Power Plant

Power Plant

Power Plant

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
1999 album by this power metal band fronted by guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen, formerly of Helloween. Features a cover of the Pet Shop Boys' classic 'It's A Sin'. 11 tracks in all.

Power Plant,Gamma Ray,Noise,Heavy Metal,Pop,Power Metal,Rock
Cotton-Poly Blend
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Cotton-Poly Blend
    Vanessa Van Spall
    Manufacturer: n/a
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000P9GWN0
    Release Date: 2007-03-29

    Tracks:

    1. Hopeful
    2. I Couldn't Cry
    3. Follow Me
    4. Palm Of Your Hand
    5. Truth
    6. Not Sorry
    7. Foolish Bride
    8. Ivory Lady
    9. After The Fall
    10. Rapture
    11. Save Me
    12. You Open My Eyes

    Product Description

    Vanessa Van Spall explores spiritual and emotional experiences through a melding of rock, blues, gospel and pop. Vocals soar over sultry grooves, driving keyboards and catchy viola riffs, fusing elements of Motown and late-era Beatles with the vocal styles of Annie Lennox, Sarah Mclachlan, Aretha Franklin and Sheryl Crow. All songs are written together by Ian Hisert and Vanessa Van Spall. Hear samples at http://vanessavanspall.com/music.html
    Power Plant
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Send Me a Sign
    • Top 3 Best Gamma Ray Albums
    • High Voltage
    Power Plant
    Gamma Ray
    Manufacturer: Noise
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Somewhere Out in Space
    2. Land of the Free
    3. Heading for Tomorrow
    4. Insanity & Genius
    5. Sigh No More

    ASIN: B00008L3QC
    Release Date: 2003-03-18

    Tracks:

    1. Anywhere in the Galaxy
    2. Razorblade Sigh
    3. Send Me a Sign
    4. Strangers in the Night
    5. Gardens of the Sinner
    6. Short as Hell
    7. It's a Sin
    8. Heavy Metal Universe
    9. Wings of Destiny
    10. Hand of Fate
    11. Armageddon
    12. While in Dreamland [*]
    13. Rich and Famous [*]
    14. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll [*]

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Send Me a Sign.......2007-07-12

    My dear friend Juha bought me this CD as a birthday present over a year ago. It was a good shopping...this album is quite good and it made me buy Gamma Ray's other album "Somewhere Out in Space" which is much better than this...this is also good. "Anywhere in the Galaxy", "Send Me a Sign", "Strangers in the Night", "Armageddon" are fast and good tracks. Former Helloween vocalist Kai Hansen shows that his singing skills are better than ever. "Short As Hell" is a scary and weird track...they have really tried something new. "It's a Sin" is a Pet Shop Boys cover. I have to say I like PSB's song but this version is a little bit better. It has that energy that PSB didn't have. "Wings of Destiny" makes me think Rhapsody's album "Symphony of Enchanced Lands". The solo in the beginning is just like most solos in Rhapsody's album.
    Stars: Strangers in the Night, Anywhere in the Galaxy, Send Me a Sign, Short As Hell

    5 out of 5 stars Top 3 Best Gamma Ray Albums.......2007-06-19

    All 7 Gamma Ray albums are just amazing, it's soo hard to chose which one is best, but this one is on the top list. Also on the top 3 is probably Land of the Free, and Majestic. Each song is just amazing. Collect all the albums!

    4 out of 5 stars High Voltage.......2006-10-28

    German power metal gods Gamma Ray closed out the century in style with their 1999 album Power Plant.

    Power Plant doesn't quite reach the same level of perfection that was found on Land of the Free, but it is an extremely solid power metal album that is on par with Insanity and Genius or Heading for Tomorrow. This is epic progressive power metal like only Kai Hansen can deliver, full of fist-pumping metal anthems (Heavy Metal Universe being the obvious example). I suppose there are an abundance of metal clichés on this album, but since when is that a bad thing? This is a power metal album after all! There are plenty of great songs on Power Plant, but my absolute favorite is the band's cover of the Pet Shop Boys (of all people) tune It's a Sin. If ever a pop single was crying out to be covered by a metal band, it is that song. Gamma Ray speeds it up and makes it metal as hell. Brilliant! Now if I could just convince Dark Tranquillity to record an album of Cars covers...

    I suppose it goes without saying that Gamma Ray would appeal to Helloween fans. Fans of the more recent power metal bands like Sonata Arctica, Freedom Call, Edguy and Hammerfall also owe it to themselves to check out Gamma Ray, and Power Plant is a good album to start with.

    The 2003 reissue of Power Plant features digitally remastered sound (though I thought the original version had pretty good sound to begin with), three bonus tracks (A While In Dreamland, a new version of Rich and Famous, and a killer cover of Rainbow's classic Long Live Rock `n Roll), and comes in a nice digipack. It's a great way to improve a classic album.

    NOTE: If you can find one, there is a very cool (but very limited) box set that collects all six of the remastered Gamma Ray albums.
    Power Plant
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • High Voltage
    • They grew strong power metal
    • My 1st and last Gamma Ray
    • all the same
    • Decent Metal, but little else
    Power Plant
    Gamma Ray
    Manufacturer: Noise
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    MetalMetal | Hard Rock & Metal | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Insanity & Genius
    2. Land of the Free
    3. Majestic
    4. Heading for Tomorrow
    5. Somewhere Out in Space

    ASIN: B00000IWWO
    Release Date: 1999-05-18

    Tracks:

    1. Anywhere In The Galaxy
    2. Razorblade Sigh
    3. Send Me A Sign
    4. Strangers In The Night
    5. Gardens Of The Sinner
    6. Short As Hell
    7. It's A Sin
    8. Heavy Metal Universe
    9. Wings Of Destiny
    10. Hand Of Fate
    11. Armegeddon

    Album Description

    1999 album by this power metal band fronted by guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen, formerly of Helloween. Features a cover of the Pet Shop Boys' classic 'It's A Sin'. 11 tracks in all.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars High Voltage.......2006-10-28

    German power metal gods Gamma Ray closed out the century in style with their 1999 album Power Plant.

    Power Plant doesn't quite reach the same level of perfection that was found on Land of the Free, but it is an extremely solid power metal album that is on par with Insanity and Genius or Heading for Tomorrow. This is epic progressive power metal like only Kai Hansen can deliver, full of fist-pumping metal anthems (Heavy Metal Universe being the obvious example). I suppose there are an abundance of metal clichés on this album, but since when is that a bad thing? This is a power metal album after all! There are plenty of great songs on Power Plant, but my absolute favorite is the band's cover of the Pet Shop Boys (of all people) tune It's a Sin. If ever a pop single was crying out to be covered by a metal band, it is that song. Gamma Ray speeds it up and makes it metal as hell. Brilliant! Now if I could just convince Dark Tranquillity to record an album of Cars covers...

    I suppose it goes without saying that Gamma Ray would appeal to Helloween fans. Fans of the more recent power metal bands like Sonata Arctica, Freedom Call, Edguy and Hammerfall also owe it to themselves to check out Gamma Ray, and Power Plant is a good album to start with.

    5 out of 5 stars They grew strong power metal .......2006-02-08

    I?m not sure if Hansen took the inspiration for the album?s name because it spreads power metal ( same as melodic)....
    I can hardly understand these negative reviews. Here I am again to correct these evil comments:
    There's one that said an absurd, that the double bass drums prevails in this 1999 release. Daniel Zimmermman is no Stratovarius's Jorg Michael before 2005.Actually, where it appears, it's not in 100% of the track:

    Anywhere in galaxy -> This song is high-flown, where melodic consorts with weight. The intro riff ( with Henjo's keyboards help) is very cool. The bridge , especially the 2nd ( " anywhere in the galaxy, we will will fight for our destiny... Anywhere in the galaxy, anywhere in the galaxy... )is one of the best and catchy ever composed for a Gamma Ray song. Its vocal harmony is magnificent. The guitar solos are feature too. The lyrics are residues of the previous album Somewhere out in space talking about science fiction, outer space.

    Wings of destiny -> One of my favourites. Good melody.

    Strangers in the night -> The title refers to the aliens like Kai Hansen stated in an interview I read in internet. The only thing I don't like here is the squeak like voice before the bridge. After 3:47 in clock, " we lay our souls...", the vocal harmonies and guitar solo are indiscribably beautiful. Impressive.

    Armageddon -> It was included in greatest hits compilation.

    In the following, no double bass:

    Razorblade Sigh -> The most original to me. I like riff speed up when the drum starts. It gave a great effect. There is a tempo change in 2:26 with very well peformed guitar harmonies. Razorblade!

    Send me a sign - > It has videoclip and it's a fan favourite. Outstanding.Don't be deceived with the distorted solo in 2:22 it's Henjo Hichter not Kai.

    Short as hell -> The heaviest and darkest. As a reviewer said,in the beggining, Hansen sounds like Metallica's Hetfield. Another good and beautiful vocal harmony in 2:35 after a speedy guitar.

    It's a sin -> I'm no cover lover, but I assure you that in particular,that it was well constructed. Gamma managed to turn a Pet shop boys pop hit into metal. That keyboard and orchestra were transfered to guitar.

    Heavy metal universe -> It has a video too. Actually , the song I like less, but not bad. Hansen praises his life passion again.
    It cheered the spectators in the concert that resulted in the live album Skeletons in the Closet.

    Hands of fate -> The melody here is terrific and it deserves the repeat button. Spetacular.

    Gardens of the sinner -> great twin guitars work! (4:25)

    Needn?t to say that it's a masterpiece. This cd and Land of the free are the best Gamma efforts with Kai Hansen's lead vocals. Forget these people who are complaining with full stomach...


    2 out of 5 stars My 1st and last Gamma Ray.......2005-03-29

    Bought this CD in a used bin for $3 glad i didnt pay full price. Had heard good things about the band from other metal fans, but this disc is disappointing.

    The 1st few songs are ok, then it slides into cheesy, average power metal. Kai Hansen's musical talent isnt in question, just the songwriting/lyrics.

    Maybe (probably) there are better Gamma Ray discs out there, but i wont risk $15 or so to find out after hearing this.

    1 out of 5 stars all the same.......2003-11-27

    To tell you the truth, this type of metal stinks. Is antiquated, boring, outdated and most of all very very repetitive. A word of advice if you want a library collection of this type of metal just try to buy a single from what ever random band of power matal, it can be either stratovarius, blind guardian whatever, and listen to just one song, and there is your power metal library, in other words it all sounds the same: melody, repetitive double bass drum.... and terrible 80's vocals.

    There was only one band that could truly play this type of metal to perfection, and that band was Helloween.

    3 out of 5 stars Decent Metal, but little else.......2003-04-08

    Kai Hansen is no doubt a phenomonal guitarist, and one has to admire his technical skill and energy. That being said, I think he did his best work with Helloween and has broken very little new ground since. I came to Gamma Ray through Helloween and I love the Keeper albums, as well as Walls of Jericho. However, I like the Keeper albums more because, as I have realized, The trio ofKiske/Weitach(sp?/Hansen created a sound that was simultaneously aggressive (Hansen), melodic (Weitach), and fun (Kiske). When Hansen left they lost thier aggressive edge and almost became a pop band with the Pink Bubbles & Chamellion albums. Hansen, in turn, went off to write pounding metal ridden with teenage angst (what is this guy, pushing 40 by now?) and he hasn't changed a bit. Gamma ray is O.K. if you are a thrash fanatic and are looking for some full-out metal. If you are a fan of melodic metal, This is not the album. New World Order is better, but Powerplant will not satisfy the discerning metal fan.
    Power Plant
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • Obsolete Import
    • Great melodic speed metal with an homage to the masters
    Power Plant
    Gamma Ray
    Manufacturer: Jvc Japan
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
    RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00000IPM4
    Release Date: 1999-03-20

    Tracks:

    1. Anywhere in the Galaxy
    2. Razorblade Sigh
    3. Send Me a Sign
    4. Strangers in the Night
    5. Gardens of the Sinner
    6. Short as Hell
    7. It's a Sin
    8. Heavy Metal Universe
    9. Wings of Destiny
    10. Hand of Fate
    11. Armageddon
    12. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll [*]

    Album Description

    Japanese edition of the veteran heavy metal act's 1999 album featuring the bonus track 'Long Live Rock'N'Roll' and a full color, CD-sized sticker of the cover art limited to the initial pressing only. 12 tracks total. 1999 release.

    Album Details

    Japanese Version featuring Bonus Track 'Long Live Rock and Roll'.

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Obsolete Import.......2006-10-28

    German power metal gods Gamma Ray closed out the century in style with their 1999 album Power Plant.

    Power Plant doesn't quite reach the same level of perfection that was found on Land of the Free, but it is an extremely solid power metal album that is on par with Insanity and Genius or Heading for Tomorrow. This is epic progressive power metal like only Kai Hansen can deliver, full of fist-pumping metal anthems (Heavy Metal Universe being the obvious example). I suppose there are an abundance of metal clichés on this album, but since when is that a bad thing? This is a power metal album after all! There are plenty of great songs on Power Plant, but my absolute favorite is the band's cover of the Pet Shop Boys (of all people) tune It's a Sin. If ever a pop single was crying out to be covered by a metal band, it is that song. Gamma Ray speeds it up and makes it metal as hell. Brilliant! Now if I could just convince Dark Tranquillity to record an album of Cars covers...

    I suppose it goes without saying that Gamma Ray would appeal to Helloween fans. Fans of the more recent power metal bands like Sonata Arctica, Freedom Call, Edguy and Hammerfall also owe it to themselves to check out Gamma Ray, and Power Plant is a good album to start with.

    NOTE: This particular import version of Power Plant was made obsolete in 2003, when the remastered version of Power Plant (with 3 bonus tracks - including Long Live Rock 'n Roll) was released.

    4 out of 5 stars Great melodic speed metal with an homage to the masters.......2001-05-28

    Wow! I can't believe this album hasn't been reviewed yet...huh. Well, I didn't actually purchase the $30+ import version; my local record store had the regular old one. Anyway, this was my first exposure to Gamma Ray and as a longtime Helloween fan, I was dying with anticipation to hear the band Kai Hansen formed when he left the German metal masters.

    Now that I have, I can say with 100% certainty that Kai left because Helloween was moving more toward a progressive melodic sound and further away from the "Walls of Jericho" melodic super-speed anthem metal that is so prevalent here. The album kicks off with "Anywhere in the Galaxy," which just rips along, not unlike "Ride the Sky" from "Jericho." Gamma Ray revisits this proven formula again with "Wings of Destiny," which ironically brings up the band's second important influence: Judas Priest.

    I also heard lots of tributary musical statements on this album that clearly paid some homage to Judas Priest, especially "Strangers in the Night." Kai's vocals here are entirely reminiscent of Halford, right around the "Ram it Down" and "Painkiller" albums. Gamma does a great job though of mixing up the tempos and melodies and not just ramming pure speed down your throat. The same "Strangers..." song also uses the great anthemic big choruses and melodies that bring the best of Blind Guardian to mind. Another classic metal sound is seen with "Heavy Metal Universe," so if you don't like your metal cheesy, pass this one by. It's got all those great "metal rules forever" type of lyrics, but the song itself would fit perfectly in a 1982 NWOBHM world.

    Midway through the album is really the only misfire in my mind. "Short as Hell" reminds me of uninspired Motley Crue (is that redundant?), as there must be 1,000 songs exactly like this. The band does attempt to redeem themselves by getting all Gamma Ray again in the middle of the tune, but I had already lost interest. Aside from that though, there's precious little wasted space on this 50+ minute disc. I was completely in love with "Send Me a Sign" and well on my way to giving this 5 stars at that point (a few downpoints prevented that), and "Armageddon" is a fittingly epic closer, a barrage of rapidfire double-bass drumming, ripping melodic speed metal guitars and tight, precise tempo changes.

    As an introduction, I'm thrilled with Gamma Ray, and will be seeking out their other albums. If you're already a fan, I imagine this review was nothing new to you. However, if you're a self-respecting power metalhead and you don't have this happen, you need to get it. Now.
    Power Plant
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Japanese Version
    Power Plant
    Gamma Ray
    Manufacturer: Jvc Victor
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000060NNS
    Release Date: 2002-03-29

    Tracks:

    1. Anywhere in the Galaxy
    2. Razorblade Sigh
    3. Send Me a Sign
    4. Strangers in the Night
    5. Gardens of the Sinner
    6. Short as Hell
    7. It's a Sin
    8. Heavy Metal Universe
    9. Wings of Destiny
    10. Hand of Fate
    11. Armageddon
    12. While in Dreamland [*]
    13. Rich and Famous [*]
    14. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll [*]

    Album Details

    Limited Edition Digi-pack Japanese Version featuring Three Bonus Tracks: 'a While in Dreamland', 'rich and Famous', and 'long Live Rock N Roll'

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Japanese Version.......2006-10-28

    German power metal gods Gamma Ray closed out the century in style with their 1999 album Power Plant.

    Power Plant doesn't quite reach the same level of perfection that was found on Land of the Free, but it is an extremely solid power metal album that is on par with Insanity and Genius or Heading for Tomorrow. This is epic progressive power metal like only Kai Hansen can deliver, full of fist-pumping metal anthems (Heavy Metal Universe being the obvious example). I suppose there are an abundance of metal clichés on this album, but since when is that a bad thing? This is a power metal album after all! There are plenty of great songs on Power Plant, but my absolute favorite is the band's cover of the Pet Shop Boys (of all people) tune It's a Sin. If ever a pop single was crying out to be covered by a metal band, it is that song. Gamma Ray speeds it up and makes it metal as hell. Brilliant! Now if I could just convince Dark Tranquillity to record an album of Cars covers...

    I suppose it goes without saying that Gamma Ray would appeal to Helloween fans. Fans of the more recent power metal bands like Sonata Arctica, Freedom Call, Edguy and Hammerfall also owe it to themselves to check out Gamma Ray, and Power Plant is a good album to start with.

    The 2003 reissue of Power Plant features digitally remastered sound (though I thought the original version had pretty good sound to begin with), three bonus tracks (A While In Dreamland, a new version of Rich and Famous, and a killer cover of Rainbow's classic Long Live Rock `n Roll), and comes in a nice digipack. It's a great way to improve a classic album.

    NOTE: The Japanese import version of Power Plant has the exact same content as the regular re-release. Keep that in mind before you spend some crazy amount on an import.
    Power Plant
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Power Plant
      Gamma Ray
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B000M34574
      Release Date: 2007-02-27

      Tracks:

      1. Anywhere in the Galaxy
      2. Razorblade Sigh
      3. Send Me a Sign
      4. Strangers in the Night
      5. Gardens of the Sinner
      6. Short as Hell
      7. It's a Sin
      8. Heavy Metal Universe
      9. Wings of Destiny
      10. Hand of Fate
      11. Armageddon
      Power Plant
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • Japanese Version
      Power Plant
      Gamma Ray
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000254GK8
      Release Date: 2002-04-01

      Tracks:

      1. Anywhere in the Galaxy
      2. Razorblade Sigh
      3. Send Me a Sign
      4. Strangers in the Night
      5. Gardens of the Sinner
      6. Short as Hell
      7. It's a Sin
      8. Heavy Metal Universe
      9. Wings of Destiny
      10. Hand of Fate
      11. Armageddon
      12. While in Dreamland [*]
      13. Rich and Famous [*]
      14. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll [*]

      Album Description

      Japanese digitally remastered reissue of the power metal act's 1999 album. Includes 3 bonus tracks, 'A While In Dreamland', 'Rich & Famous' & 'Long Live Rock 'N Roll'. Packaged in a digipak. CD 6 of 6, part of the Ultimate Collection.

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Japanese Version.......2006-10-28

      German power metal gods Gamma Ray closed out the century in style with their 1999 album Power Plant.

      Power Plant doesn't quite reach the same level of perfection that was found on Land of the Free, but it is an extremely solid power metal album that is on par with Insanity and Genius or Heading for Tomorrow. This is epic progressive power metal like only Kai Hansen can deliver, full of fist-pumping metal anthems (Heavy Metal Universe being the obvious example). I suppose there are an abundance of metal clichés on this album, but since when is that a bad thing? This is a power metal album after all! There are plenty of great songs on Power Plant, but my absolute favorite is the band's cover of the Pet Shop Boys (of all people) tune It's a Sin. If ever a pop single was crying out to be covered by a metal band, it is that song. Gamma Ray speeds it up and makes it metal as hell. Brilliant! Now if I could just convince Dark Tranquillity to record an album of Cars covers...

      I suppose it goes without saying that Gamma Ray would appeal to Helloween fans. Fans of the more recent power metal bands like Sonata Arctica, Freedom Call, Edguy and Hammerfall also owe it to themselves to check out Gamma Ray, and Power Plant is a good album to start with.

      The 2003 reissue of Power Plant features digitally remastered sound (though I thought the original version had pretty good sound to begin with), three bonus tracks (A While In Dreamland, a new version of Rich and Famous, and a killer cover of Rainbow's classic Long Live Rock `n Roll), and comes in a nice digipack. It's a great way to improve a classic album.

      NOTE: The Japanese import version of Power Plant has the exact same content as the regular re-release. Keep that in mind before you spend some crazy amount on an import.
      Power Plant
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • Asian Import
      Power Plant
      Gamma Ray
      Manufacturer: Dreambeat
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B00007EHW7
      Release Date: 2002-11-04

      Tracks:

      1. Anywhere in the Galaxy
      2. Razorblade Sigh
      3. Send Me a Sign
      4. Strangers in the Night
      5. Gardens of the Sinner
      6. Short as Hell
      7. It's a Sin
      8. Heavy Metal Universe
      9. Wings of Destiny
      10. Hand of Fate
      11. Armageddon
      12. While in Dreamland [*]
      13. Rich and Famous [*]
      14. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll [*]

      Album Description

      Asian remastered reissue of the power metal act's 1999 album includes three bonus tracks, 'A While In Dreamland', 'Rich & Famous' & 'Long Live Rock 'N Roll'. Slipcase. Sanctuary. 2002.

      Album Details

      Asian Version featuring Three Bonus Tracks: "While in Dreamland", "Rich and Famous (2000 Version)", and "Long Live Rock N Roll".

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Asian Import.......2006-10-28

      German power metal gods Gamma Ray closed out the century in style with their 1999 album Power Plant.

      Power Plant doesn't quite reach the same level of perfection that was found on Land of the Free, but it is an extremely solid power metal album that is on par with Insanity and Genius or Heading for Tomorrow. This is epic progressive power metal like only Kai Hansen can deliver, full of fist-pumping metal anthems (Heavy Metal Universe being the obvious example). I suppose there are an abundance of metal clichés on this album, but since when is that a bad thing? This is a power metal album after all! There are plenty of great songs on Power Plant, but my absolute favorite is the band's cover of the Pet Shop Boys (of all people) tune It's a Sin. If ever a pop single was crying out to be covered by a metal band, it is that song. Gamma Ray speeds it up and makes it metal as hell. Brilliant! Now if I could just convince Dark Tranquillity to record an album of Cars covers...

      I suppose it goes without saying that Gamma Ray would appeal to Helloween fans. Fans of the more recent power metal bands like Sonata Arctica, Freedom Call, Edguy and Hammerfall also owe it to themselves to check out Gamma Ray, and Power Plant is a good album to start with.

      The 2003 reissue of Power Plant features digitally remastered sound (though I thought the original version had pretty good sound to begin with), three bonus tracks (A While In Dreamland, a new version of Rich and Famous, and a killer cover of Rainbow's classic Long Live Rock `n Roll), and comes in a nice digipack. It's a great way to improve a classic album.

      NOTE: The Asian import version of Power Plant has the exact same content as the regular re-release. Keep that in mind before you spend some crazy amount on an import.
      Restrung: The String Tribute to the Matrix
      Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
      • Its an attempt
      • Restrung Reignites!
      • 38 minutes of boredom
      • Neither astonishingly good or bad
      • Think Apocalyptica
      Restrung: The String Tribute to the Matrix

      Manufacturer: Vitamin Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music
      Movie ScoresMovie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
      Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Dreamworld: Music Inspired by The Matrix
      2. Furious Angels
      3. The Matrix: Original Motion Picture Score
      4. Matrix Revolutions (Score)

      ASIN: B0000CC85S
      Release Date: 2003-10-14

      Tracks:

      1. Welcome To The Real World
      2. Power Plant-Score
      3. Rock Is Dead
      4. Clubbed To Death
      5. My Own Summer
      6. Session
      7. When The World Ends
      8. Furious Angels
      9. Trinity Dream
      10. Chatteau

      Customer Reviews:

      2 out of 5 stars Its an attempt.......2006-01-02

      After hearing the first Matrix soundtrack, I thought Clubbed to Death and My Own Summer would be interesting to hear and faithful to the original. I was wrong.

      My Own Summer with strings is dreary and somewhat sad, not expressing the shouting anger of the original. The riffs are fit for an electric guitar, not a cello.

      Clubbed to Death is worse. The sound effects aren't played well with strings. Instead of sounding like a good effect, it sounds like a cat wailing, represented by strings. The bass in the stringed isnt great either. I love the original Clubbed to Death, but this one doesnt sound quite right.

      It was an attempt, but it didnt work.

      5 out of 5 stars Restrung Reignites!.......2005-12-14

      Once played, I immediately understood the humor in it. Restrung has it's serious side, but at the same time, you can't help but think, "they're playing rock/heavy metal on string instruments!" Insightfully speaking, I find it funny that the majority of the music for the Matrix was composed on digital devices, yet, Restrung is performed on analog instruments. Not only this, but also the fact that they can take abrasive metal music and expose the inner beauty of their melodies and accent their percussive structures simultaneously. Converting metal music to a wonderful orchestration is no easy task; almost any director will tell you this - ask Michael Kamen, director of the San Francisco Symphony.

      1 out of 5 stars 38 minutes of boredom.......2004-05-26

      I like string music. I even like "tribute"-Albums, but this CD really sucks. Every track is a sleeping pill on it's own.

      3 out of 5 stars Neither astonishingly good or bad.......2004-04-24

      The addition of "pop" songs is a serious detraction to what might have been a good idea - I have several other tribute albums by this group of people (the Bjork one is particularly good) and while they're not the aforementioned Aopcalyptica, there are some winners on this CD.

      The covers of Furious Angels is more resonant and sad than the original, while Chateau is probably the best song on the disc. I just wish they did a cover of the original Chateau Swashbucking cue Davis had written - that would make for a much better string quartet song.

      4 out of 5 stars Think Apocalyptica.......2004-04-22

      I'm a big fan of metal and I like most classical, so I'm a big Apocalyptica fan. I really liked the Matrix Restrung CD too.

      This CD isn't quite as good as Apocalyptica, but if you like their remakes of Metallica and other heavy metal songs, plus if you like classical in general, you'll probably like this CD.

      Apocalyptica somehow captures the speed and intensity of even the most driving speed-metal they remake. Some of these Restrung versions of fast Matrix songs, however, are slower renditions(other reviewer mentioned the Manson song, and it is definitely slower).

      Don't believe the detractors, this CD is NOT as bad as Pat Boone's "In A Metal Mood" :)
      For All Things
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        For All Things

        Manufacturer: One Shot Crockett
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000CAG0HK
        Release Date: 2003-03-18

        Music Track:

        1. Punk Rock Jukebox
        2. R.I.P.
        3. Raw
        4. Relax [CD-single] [Import]
        5. Revolusongs [Import]
        6. Seven Year Cicada
        7. Shadows of Old
        8. Sharks [Import]
        9. Slipknot [Clean] [Clean]
        10. Snapshot

        Music Track

        music track

        Recommended Music:

        How Was Tomorrow?

        The Woods So Wild: Orlando Gibbons Keyboard Music

        Voice of the Wetlands

        Music: Christmas at Emory University

        Venice Underground [DualDisc]

        Upstairs at Eric's [Import]

        The Most Beautiful Tangos

        Which Doobie U B?

        Travels [Live]

        Villancicos de La Catedral

        turk's works

        Sus Grandes Exitos, Vol. 2

        What's a Girl to Do?

        Bach - Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook / Hunt-Liberson, McGegan

        Live at the Fairfield Halls, 1974