Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray - Heading for Tomorrow 12" Vinyl LP Album

Heading for Tomorrow is the first studio album released by German power metal band, Gamma Ray. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

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Album Description / Collectors information: 

Gamma Ray's "Heading for Tomorrow" album, released in 1989, is a classic of the power metal genre. The album was the debut studio release of the German power metal band, led by founding member Kai Hansen. The album features a mix of traditional heavy metal and power metal with themes of sci-fi and fantasy.

The opening track, "Welcome", begins with an atmospheric intro before launching into a high-energy riff that sets the tone for the album. Hansen's guitar playing is prominent throughout the album, showcasing his exceptional skills and virtuosity. His solos are melodic and expressive, demonstrating his ability to balance technical proficiency with emotional depth.

The album's lyrics explore themes of space travel, time travel, and the future. "Lust for Life" is an uplifting anthem that celebrates the joy of living, while "Heaven Can Wait" is a power ballad that expresses a longing for a better world. The title track "Heading for Tomorrow" is a fast-paced, energetic song that captures the excitement of exploration and the unknown.

The rhythm section of the band, consisting of bassist Uwe Wessel and drummer Matthias Burchardt, provides a solid foundation for the album. Their playing is tight and precise, and they work together seamlessly to create a powerful sound.

The album's production is also noteworthy, with Hansen serving as the album's producer. The sound is clean and crisp, allowing each instrument to shine while still maintaining a cohesive overall sound.

 

This album includes two custom inner sleeves with complete lyrics of all songs by and photos of Kai Hansen and Gamma Ray

Music Genre:

  German/Teutonic Power Speed Metal

Album Production information:

The album: "Heading for Tomorrow" was produced by: Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray

Kai Hansen a German Singer and Guitar Player which got famous by performing in German 1st Tier bands like: Helloween , "Gamma Ray" , "Iron Fist" and other bands. He was born on 17 January 17 1963, in Hamburg, Germany.

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Hansen began his music career in the early 1980s as the guitarist and vocalist of the band Gentry, which later evolved into Helloween. Helloween's debut album, "Walls of Jericho", was released in 1985 and helped to define the power metal genre. Hansen's guitar playing and songwriting were a significant part of the band's success, and he remained with the band until 1989.

In 1989, Hansen left Helloween to form his own band, "Gamma Ray. The band's debut album, "Heading for Tomorrow", was released the same year and helped to establish Gamma Ray as one of the premier power metal bands. Hansen continued to lead the band and released numerous critically acclaimed albums with them throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

In addition to his work with Helloween and Gamma Ray, Hansen has also collaborated with other musicians, including "Blind Guardian" and Avantasia. He has also released solo albums under the name Kai Hansen.

Hansen's guitar playing is characterized by his technical proficiency and melodic sensibility. His solos are known for their emotional depth and expressiveness, and his songwriting often incorporates themes of science fiction and fantasy.

Hansen's influence on the power metal genre is significant, and he is widely regarded as one of the genre's most important figures. His contributions to Helloween and Gamma Ray have helped to define and shape power metal, and his work continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

In addition to his music career, Hansen is also known for his love of motorcycles and is an avid rider. He continues to perform and record music with Gamma Ray and remains a prominent figure in the power metal scene.

Karl-Ulrich Walterbach - Executive Producer

Ralf Krause - Sound Engineer

Karl-Ulrich Walterbach: German music producer who transformed the heavy metal scene. Founder of the iconic Noise Records, he launched the careers of Helloween, Celtic Frost, and countless others. Learn more

Record Label & Catalognr:

Noise N 151-1

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 300 gram  

Year & Country:

  1989-1990 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray Heading for Tomorrow
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Lead Vocals: Ralf Scheepers
  • Guitars: Kai Hansen
  • Bass: Uwe Wessel
  • Drums: Mathias Burchardt
  • Guests:
  • Bass: Dirk Schlächter ("Space Eater" & "Money")
  • Guitars: Tommy Newton ("Freetime")
  • Drums: Tammo Vollmers ("Heaven Can Wait")
  • Keyboards: Mischa Gerlach

Ralf Scheepers - Lead Vocals, is founding member of the German Speed Metal band "Tyran' Pace" in 1983. In 1986 "Tyran' Pace" was disbanded and "Ralf Scheeper" joined "Gamma Ray" in 1989.

Mathias Burchardt drummer with "Gamma Ray" from 1989 until 1990.

Uwe Wessel a Bass guitar player from Hamburg in Germany. In music from 1975 until 2006. Timeline 1975-1978 Galaxy 1979-1982 Bullfrog 1984-1986 Noblesse 1989-1992 Gamma Ray

Tommy Newton is a highly talented and versatile musician, renowned for his exceptional skills as a guitarist, producer, and sound engineer. With his remarkable contributions to the music industry, particularly in the realm of heavy metal, Newton has carved a distinguished reputation for himself. He gained significant recognition as a guitarist in the bands "Fargo" and "Victory", while also leaving an indelible mark as a producer and sound engineer, primarily through his collaboration with the iconic German heavy metal band, Helloween.

Born in an idyllic town, Newton's early exposure to music instilled a deep passion within him. As a teenager, he developed an intense fascination with the guitar and soon embarked on a journey to master this instrument. Newton's dedication and unwavering commitment to his craft led him to hone his skills and expand his musical horizons.

In the early stages of his career, Newton found himself as the lead guitarist for the band "Fargo". Their unique blend of melodic rock captivated audiences, and Newton's intricate guitar work played a vital role in shaping their sound. His impressive technical abilities and soulful solos became a defining characteristic of the band's music, garnering them widespread acclaim.

After leaving Fargo, Newton embarked on a new chapter in his musical career and joined forces with the band "Victory". As their lead guitarist, he continued to showcase his exceptional talent and further solidified his reputation as a skilled musician. With Victory, Newton experienced both critical and commercial success, contributing to the band's numerous albums and electrifying live performances.

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While his prowess as a guitarist garnered him immense recognition, Newton's talents extended beyond his instrument. His passion for the production and engineering aspects of music led him to explore new avenues. Newton's meticulous attention to detail and innate understanding of sound allowed him to establish himself as a sought-after producer and sound engineer.

One of Newton's most notable collaborations occurred when he began working with the influential German heavy metal band, Helloween. His production and engineering contributions to their albums, such as "Keeper of the Seven Keys" and "Master of the Rings", played a significant role in shaping the band's sound and catapulting them to international stardom. Newton's exceptional work with Helloween solidified his position as one of the industry's most respected producers and sound engineers.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tommy Newton has consistently demonstrated his exceptional musical talents, leaving an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre. His contributions as a guitarist, producer, and sound engineer have not only influenced countless musicians but have also enriched the listening experiences of fans worldwide. Newton's unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to seamlessly navigate various musical roles make him a true icon in the world of rock and metal music. As he continues to create and collaborate, Tommy Newton's impact on the industry remains an enduring testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for music.

 


Track Listing of: "Heading for Tomorrow"

The Songs/tracks on "Heading for Tomorrow" are

  • Welcome (Hansen) 0:57
  • Lust for Life (Hansen) 5:19
  • Heaven Can Wait (Hansen) 4:28
  • Space Eater (Hansen) 4:34
  • Money (Hansen) 3:38
  • The Silence (Hansen) 6:24
  • Hold Your Ground (Hansen) 4:49
  • Free Time (Scheepers) 4:56
  • Heading for Tomorrow (Hansen) 14:31
  • Look at Yourself (Hensley) 4:45 (Uriah Heep cover)

Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray - Heading for Tomorrow- High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray - Heading for Tomorrow-
Front Cover Photo Of Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray - Heading for Tomorrow-

 

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Photo Of The Back Cover Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray - Heading for Tomorrow-
Photo of album back cover Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray - Heading for Tomorrow-

 

Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray - Heading for Tomorrow-
Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray - Heading for Tomorrow-

 

Close up of Side One Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray - Heading for Tomorrow- record's label
Close up of Side One Kai Hansen / Gamma Ray - Heading for Tomorrow-

Record Label Details: NOISE N 0151.1, LC 9066, © 1990 Maldoror / Wintrop ℗ NOISE International, GEMA