HANSEN & FRIENDS – XXX: Three Decades in Metal

The first solo album from guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen, "XXX: Three Decades in Metal" is a labor of love. Featuring a core band of Heaven Shall Burn bassist Alex Dietz, Carcass drummer Daniel Wilding and second guitarist Eike Freese, plus of course some of his friends in the metal scene as special guests, this is a ten-song platter that really takes a look at what the man loves regarding traditional heavy metal with power.

The guests contribute everything from vocals to guitar solos, depending on the needs of particular cuts. The playful "Contract Sun" features Dee Snider, while the more power-oriented follow up "Making Headlines" has Kai trading off some vocal lines with Edguy’s Tobias Sammet. At 8:28 "Fire and Ice" is a Rainbow-esque epic number, the opening very tranquil and understated while the instrumental section showcases some killer licks and lead breaks courtesy of Michael Weikath – the vocal support vicious for some of the more aggressive moments. "Left Behind" as a power ballad gains momentum through the clean female tradeoffs from Clementine Delauney, while the end of the album "Follow the Sun" reaches back into his double bass power arsenal of tricks to close the record in barnburner fashion, Hansi from Blind Guardian adding his bard-like charm to the proceedings.

Given the man’s long history between Helloween, Gamma Ray, and Unisonic, "XXX: Three Decades in Metal" allows Kai the chance to explore musical relationships with other artists he respects and admires. You can tell this is a labor of love and fun, another solid slab of traditional heavy metal German style that keeps the power harmonies and riff hooks on high. With a full-on Helloween reunion tour recently announced for 2017-18, the future is bright for Kai’s work to achieve even deeper appreciation and respect.

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