The new disc by power metal veterans Gamma Ray is really nothing more than a bit of closet cleaning. Reworks of some of their older, more obscure tunes redone with little to make this one more than a novelty for the die hard fans. The album is divided into three sections that form the Skeletons, the Majesties and then the bonus material.
First off the skeletons that were dusted off are two obscure tracks that are reworked for this disc. "Hold Your Ground" which makes me think of a German beer drinking song and the almost pop metal sound of "Brothers" are what consist of the skeletons that they have pulled out.
The majesties that they give you are two acoustic versions of previously released songs that once again were seldom played and deeply buried album tracks. "Send Me A Sign" and "Rebellion In Dreamland". They are decent songs but that is about all you can say about them. I do like the piano treatment you get on "Send Me A Sign". It has a very proggy feel to it. Other than that this pair is standard power metal fair that is nothing special by any means.
The bonus material is the rare song "Wannabees", an extended version of the song "Brothers" and a karaoke version of "Rebellion In Dreamland". None are worth much unless you want to test your vocal chords on the later. They also have the obligatory hidden track at the end which consist of some wailing vocals and is a total waste of space.
This one seems to be saying don't forget about us and little more than that. I really would have to say that it is quite a disappointment. Members of the Gamma Ray fan club will have to pick it up to complete their collections, all others proceed with caution.
Track listing:
1. Hold Your Ground
2. Brothers
3. Send Me A Sign
4. Rebellion In Dreamland
5. Wanabees
6. Brothers (Extended)
7. Rebellion In Dreamland (Karaoke)