Kai-sung Gamma Ray or Deris-era Helloween?

Here we have two europower giants. Two heirs of the original Keepers-era Helloween.

And the recent Gamma Ray discography thread got me thinking about this topic.

Helloween of the late 80s was the undoubted ruler of the European melodic power metal scene. But then the creative team of Hansen and Weikath split up. Which "spinoff" do you prefer? For the sake of coherence, we'll skip the two pop-metal albums Helloween did after Kai left and start with 1994's heavy metal comeback Master of the Rings. And for Gamma Ray, to not give them an unfair advantage in diversity, let's leave out the formative years with Scheepers and start with Land of the Free. The album that not just coincided with Helloween's return to power metal, but signified the return of Kai Hansen as a lead vocalist. AND semi-solidified their lineup.

Since then, I feel, it's been a constant game of one-upmanship between the two bands.

So it's...

Master of the Rings
The Time of the Oath
Better than Raw
The Dark Ride
Rabbit Don't Come Easy
Keeper of the Seven Keys - the Legacy
Gambling with the Devil
7 Sinners

VERSUS

Land of the Free
Somewhere out in Space
Power Plant
No World Order!
Majestic
Land of the Free II
To the Metal!

I can't stand Kai's vocals; he sounds like a castrato IMO. So obviously my vote is for Deris-era Helloween.

Deris. I love his Helloween output.

Deris era Helloween is some of my favorite music.

Deris-fronted Helloween

As much as I like both bands, Deris-fronted Helloween is much better of the two.

Yea Helloween for me as well. Gamma Ray hasnt been consistent in their releases.

I like Gamma Ray better with Kai on vox than I did with Ralf, but if forced to choose I'd have to go with Deris fronted Helloween. I certainly listen to them more than I listen to Gamma Ray.

I'm a bit surprised at the margin here. Helloween is winning in a landslide.

I also voted for Deris-era Helloween, but it's a very close decision for me. I love Gamma Ray, and they are definitely a top band in my books. I even think Kai Hansen is the better vocalist here. And make no mistake, he was AMAZING already on Walls of Jericho - I can't believe people here don't like his balls to the wall shrieks.

Both bands make incredible tunes filled with memorable melodies and both rock hard, but what makes the difference for me is the overall sound of Deris-era Helloween compared to Gamma Ray. Gamma Ray has a more clinical, traditional heavy metal sound. Quite generic, actually. Helloween is dirtier, the rhythm section isn't as precise, and that makes it more edgy and gritty and unique. Everyone talks about Dan Zimmermann, but the drumming on the Helloween (especially with Uli Kusch) records has been great.

In short, Helloween just has more character, while Gamma Ray is a little faceless and tasteless (apart from Kai's unique and amazing lead vocals). I do like Henjo Richter, but lately for some reason Helloween has even had the better solos. Gambling with the Devil had some tasty lead guitar work.

What it really is, is look at the line up since Deris has been vocalist. Helloween has 2 drummers come and go as well as guitar players. I really hope this line up stays, but who knows. I really think thats what has helped Helloween evolve into what they are today. If they were to stay with the original line up I honestly don't think they would still be around today. If they were I doubt they would be doing anything that theyre doing now or even close.

Gamma Ray has had the same line up since Somewhere Out In Space (I think?) until now with their drummer leaving. Maybe with the new drummer they can get out of the rut they seem to be in but I doubt it.

who knows... Sometimes new musicians bring fresh life into a band and other times it can send them into the grave. Its worked well for Helloween though.

"Land of the Free" is much much better than "Master of the Rings". There's only one good song on the latter. After that both bands went "faceless and tasteless" for me, so I vote for Rays. Now I'm gonna listen to "Heading for Tomorrow".

Love both but Helloween is one of my top 10-15 bands and Deris dominates my Helloween discography.

voted for Kai, to go against the grain.

i like...
The Time of the Oath
Better than Raw
The Dark Ride
Rabbit Don't Come Easy

and...
Land of the Free
Somewhere out in Space
Power Plant
No World Order!

but that's about it from both. i've kinda fell out of touch with power metal.

Prefer deris behind the mic.

BearOnUnicycle wrote:

"Land of the Free" is much much better than "Master of the Rings". There's only one good song on the latter. After that both bands went "faceless and tasteless" for me, so I vote for Rays. Now I'm gonna listen to "Heading for Tomorrow".

What is the "one good track" on Master of the Rings? Still We Go?