Gamma Ray | METALSITES.net

Biography

In 1988/89, after 4 years in Helloween, the songwriter and guitarist Kai Hansen decided to leave the band. After some studio work with Blind Guardian, he decided to form he own project. Along with his long-time friend Ralf Scheepers (vocals - ex Tyran Pace) and Uwe Wessel (bass) and Mathias Burchard (drums), he formed Gamma Ray. They released in Feb. 19 '1990, the album "Heading for Tomorrow" with guest appearance of Piet Sielck and Dirk Schlächter. In the fall of 1990 the EP "Heaven Can Wait" was released. Uli Kusch replaces Mathias on drums and Dirk Schlächter is the second guitarist of the band. Gamma Ray's live performances in Japan were brilliant and they released the live video "Heading For The East" in that same year.

Gamma Ray starts in 1991 the recording at Karo Studios of their new album. On Sept. 23 the album "Sigh No More" was released. In October of that same year, they started a 50 dates worldwide tour. The third Gamma Ray's album "Insanity And Genius" was released on Sept. 28 of 1993, when the new band members Thomas Nack (Drums) and Jan Rubach (Bass) were introduced, replacing Uli and Uwe due to personal problems.

In September, the band along with Rage, Helicon and Conception starts the tour "Melodic Metal Strikes Back". The double CD "Power Of Metal" and the Videos "Power of Metal" and "Lust for live" was released at Dec. '93. New band changes!! The singer Ralf Scheepers left the band and was replaced by Kai Hansen, hailed by his fans!! In 1995 the fourth album "Land Of The Free" was released. In the fall of the same year Gamma Ray starts on a successful European tour. In May of 1996 their live album "Alive '95" was released. Jan Jubach and Thomas Nack leave the band when Dirk Schlächter decided to go back playing bass.

New members are introduced: Henjo Richter, guitars and Dan Zimmermann on drums. In February '97 Gamma Ray head into their studio in Hamburg once again to start recording their 5th studio album. In July of '97, Gamma Ray started an improvised tour in South America (Argentina and Brazil), for delight of their fans. In August '97 they released their album "Somewhere Out In Space". Now they released the masterpiece called "Powerplant", which is considered the best GR album for some fans!

Members:
Kai Hansen - Guitar and Vocals
Dirk Schlächter - Bass
Henjo Richter - Guitar & Keyboard
Daniel Zimmermann - Drums