#12 - Top of 2016

Kai Hansen & Friends - XXX-Three Decades In Metal (earMUSIC)

Kai Hansen has been in the epicentre of power metal music for almost three decades now; whether from the position of Helloween's Guitarist, Gamma Ray's Singer-Guitarist or supporting other bands in their first steps. This album serves as a retrospective for Hansen, with a narrative following his long career and the hurdles he had to overcome in his way to becoming who he is today. Along the way, a number of his friends and collaborators over the years also pitch in to give this album a celebratory tone worthy of Kai Hansen's long career. Piet Sielk (Iron Saviour),Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear, ex-Gamma Ray), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Tobias Sammet (Edguy), Michael Kiske (Place Vandome - ex-Helloween), Roland Grapow (Masterplan, ex-Helloween), Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian), Marcus Bischoff (Heaven Shall Burn) and Michael Weikath (Helloween) are only some of the names guest starring in this ambitious project, all paying their tribute to their mentor or comrade. A fantastic power metal experience worth having a listen for all fans of Kai's long career. Here's to the next 30!


94/100

 Below is the music video for "Born Free"