This 11th opus metallicus from Gamma Ray could well be described as the album that nearly never happened... just as the band were putting the finishing touches to it, and had jetted off to South America for a short tour, the almost unthinkable happened: a fire swept through their Hammer Studio complex, destroying everything inThis 11th opus metallicus from Gamma Ray could well be described as the album that nearly never happened… just as the band were putting the finishing touches to it, and had jetted off to South America for a short tour, the almost unthinkable happened: a fire swept through their Hammer Studio complex, destroying everything in its path – equipment, instruments, amps… and tapes! Fortunately for the Teutonic titans however, whatever metal gods they worship were smiling down upon them, as one precious thing did survive – the tapes of this, the then almost completed new album! Therefore, it could be argued that 'Empire Of The Undead' is a highly appropriate title for this album, as, like a phoenix rising from the smoke and ashes of its rebirth, Gamma Ray have emerged triumphant from disaster with aplomb, bombast and confidence. 'Empire…' contains all the classic GR ingredients – huge, crunching riffs coupled with soaring guitar and vocals melodies and harmonies, built on a rock-solid rhythm foundation, and combining elements of classic metal with power, progression and even thrash. Kicking off with the nine minute epic 'Avalon' – which combines all of the aforesaid elements into one gloriously insane package – the [...]
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