Artist: GAMMA RAY
Album: HEADING FOR TOMORROW RE-RELEASE (CD)

Year: 1990/ 2002
Media type: CD

GAMMA RAY 's roots lay in the surprising decision by guitarist Kai Hansen to split from HELLOWEEN during 1988 just as the German group had begun to reach the peak of their success with their 'Keeper Of The Seven Keys' concept albums, Hansen citing disillusionment with constant touring as the main reason for his departure. Prior to enjoying a high profile status with HELLOWEEN Hansen's formative Hamburg circuit bands had included ANCIENT CALL, then GENTRY alongside future HELLOWEEN personnel bass player Marcus Grsskopf and drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg. This unit in 1978 featured singer/ guitarist Peter Sielck, Hansen, Grsskopf and Schwichtenberg. During 1980 the group evolved into SECOND HELL then IRON FIST before morphing into HELLOWEEN.

Post HELLOWEEN, teaming himself up with former TYRAN PACE vocalist Ralf Scheepers, Hansen quickly found almost instantaneous success again in a group that boasted bassist Uwe Wessels and drummer Matthias Burchardt in the initial line-up. GAMMA RAY's January 1990 Noise International debut album, 'Heading For Tomorrow', the title track actually being a re-work of SECOND HELL's theme song. The album tracks also featured additional drummer Tammo Vollmers, on the track 'Heaven Can Wait', and keyboards courtesy of Mischa Gerlach. The album garnered swift recognition due to the success of catchy single 'Space Eater', the video clip for which featured not Burchardt but Tammo Vollmers. GAMMA RAY stabilised by pulling in Dirk Schlachter on second guitar and filling the drum position by drafting ex-HOLY MOSES drummer Uli Kusch.

TRACKLIST:

1. Welcome
2. Lust For Life
3. Heaven Can Wait
4. Space Eater
5. Money
6. The Silence
7. Hold Your Ground
8. Free Time
9. Heading For Tomorrow
10. Look At Yourself

Bonus tracks:

11. Mr. Outlaw
12. Lonesome Stranger
13. Sail On

LINE-UP:

Ralf Scheepers (vocals)
Kai Hansen (guitar)
Uwe Wessels (bass)
Matthias Burchardt (drums)

Guest Musicians:

Bass: Dirk Schlachter ("Space Eater" & "Money")
Guitars: Tommy Newton ("Freetime")
Drums: Tammo Vollmers ("Heaven Can Wait")
Keyboards: Mischa Gerlach