SPV/Steamhammer
2007
1. Into the Storm
2. From the Ashes
3. Rising Again
4. To Mother Earth
5. Rain
6. Leaving Hell
7. Empress
8. When the World
9. Opportunity
10. Real World
11. Hear Me Calling
12. Insurrection
If nothing else Gamma Ray have to be one of the most recognized names in speed/power metal. Whether that's simply due to having Kai Hansen of Helloween or not is up for debate. None the less, they return once again with Land Of The Free II. Any 'sequel' following so long after the original instantly makes me nervous and screams 'Hey remember this album?... like us that much again!'. Generally sequels to albums are just attempts to grab some more attention based on past success and end up as simple rehashes or mutilations of previous material.
Well, this is definitely a rehash and features all the same cliches and formulas the band has been driving into the ground since the first Land Of The Free, but I do have to say this sounds more speedy and ripping than the band has been in awhile. The material here seems to charge ahead with unrelenting speed and has all the energy that the last album Majestic just completely lacked. Formulatic for sure, but at least Land Of The Free II has some fire under it's ass. The riffing and pace of the songs make for a good headbangable experience even if it does start to overstay it's welcome a little by the end.
Basically, this album is an alright experience if you just want more cliche happy power metal. This album is nothing more and nothing less than that. An OK release but Gamma Ray aren't going to turn any heads by proceeding to do the same thing over and over again with varying success.
Highlights: Into The Storm, Rain
Rating - 3.0/5
2. From the Ashes
3. Rising Again
4. To Mother Earth
5. Rain
6. Leaving Hell
7. Empress
8. When the World
9. Opportunity
10. Real World
11. Hear Me Calling
12. Insurrection
If nothing else Gamma Ray have to be one of the most recognized names in speed/power metal. Whether that's simply due to having Kai Hansen of Helloween or not is up for debate. None the less, they return once again with Land Of The Free II. Any 'sequel' following so long after the original instantly makes me nervous and screams 'Hey remember this album?... like us that much again!'. Generally sequels to albums are just attempts to grab some more attention based on past success and end up as simple rehashes or mutilations of previous material.
Well, this is definitely a rehash and features all the same cliches and formulas the band has been driving into the ground since the first Land Of The Free, but I do have to say this sounds more speedy and ripping than the band has been in awhile. The material here seems to charge ahead with unrelenting speed and has all the energy that the last album Majestic just completely lacked. Formulatic for sure, but at least Land Of The Free II has some fire under it's ass. The riffing and pace of the songs make for a good headbangable experience even if it does start to overstay it's welcome a little by the end.
Basically, this album is an alright experience if you just want more cliche happy power metal. This album is nothing more and nothing less than that. An OK release but Gamma Ray aren't going to turn any heads by proceeding to do the same thing over and over again with varying success.
Highlights: Into The Storm, Rain
Rating - 3.0/5
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