KAI HANSEN – announces solo album and releases first single

Kai Hansen is one of the defining figures in heavy metal. As co-founder of Helloween and founder of Gamma Ray, he shaped power metal into a global force

and created a sound that continues to drive the genre today. Now, Hansen returns with “Born With A Hammer”, his first solo album since Kai Hansen & Friends’ “XXX – Three Decades In Metal”, set for release on September 18, 2026 on earMUSIC.

Raw, energetic, rebellious and unmistakably personal, “Born With A Hammer” brings together every side of Hansen’s musical identity. Across ten songs, the album moves between powerful heavy metal, punk attitude, hard rock drive, melodic hooks and pure guitar-driven energy, carried by the songwriting instincts, guitar work and unmistakable voice that have made Kai Hansen one of metal’s most distinctive artists. Written without compromise and fueled by pure passion for heavy music, “Born With A Hammer” captures Hansen at full creative force: direct, alive and unmistakably metal.

The album was produced by Eike Freese and recorded with a band that brings both firepower and history to the project. Alongside Freese on guitar, the lineup features Alexander Dietz (Heaven Shall Burn) on guitar and Dan Wilding (Carcass) on drums, who already stood alongside Hansen on “XXX – Three Decades In Metal”, plus Tim Hansen (Induction) on guitar.

Released today alongside the album announcement, “Feeding The Beast” is the first single and opening track from “Born With A Hammer”, accompanied by an official music video. Driven by razor-sharp riffs, anthemic melodies and relentless energy, the song delivers a direct and powerful first taste of the album.

Following the global success of Helloween’s recent reunion era and world tours, “Born With A Hammer” opens a new chapter for Kai Hansen as a solo artist,

bringing that energy into a record that stands firmly on its own.

TRACKLIST

1. Feeding The Beast

2. Welcome To Life

3. Don’t Care

4. Wait And See

5. Born With A Hammer

6. I.D.G.A.F.

7. End Of The Road

8. Triple Trouble

9. Invaders

10. Wonderland

ABOUT KAI HANSEN

Kai Hansen is one of modern heavy metal’s most influential creative forces. As co- founder of Helloween and founder of Gamma Ray, he shaped the sound and spirit of power metal and continues to influence artists and fans worldwide. His work with Helloween has brought him back to the biggest stages around the globe, while “Born With A Hammer” reveals another side of his creative drive – personal, direct and fully charged.