf was not hired as Rob Halford's replacement in Judas Priest...
:- Primal FearPrimal Fear (album)Primal Fear is the debut studio album by the German power metal band Primal Fear, released in 1998.- Track listing :All songs by Primal Fear, except "Speedking" by Ian Gillan, Richie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Roger Glover, Ian Paice and "Breaker" by Accept...
guitar solo on "Formula One" , "Dollars", "Speedking"
- Primal Fear