Michael Kiske started his career in a band called Ill Prophecy. He joined Helloween, when their vocalist/guitarist wanted to concentrate on his guitar-playing only. After 4 albums (2 classics, and 2 not so well liked), he parted with the band to concentrate on his own music.
INSTANT
CLARITY (1996) RAW POWER
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Line-up: Michael Kiske - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards Ciriaco Taraxes - Guitars, Piano Jens Mencl - Bass Kay Rudi Wolke - Drums Guest-musicians: Kai Hansen & Adrian Smith - Guitars
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After leaving Helloween in '93, it took some time before Michael Kiske returned. This is his first solo-effort, and it is not that far away from the sound Helloween had, before he left. It's a cross between 'Pink Bubbles Go Ape' and 'Chameleon', mixed with some pop and rock elements. I liked it when I first bought it, but soon got tired of it. So now it is not a frequent player anymore. I don't think it was meant entirely as a solo-effort, because Michael has by far written all the material. Other members has contributed in writing both music and lyrics on numerous tracks. Michael brings in help from Kai Hansen (ex-Helloween, Gamma Ray) and Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden, Psycho Motel, A.S.A.P.). There were also released 2 singles from this album, "The Calling" and "Always". They contain unreleased tracks, and they are wanted for my collection!
Killer tracks: The Calling, Always
R.T.S.
- READINESS TO SACRIFICE (2001) NOISE
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Line-up: Michael Kiske - Vocals Ciriaco Taraxes - Guitars Jens Mencl - Bass Kay Rudi Wolke - Drums |
The second effort by Michael is much more a solo-record. He has written most of the material himself, and this sounds almost nothing like what we are used to from this singer. Except for the voice, thought, that is definitely Kiske! But although this is not exactly a heavy metal album, this is an album I like quite a bit. It has some great melodies, and Kiske sings better than he ever did before. I always believed that a solo-career should sound different than what the former band sounded like (why else should you release material outside the band?). The only thing that puzzles me is, if Michael dislikes heavy metal now, why does he appear on other metal albums like Avantasia, Gamma Ray and Timo Tolkki's solo-album? Oh well, as long as I get good music, it doesn't matter. So if you can set aside the fact that this is not a heavy metal album, I recommend it!
Killer tracks: Philistine City, Where Wishes Fly, Could Cry
Michael Kiske guest appearances:
Gamma Ray - 'Land Of The Free', 'Rebellion In Dreamland' & 'Somewhere Out In Space'
Masterplan - 'Masterplan'
Edguy - 'Superheroes'
Tribuzy - 'Execution'
Revolution Renaissance - 'New Era'
Related artists:
