Kai Hansen certainly has made quite a name for himself in the world of Heavy Metal. The influence of Gamma Ray (let alone his music in the early days of Helloween) upon scores of modern Power Metal bands is simply undeniable. Now, this elder statesman of Metal has documented the current state of Gamma Ray with a double CD/double DVD release.

Recorded in Montreal, Canada on the band’s 2007 tour, Hell Yeah (the album) is 2 full CD’s loaded with megatons of live Heavy Metal grandeur. Loaded with Gamma Ray classics like “Blood Religion”, “Heavy Metal Universe”, “Beyond The Black Hole”, “Rebellion In Dreamland” and “Land Of The Free”, as well as the expected nod to Hansen’s former band Helloween in “I Want Out”. The DVD set contains the show filmed with great camera angles and perfectly captured light show. The band appears to be having a great time on stage, relishing every moment in front of their adoring fans that, quite obviously, are very energetic and into the show. The banter is cut on the CD, but it’s cool to watch Kai interact with the crowd. The second DVD in the set is packed to the seams with live and studio footage beginning in ’94. Here we can find television/backstage/live footage from the ’97 and ’00 Japanese tours, 7 music videos (a couple with original singer Ralf Scheepers), Wacken ’03 & ’06 footage, Unplugged In Japan & a 15-minute tour doc.

All in all, it’s a Gamma Ray fan’s smorgasbord. That’s the point of these types of releases anyway, right? It’s supposed to be sort of a “thank you” to the fans for all their support by offering pieces of the band’s history. I’d say it’s a must have for Gamma Ray fans.

[Visit the band's website]

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