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Kai Hansen
(guitars, 1984 - 1988; vocals, 1984 -
1986)
Born: January 17, 1963 | Height: 5'9" | Weight: 144 lbs.
Kai's first band, Gentry, goes back to his high school days in 1978. Gentry (after a few name changes) eventually became Helloween in 1984. Kai both sang and played guitar on the band's first two releases, "Helloween" (the Mini-LP) and "Walls Of Jericho." He also did most of the songwriting on both of those albums. When Michael Kiske joined the band in late 1986, Kai was able to concentrate solely on his guitar work. He and Michael Weikath did most of the songwriting duties for the critically acclaimed "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Parts I and II." However, shortly after "Keeper II," Kai left the band in late 1988. He really didn't like the long touring and he also had problems with record label managements as well. He wanted to take his music into a different direction and that was how he formed Gamma Ray in late 1989. Joined by former Tyran Pace vocalist Ralf Scheepers, Gamma Ray released their debut album "Heading For Tomorrow" in 1990. "Sigh No More" and "Insanity And Genius" followed in 1991 and 1993 respectively. In late 1994, Ralf left the band to start Primal Fear. It was decided that Kai would return to the microphone and begin singing again. It has been that way ever since. The band has enjoyed much success since then, releasing "Land Of The Free" in 1995, "Somewhere Out In Space" in 1997, "Power Plant" in 1999, "Blast From The Past" in 2000, and "No World Order" in 2001. Kai also joined up with original Gentry member Piet Sielck to start Iron Savior in 1997. He chose not to continue with the side project, however, for the 2002 release "Condition Red." Kai has also made many guest appearances including both of Tobias Sammet's "Avantasia" albums, Heavenly's "Coming From The Sky," Hammerfall's "I Want Out" single, Heaven's Gate's "Hell For Sale," Michael Kiske's "Instant Clarity," Primal Fear's self titled album, Angra's "Angels Cry," and Blind Guardian's "Somewhere Far Beyond," "Tales From The Twilight World," and "Follow The Blind" albums.
(Information on Gamma Ray is available at
http://www.gamma-ray.com)
(Information on Iron Savior is available at
http://www.iron-savior.com)