Michael Kiske
Encyclopedia
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. In late 2009, he formed the rock band Unisonic and began touring again after 17 years.
, which was fronted by singer/guitarist Kai Hansen
. Hansen had some difficulties being both the lead guitarist and lead vocalist, and it was decided that a new vocalist would be needed. Kiske rejected Helloween's first offer, due to his dislike of the sound of the band's Walls Of Jericho
album, but accepted the second and joined Helloween in late 1986. Michael's first album with the band was 1987's Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1, widely considered to be one of Helloween's best albums and a milestone in the creation of the power metal
genre. The band went on to release Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II in 1988, whose worldwide success enabled them to embark on a world tour and perform at famous festivals such as Monsters Of Rock
. The Keeper of the Seven Keys albums proved to be highly influential and aided in the formation of a new wave of European power metal bands, such as Blind Guardian
, Stratovarius
, HammerFall
and Edguy
.
After the completion of the band's 1988 headlining tour, the album Live in the UK
was released, while Kai Hansen left the band and was replaced by guitarist Roland Grapow
. Legal disputes with their record company, prevented Helloween from releasing new material until 1991's Pink Bubbles Go Ape
, which was followed by 1993's Chameleon. These two albums saw the band moving away from their power metal roots and experimenting with different sounds. Both Pink Bubbles Go Ape and Chameleon were commercial failures and resulted in Kiske leaving Helloween. Michael was fired from the band in 1993, reportedly for personal reasons and musical differences. He was replaced by Andi Deris
, who has remained with Helloween ever since.
Kiske was rumored to be Bruce Dickinson
's replacement, after he departed from Iron Maiden
in 1993, but that position was filled by Blaze Bayley
.
. The album featured guest appearances by Kai Hansen and Adrian Smith
of Iron Maiden. A music video
for the ballad Always, dedicated to deceased Helloween drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg
, was produced and filmed in New York City
. Instant Clarity contained songs in a wide variety of styles. During the same year he also wrote a book, 'Kunst Und Materialismus', which is only available in German.
His second solo album, Readiness to Sacrifice
, was released in Korea and Japan in 1999, and in Europe in 2001. The music on the album featured Michael moving away from his heavy metal roots and even contained two symphonic songs.
In 2006, Michael Kiske released his third full-length solo album under the name of Kiske
. The album contained songs in a mellow, acoustic pop-rock style and was a step away from the sound of his previous solo albums. According to Michael "It's a healthy-careless and musically free album. I am very proud of this record because it is a true statement from myself".
In 2008, Kiske released his fourth solo work, entitled Past in Different Ways
. The new solo album contained acoustic re-arrangements of his old Helloween material and one new song. According to Kiske the album "on one hand shows that I don't reject my past just because I'm a different person today, and on the other hand it can maybe give people who were part of that past a different view at those songs".
's (Kai Hansen's band, formed after his departure from Helloween in late 1988) Land of the Free
album, singing lead vocals on the song "Time To Break Free" and additional vocals on the title track.
In 2000, Kiske was asked to participate on the Avantasia
project The Metal Opera
in the role of Lugaid Vandroiy, which he agreed to do, but only under the nickname of Ernie. The nickname was printed on the back of the first CD, but not on the second, where he was featured under his real name. Michael said in interviews that, at that time, he did not want people to link him to heavy metal anymore. He had a main role in the concept of the Metal Opera albums and sang on a total of 7 songs.
During 2002, Kiske sang the song "Key to the Universe", which was featured on Timo Tolkki
's (guitarist of the band Stratovarius
) solo album Hymn to Life
. In the same year, Michael also sang the duet "Heroes" (together with Jorn Lande), featured on Masterplan's self titled debut album.
In 2003, Michael took part in the metal opera Days of Rising Doom
by Aina
, in the role of the Narrator, singing on the songs "Revelations", "Silver Maiden", "Serendipity" and "Restoration".
In 2004, Michael sang the duet "The Encounter", together with the female vocalist of the band Thalion on their debut album Another Sun.
During 2005, Michael was a guest on the heavy metal album Execution
by the band Tribuzy
, singing on the duet "Absolution". Following this participation Kiske sang another duet, entitled "Judas At The Opera", together with Tobias Sammet
(vocalist of the band Edguy
and founder of the Avantasia
project) on Edguy
's Superheroes
EP.
In 2007, Michael sang on the song "Breathe In Water", together with the female vocalist of the band Indigo Dying on their self titled debut album. During the same year, he recorded guest vocals for two Avantasia
tracks; "Promised Land", which appeared on the Lost in Space Part II
EP and "Lost In Space [Extended Version]", which appeared on the Lost in Space Part I & II
compilation album.
During 2008, Kiske took part on the Avantasia
album The Scarecrow
, singing lead on the track "Shelter From The Rain" and backing on the title track and on "What Kind Of Love".
In 2009, Michael was a guest on Trick or Treat's album Tin Soldiers, singing all vocals for the song "Hello Moon" and additional lead vocals on the duet "Tears Against Your Smile".
During 2010, Kiske performed on the Avantasia
albums The Wicked Symphony
and Angel of Babylon
, singing on the tracks "Wastelands", "Runaway Train" and "Stargazers". Following this participation he recorded guest vocals for the song "All You Need To Know", featured on Gamma Ray
's To The Metal
album. From November 30 until December 19, Kiske took part in the Avantasia tour "The Metal Opera Comes To Town", sharing the stage with Tobias Sammet, Jorn Lande, Kai Hansen, Bob Catley
, Amanda Somerville
, Sascha Paeth
, and Oliver Hartmann
among others.
In 2003, out of desire to make rock music again, Kiske formed a band, named SupaRed
. They released a self-titled album in January 2003. This album had a modern rock
sound and a song structure, distinct from both his solo albums and the heavy metal sound of Helloween. The project was under promoted and unsuccessful and he dissolved the band.
In 2005, Kiske was a part of the Place Vendome
project, on Italian
record label Frontiers Records
. Place Vendome was composed of members from the German band Pink Cream 69
, the keyboard player from the band Vanden Plas
and Kiske on vocals. The band's music was a blend of melodic hard rock and AOR, comparable to the sound of bands such as Foreigner
or Journey
.
In 2009, Place Vendome released the second album of the project, entitled Streets of Fire
. A video was filmed for the song My Guardian Angel, marking Michael's visual return since 1996. The songwriting for the second album was provided by musicians Magnus Karlsson
, Torsti Spoof, Ronny Milianowicz and Robert Sall
During 2008, Timo Tolkki departed from Stratovarius and formed the band Revolution Renaissance
. The band's debut album, New Era
, was recorded by session musicians and Kiske on the role of the main singer, performing all the vocals for the tracks "I Did It My Way", "Angel", "Keep The Flame Alive", "Last Night On Earth" and "Revolution Renaissance".
In early 2010, Kiske collaborated with female vocalist Amanda Somerville
in a duet project, put together by Frontiers Records. The project marked the contribution of musicians Mat Sinner
, Magnus Karlsson
, Sander Gommans
, Martin Schmidt
and Jimmy Kresic. Two videos were filmed for the songs Silence and If I Had A Wish, enabling most of the participants to actually meet in person. The album was released on September 24, 2010, under the name Kiske / Somerville
.
and Kosta Zafiriou
. Unisonic began their first tour in June 2010, playing some warm-up shows in Germany and performing at Sweden Rock Festival
and Masters Of Rock Festival
in the Czech Republic as well. In March 2011, Kai Hansen
joined the band. Unisonic is scheduled to release its debut album in 2012.
or a young Samson-era Bruce Dickinson
, with shades of Rob Halford
. He sings in a tenor manner and possesses an almost 4 octave vocal range, as he is capable of reaching extremely high notes (A5) and low baritone notes (C2) as well. Kiske's time in Helloween has proved to be highly influential, and many singers cite him as a major influence.
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
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...
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...
, 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. In late 2009, he formed the rock band Unisonic and began touring again after 17 years.
Early life
Prior to joining Helloween, Kiske sang with the German band Ill Prophecy at the age of 17. The band recorded a demo, but it was never released commercially.Helloween
At the age of eighteen, Kiske was asked to join the German power metal band 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...
, which was fronted by singer/guitarist Kai Hansen
Kai Hansen
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...
. Hansen had some difficulties being both the lead guitarist and lead vocalist, and it was decided that a new vocalist would be needed. Kiske rejected Helloween's first offer, due to his dislike of the sound of the band's Walls Of Jericho
Walls 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...
album, but accepted the second and joined Helloween in late 1986. Michael's first album with the band was 1987's Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1, widely considered to be one of Helloween's best albums and a milestone in the creation of the 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...
genre. The band went on to release Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II in 1988, whose worldwide success enabled them to embark on a world tour and perform at famous festivals such as Monsters Of Rock
Monsters of Rock
Monsters of Rock was an annual music festival held in England, then moved in other locations like The Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile.The Last show was in 2008....
. The Keeper of the Seven Keys albums proved to be highly influential and aided in the formation of a new wave of European power metal bands, such as 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...
, Stratovarius
Stratovarius
Stratovarius are a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire and Gamma Ray, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal and symphonic...
, 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 :...
and Edguy
Edguy
-Demos, AFM years :Edguy was founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch and Dirk Sauer. The name "Edguy" was an affectionate epithet for Mr. Edgar Siedschlag, their math teacher at the time. In 1994, the band released two demos, Evil Minded and Children of...
.
After the completion of the band's 1988 headlining tour, the album Live in the UK
Live in the UK
Live in the U.K. is the first live album released by the band Helloween. It was released in some countries as Keepers Live. In the United States, it was released as I Want Out – Live without the track "Rise and Fall", and with a shorter edit of the introduction. The album was recorded in...
was released, while Kai Hansen left the band and was replaced by guitarist Roland Grapow
Roland Grapow
Roland Grapow, born 30 August 1959 in Hamburg, Germany is a professional guitarist and music producer. Roland is best known for his time in the power metal band Helloween, who he played with for 12 years after replacing founding member Kai Hansen...
. Legal disputes with their record company, prevented Helloween from releasing new material until 1991's Pink Bubbles Go Ape
Pink Bubbles Go Ape
Pink Bubbles Go Ape is the fourth studio album by German power metal band Helloween, released in 1991. It marked the departure of guitarist Kai Hansen, with Roland Grapow replacing him...
, which was followed by 1993's Chameleon. These two albums saw the band moving away from their power metal roots and experimenting with different sounds. Both Pink Bubbles Go Ape and Chameleon were commercial failures and resulted in Kiske leaving Helloween. Michael was fired from the band in 1993, reportedly for personal reasons and musical differences. He was replaced by Andi Deris
Andi Deris
Andreas "Andi" Deris is the vocalist and the main songwriter for power metal band Helloween, and co-founder and former lead singer of German melodic metal band Pink Cream 69...
, who has remained with Helloween ever since.
Kiske was rumored to be Bruce Dickinson
Bruce Dickinson
Paul Bruce Dickinson is an English singer, songwriter, airline pilot, fencer, broadcaster, author, screenwriter, actor and marketing director, best known as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden....
's replacement, after he departed from Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
in 1993, but that position was filled by Blaze Bayley
Blaze Bayley
Blaze Bayley is an English singer and songwriter. He has been the lead singer of Wolfsbane from 1984 to 1994, and nowadays since their recent reunion. Blaze is however world-known for having been the lead singer of British metal band Iron Maiden from 1994 to 1999...
.
Solo work
On August 16, 1996, three years after leaving Helloween, Kiske released his first solo album, Instant ClarityInstant Clarity
Instant Clarity is the first solo album of vocalist Michael Kiske . The album features guest appearances by Kai Hansen and Adrian Smith...
. The album featured guest appearances by Kai Hansen and Adrian Smith
Adrian Smith
Adrian Frederick "H" Smith is an English musician and one of three guitarists in the heavy metal band, Iron Maiden. He is also one of the band's regular songwriters and, along with bassist Steve Harris, performs backing vocals on some songs.-Biography:While at school, Smith purchased his first...
of Iron Maiden. A music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for the ballad Always, dedicated to deceased Helloween drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg
Ingo Schwichtenberg
Ingo Schwichtenberg was one of the founding members of German power metal band Helloween and was famous for his high-energy drumming....
, was produced and filmed in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. Instant Clarity contained songs in a wide variety of styles. During the same year he also wrote a book, 'Kunst Und Materialismus', which is only available in German.
His second solo album, Readiness to Sacrifice
Readiness to Sacrifice
Readiness to Sacrifice is the second solo album of Michael Kiske. It was released in 1999 in Japan and South Korea, and in Europe in 2001.-Track listing:# "Could Cry" # "Ban 'em" # "Philistine City"...
, was released in Korea and Japan in 1999, and in Europe in 2001. The music on the album featured Michael moving away from his heavy metal roots and even contained two symphonic songs.
In 2006, Michael Kiske released his third full-length solo album under the name of Kiske
Kiske
Kiske is an album released by the German musician Michael Kiske in 2006.Of the four solo efforts produced by Kiske, this is the one most removed from his metal roots/past having little to no electric guitar....
. The album contained songs in a mellow, acoustic pop-rock style and was a step away from the sound of his previous solo albums. According to Michael "It's a healthy-careless and musically free album. I am very proud of this record because it is a true statement from myself".
In 2008, Kiske released his fourth solo work, entitled Past in Different Ways
Past in Different Ways
Past in Different Ways is the fourth solo album of vocalist Michael Kiske. It features acoustic renditions of songs written by Kiske during his time in Helloween and one new track. This came as a surprise to fans, considering Kiske's desire to leave the world of Helloween and heavy metal behind...
. The new solo album contained acoustic re-arrangements of his old Helloween material and one new song. According to Kiske the album "on one hand shows that I don't reject my past just because I'm a different person today, and on the other hand it can maybe give people who were part of that past a different view at those songs".
Collaborations
During 1995, Kiske participated as a guest on Gamma RayGamma 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...
's (Kai Hansen's band, formed after his departure from Helloween in late 1988) Land of the Free
Land 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...
album, singing lead vocals on the song "Time To Break Free" and additional vocals on the title track.
In 2000, Kiske was asked to participate on the 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"...
project The Metal Opera
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...
in the role of Lugaid Vandroiy, which he agreed to do, but only under the nickname of Ernie. The nickname was printed on the back of the first CD, but not on the second, where he was featured under his real name. Michael said in interviews that, at that time, he did not want people to link him to heavy metal anymore. He had a main role in the concept of the Metal Opera albums and sang on a total of 7 songs.
During 2002, Kiske sang the song "Key to the Universe", which was featured on Timo Tolkki
Timo Tolkki
Timo Tapio Tolkki is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, songwriter, and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. He left Stratovarius in 2008 and formed a new band, Revolution Renaissance. To this day, with his tenure extending for more than twenty years, Tolkki was the...
's (guitarist of the band Stratovarius
Stratovarius
Stratovarius are a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire and Gamma Ray, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal and symphonic...
) solo album Hymn to Life
Hymn to Life (album)
Hymn to Life is the second solo album by Timo Tolkki. Unlike the first one, Classical Variations and Themes, Hymn to Life does not present Tolkki as a fast and classical heavy metal guitarist, but as a diverse songwriter. The album deals with Tolkki's personal beliefs and thoughts about life and...
. In the same year, Michael also sang the duet "Heroes" (together with Jorn Lande), featured on Masterplan's self titled debut album.
In 2003, Michael took part in the metal opera Days of Rising Doom
Days of Rising Doom
Days of Rising Doom is the debut album and metal opera by the Progressive metal supergroup Aina released on September 25, 2003. The concept was created and the story and lyrics were written by Amanda Somerville...
by Aina
Aina (band)
Aina is a progressive metal supergroup, containing members from all over the world and from all strands of metal and hard rock. Together they created the metal opera Days of Rising Doom, which was released in 2003 by Transmission/The End Records....
, in the role of the Narrator, singing on the songs "Revelations", "Silver Maiden", "Serendipity" and "Restoration".
In 2004, Michael sang the duet "The Encounter", together with the female vocalist of the band Thalion on their debut album Another Sun.
During 2005, Michael was a guest on the heavy metal album Execution
Execution (album)
-Track listing:# "Execution" - 7:15# "Forgotten Time" - 4:19# "The Attempt" - 4:08# "Divine Disgrace" - 5:25# "Absolution" - 9:36# "Web of Life" - 4:47# "Nature of Evil" - 7:42# "Lake of Sins" - 4:17# "Beast in the Light" - 6:01# "Aggressive" - 6:01...
by the band Tribuzy
Tribuzy
Tribuzy is a Brazilian heavy metal band fronted by Renato Tribuzy. They have recently toured with Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson and guitarist/producer Roy Z...
, singing on the duet "Absolution". Following this participation Kiske sang another duet, entitled "Judas At The Opera", together with 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...
(vocalist of the band Edguy
Edguy
-Demos, AFM years :Edguy was founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch and Dirk Sauer. The name "Edguy" was an affectionate epithet for Mr. Edgar Siedschlag, their math teacher at the time. In 1994, the band released two demos, Evil Minded and Children of...
and founder of the 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"...
project) on Edguy
Edguy
-Demos, AFM years :Edguy was founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch and Dirk Sauer. The name "Edguy" was an affectionate epithet for Mr. Edgar Siedschlag, their math teacher at the time. In 1994, the band released two demos, Evil Minded and Children of...
's Superheroes
Superheroes (EP)
Superheroes, released in 2005, is an EP by German power metal band Edguy. Michael Kiske of Helloween has a guest appearance. On this EP, the band has moved away from the sound they had developed on their previous album Hellfire Club. The songs on Superheroes are much less akin to the band's native...
EP.
In 2007, Michael sang on the song "Breathe In Water", together with the female vocalist of the band Indigo Dying on their self titled debut album. During the same year, he recorded guest vocals for two 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"...
tracks; "Promised Land", which appeared on the Lost in Space Part II
Lost in Space Part II
Lost in Space is an EP to the Avantasia album The Scarecrow.- Track listing :#"Lost in Space" #"Promised Land" #"Dancing with Tears in My Eyes" #"Scary Eyes"...
EP and "Lost In Space [Extended Version]", which appeared on the Lost in Space Part I & II
Lost in Space Part I & II
Lost in Space Part I & II is a compilation album by Avantasia, released on 2008. The album contains tracks from Avantasia's EPs Lost in Space Part I and Lost in Space Part II and an expanded version of the title-song, featuring Michael Kiske....
compilation album.
During 2008, Kiske took part on the 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"...
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...
, singing lead on the track "Shelter From The Rain" and backing on the title track and on "What Kind Of Love".
In 2009, Michael was a guest on Trick or Treat's album Tin Soldiers, singing all vocals for the song "Hello Moon" and additional lead vocals on the duet "Tears Against Your Smile".
During 2010, Kiske performed on the 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"...
albums The Wicked Symphony
The Wicked Symphony
-Track listing: -Personnel:* Tobias Sammet - Lead vocals, Bass guitar, Keyboards, Organ * Sascha Paeth - Guitars, Keyboards, Bass guitar Producer* Eric Singer - Drums * Miro - Keyboards, Orchestration...
and Angel of Babylon
Angel of Babylon
Angel of Babylon is the fifth full-length Avantasia album by German power metal vocalist Tobias Sammet, released on April 3, 2010 along with The Wicked Symphony...
, singing on the tracks "Wastelands", "Runaway Train" and "Stargazers". Following this participation he recorded guest vocals for the song "All You Need To Know", featured on 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...
's To The Metal
To 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:...
album. From November 30 until December 19, Kiske took part in the Avantasia tour "The Metal Opera Comes To Town", sharing the stage with Tobias Sammet, Jorn Lande, Kai Hansen, Bob Catley
Bob Catley
For the Australian politician, see Bob Catley Robert Adrian 'Bob' Catley is a British musician, perhaps best known as the lead singer of the rock band Magnum. He is also an accomplished solo artist.- Early years :...
, Amanda Somerville
Amanda Somerville
Amanda Somerville is an American singer-songwriter and vocal coach.- Personal life :Somerville was born in Flushing, Michigan, and attended Flushing Senior High School and the University of Michigan in Flint, Michigan...
, Sascha Paeth
Sascha Paeth
Sascha Paeth is a German guitarist, bassist, musical producer, and mixer known for working with heavy metal bands such as Avantasia, Edguy, Angra, Shaaman, Rhapsody of Fire, Kamelot, After Forever, Epica, et al...
, and Oliver Hartmann
Oliver Hartmann
Oliver Hartmann is a German metal vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer who performed in various acts, either as guitarist, solo or choir singer...
among others.
Projects
- SupaRed
In 2003, out of desire to make rock music again, Kiske formed a band, named SupaRed
SupaRed
SupaRed is an album by ex-Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske.-Track listing:# "Reconsider"# "Can I Know Now?"# "Let's Be Heroes"# "He Pretends"# "Freak-Away"# "Hey"# "Boiling Points Of No Reburn"# "Ride On"# "Hackneyed"# "That's Why"# "A Bit Of Her"...
. They released a self-titled album in January 2003. This album had a modern rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
sound and a song structure, distinct from both his solo albums and the heavy metal sound of Helloween. The project was under promoted and unsuccessful and he dissolved the band.
- Place Vendome
In 2005, Kiske was a part of the Place Vendome
Place Vendome (band)
Place Vendome is a melodic hard rock / album-oriented rock project, founded in 2004 by Serafino Perugino, ....
project, on Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
record label Frontiers Records
Frontiers Records
Frontiers Records is an Italian record label, predominantly producing melodic rock. It was formed in 1996 by Serafino Perugino and is based in Naples, Italy.-History:...
. Place Vendome was composed of members from the German band Pink Cream 69
Pink Cream 69
Pink Cream 69 is a German hard rock band founded in 1987 in Karlsruhe, Germany by Andi Deris, Dennis Ward, Kosta Zafiriou and Alfred Koffler. The band gained their first contract by winning music magazine Metal Hammer 's newcomer competition in Ludwigsburg one year after forming. In 1994, Andi...
, the keyboard player from the band Vanden Plas
Vanden Plas (band)
Vanden Plas is a German progressive metal band, based in Kaiserslautern and founded in the mid 1980s. In 1991, they recorded the song "Keep On Running" as an anthem for the local national league football club FC Kaiserslautern, and did the same in 1994 with "Das Ist Für Euch"...
and Kiske on vocals. The band's music was a blend of melodic hard rock and AOR, comparable to the sound of bands such as Foreigner
Foreigner (band)
Foreigner is a British-American rock band, originally formed in 1976 by veteran English musicians Mick Jones and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm...
or Journey
Journey (band)
Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded...
.
In 2009, Place Vendome released the second album of the project, entitled Streets of Fire
Streets Of Fire (album)
Streets of Fire is the second album of the melodic hard rock / album-oriented rock project Place Vendome. The songwriting for this album was provided by Torsti Spoof , Ronny Milianowicz , Robert Sall and Magnus Karlsson .A music video was filmed for the song , marking the visual return of...
. A video was filmed for the song My Guardian Angel, marking Michael's visual return since 1996. The songwriting for the second album was provided by musicians Magnus Karlsson
Magnus Karlsson (guitarist)
Magnus Karlsson is a Swedish heavy metal guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and producer. He is currently one of the guitarists of the band Primal Fear.-Biography:...
, Torsti Spoof, Ronny Milianowicz and Robert Sall
- Revolution Renaissance
During 2008, Timo Tolkki departed from Stratovarius and formed the band Revolution Renaissance
Revolution Renaissance
Revolution Renaissance was a multinational power metal band founded by guitarist Timo Tolkki after he left Stratovarius in 2008. The band released three studio albums before disbanding in 2010.-New Era:...
. The band's debut album, New Era
New Era (album)
New Era is the debut album of Finnish power metal pioneer Timo Tolkki's band, Revolution Renaissance. After Tolkki's split from Stratovarius in 2008 he used what fan's knew the album to be titled R... R.... as the namesake for his new project...
, was recorded by session musicians and Kiske on the role of the main singer, performing all the vocals for the tracks "I Did It My Way", "Angel", "Keep The Flame Alive", "Last Night On Earth" and "Revolution Renaissance".
- Kiske/Somerville
In early 2010, Kiske collaborated with female vocalist Amanda Somerville
Amanda Somerville
Amanda Somerville is an American singer-songwriter and vocal coach.- Personal life :Somerville was born in Flushing, Michigan, and attended Flushing Senior High School and the University of Michigan in Flint, Michigan...
in a duet project, put together by Frontiers Records. The project marked the contribution of musicians Mat Sinner
Mat Sinner
Mat Sinner is a bassist, vocalist and record producer from Stuttgart in Germany.His main bands have been Sinner since 1982 and Primal Fear since 1997, which he formed with Ralf Scheepers. He has been involved in numerous other projects throughout his musical career...
, Magnus Karlsson
Magnus Karlsson
__NOEDITSECTION__Magnus Karlsson may refer to: -Magnus:* Magnus Karlsson , Swedish speedway rider* Magnus Karlsson , Swedish bandy player...
, Sander Gommans
Sander Gommans
Sander Gommans is a Dutch musician. He founded the symphonic metal band Apocalypse with Mark Jansen in 1995, which later changed its name to After Forever. He played guitar and did the grunting parts in the band...
, Martin Schmidt
Martin Schmidt
-Achievements:-References:* on JudoInside.com...
and Jimmy Kresic. Two videos were filmed for the songs Silence and If I Had A Wish, enabling most of the participants to actually meet in person. The album was released on September 24, 2010, under the name Kiske / Somerville
Kiske/Somerville
Kiske/Somerville is a melodic rock/heavy metal duet project, put together in late 2009 by Serafino Perugino ....
.
Unisonic
On November 10, 2009, Michael formed the band Unisonic together with Dennis Ward, Mandy MeyerMandy Meyer
Armand Mandy Meyer is a Swiss guitar player best known for being a member of the hard rock band Gotthard, the progressive rock band Asia and the heavy metal band Krokus. Meyer has also worked with Cobra, Stealin' Horses and Katmandu. He was born August 29, 1960 in the town of Balcarres,...
and Kosta Zafiriou
Pink Cream 69
Pink Cream 69 is a German hard rock band founded in 1987 in Karlsruhe, Germany by Andi Deris, Dennis Ward, Kosta Zafiriou and Alfred Koffler. The band gained their first contract by winning music magazine Metal Hammer 's newcomer competition in Ludwigsburg one year after forming. In 1994, Andi...
. Unisonic began their first tour in June 2010, playing some warm-up shows in Germany and performing 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...
and Masters Of Rock Festival
Masters of Rock (festival)
Masters of Rock is a large heavy metal festival in Czech Republic. The main styles represented on this festival are power, speed and heavy metal, though the production tries to make the fest more open for other rock and metal styles as progressive rock/metal, hardcore, death metal or even ska...
in the Czech Republic as well. In March 2011, Kai Hansen
Kai Hansen
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...
joined the band. Unisonic is scheduled to release its debut album in 2012.
Singing style
In comparison to Kai Hansen, Kiske had a more vibrant and clean voice. Some fans and critics have likened his singing style and range to that of Geoff TateGeoff Tate
Geoff Tate is an American singer and musician, who rose to fame in the 1980s with the progressive metal band, Queensrÿche...
or a young Samson-era Bruce Dickinson
Bruce Dickinson
Paul Bruce Dickinson is an English singer, songwriter, airline pilot, fencer, broadcaster, author, screenwriter, actor and marketing director, best known as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden....
, with shades of Rob Halford
Rob Halford
Robert John Arthur "Rob" Halford is an English singer-songwriter, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Judas Priest. He is nicknamed the "Metal God" as a tribute to his influence on metal, and after the Judas Priest song of the same name from 1980's...
. He sings in a tenor manner and possesses an almost 4 octave vocal range, as he is capable of reaching extremely high notes (A5) and low baritone notes (C2) as well. Kiske's time in Helloween has proved to be highly influential, and many singers cite him as a major influence.
Solo albums
- Instant ClarityInstant ClarityInstant Clarity is the first solo album of vocalist Michael Kiske . The album features guest appearances by Kai Hansen and Adrian Smith...
(1996)- Always (EP) (1996)
- The Calling (EP) (1996)
- Readiness to SacrificeReadiness to SacrificeReadiness to Sacrifice is the second solo album of Michael Kiske. It was released in 1999 in Japan and South Korea, and in Europe in 2001.-Track listing:# "Could Cry" # "Ban 'em" # "Philistine City"...
(1999) - KiskeKiskeKiske is an album released by the German musician Michael Kiske in 2006.Of the four solo efforts produced by Kiske, this is the one most removed from his metal roots/past having little to no electric guitar....
(2006) - Past In Different WaysPast in Different WaysPast in Different Ways is the fourth solo album of vocalist Michael Kiske. It features acoustic renditions of songs written by Kiske during his time in Helloween and one new track. This came as a surprise to fans, considering Kiske's desire to leave the world of Helloween and heavy metal behind...
(2008)
Helloween
- 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) - Live in the UKLive in the UKLive in the U.K. is the first live album released by the band Helloween. It was released in some countries as Keepers Live. In the United States, it was released as I Want Out – Live without the track "Rise and Fall", and with a shorter edit of the introduction. The album was recorded in...
(1989) - Pink Bubbles Go ApePink Bubbles Go ApePink Bubbles Go Ape is the fourth studio album by German power metal band Helloween, released in 1991. It marked the departure of guitarist Kai Hansen, with Roland Grapow replacing him...
(1991) - Chameleon (1993)
Avantasia
- AvantasiaAvantasia (single)Avantasia is the debut single by heavy metal project Avantasia.-Track listing:# "Avantasia" # "Reach Out for the Light"# "Final Sacrifice"# "Avantasia"-Personnel:* Tobias Sammet - Lead vocals, keyboards...
(SingleSingle (music)In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
) (2001) - 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...
(2001) - 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...
(2002) - Lost in Space Part IILost in Space Part IILost in Space is an EP to the Avantasia album The Scarecrow.- Track listing :#"Lost in Space" #"Promised Land" #"Dancing with Tears in My Eyes" #"Scary Eyes"...
(EP) (2007) - The Scarecrow (2008)
- The Wicked SymphonyThe Wicked Symphony-Track listing: -Personnel:* Tobias Sammet - Lead vocals, Bass guitar, Keyboards, Organ * Sascha Paeth - Guitars, Keyboards, Bass guitar Producer* Eric Singer - Drums * Miro - Keyboards, Orchestration...
& Angel of BabylonAngel of BabylonAngel of Babylon is the fifth full-length Avantasia album by German power metal vocalist Tobias Sammet, released on April 3, 2010 along with The Wicked Symphony...
(2010)
Place Vendome
- Place VendomePlace Vendome (album)Place Vendome is the debut album of the melodic hard rock / album-oriented rock project Place Vendome. The songwriting for this album was provided by Dennis Ward , with further contributions from David Readman and Alfred Koffler....
(2005) - Streets Of FireStreets Of Fire (album)Streets of Fire is the second album of the melodic hard rock / album-oriented rock project Place Vendome. The songwriting for this album was provided by Torsti Spoof , Ronny Milianowicz , Robert Sall and Magnus Karlsson .A music video was filmed for the song , marking the visual return of...
(2009)
Guest appearances
- Gamma RayGamma 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...
- 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) - Timo TolkkiTimo TolkkiTimo Tapio Tolkki is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, songwriter, and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. He left Stratovarius in 2008 and formed a new band, Revolution Renaissance. To this day, with his tenure extending for more than twenty years, Tolkki was the...
- Hymn to LifeHymn to Life (album)Hymn to Life is the second solo album by Timo Tolkki. Unlike the first one, Classical Variations and Themes, Hymn to Life does not present Tolkki as a fast and classical heavy metal guitarist, but as a diverse songwriter. The album deals with Tolkki's personal beliefs and thoughts about life and...
(2002) - Masterplan - Masterplan (2003)
- AinaAina (band)Aina is a progressive metal supergroup, containing members from all over the world and from all strands of metal and hard rock. Together they created the metal opera Days of Rising Doom, which was released in 2003 by Transmission/The End Records....
- Days of Rising DoomDays of Rising DoomDays of Rising Doom is the debut album and metal opera by the Progressive metal supergroup Aina released on September 25, 2003. The concept was created and the story and lyrics were written by Amanda Somerville...
(2004) - Thalion - Another Sun (2004)
- TribuzyTribuzyTribuzy is a Brazilian heavy metal band fronted by Renato Tribuzy. They have recently toured with Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson and guitarist/producer Roy Z...
- ExecutionExecution (album)-Track listing:# "Execution" - 7:15# "Forgotten Time" - 4:19# "The Attempt" - 4:08# "Divine Disgrace" - 5:25# "Absolution" - 9:36# "Web of Life" - 4:47# "Nature of Evil" - 7:42# "Lake of Sins" - 4:17# "Beast in the Light" - 6:01# "Aggressive" - 6:01...
(2005) - EdguyEdguy-Demos, AFM years :Edguy was founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch and Dirk Sauer. The name "Edguy" was an affectionate epithet for Mr. Edgar Siedschlag, their math teacher at the time. In 1994, the band released two demos, Evil Minded and Children of...
- SuperheroesSuperheroes (EP)Superheroes, released in 2005, is an EP by German power metal band Edguy. Michael Kiske of Helloween has a guest appearance. On this EP, the band has moved away from the sound they had developed on their previous album Hellfire Club. The songs on Superheroes are much less akin to the band's native...
(2005) - HelloweenHelloweenHelloween 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...
- Keeper of the Seven Keys: The Legacy (2005)(sampled) - Indigo Dying - Indigo Dying (2007)
- Revolution RenaissanceRevolution RenaissanceRevolution Renaissance was a multinational power metal band founded by guitarist Timo Tolkki after he left Stratovarius in 2008. The band released three studio albums before disbanding in 2010.-New Era:...
- New EraNew Era (album)New Era is the debut album of Finnish power metal pioneer Timo Tolkki's band, Revolution Renaissance. After Tolkki's split from Stratovarius in 2008 he used what fan's knew the album to be titled R... R.... as the namesake for his new project...
(2008) - Trick or Treat - Tin Soldiers (2009)
- Gamma RayGamma 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...
- 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)