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HANSEN "Born with a Hammer”
HANSEN "Born with a Hammer”
By Bob Burner
When I saw this new KAI HANSEN solo album announced I was very curious since I have been a longtime fan of his. Then the first single / video dropped for the song “Feeding the Beast” and on first listen I will have to be honest, I was really turned off from checking out the rest of the album. I thought ole Kai fell into the trap that many musicians do with their solo albums. They always seem to be lesser quality than their real bands or a shadow of what those bands are. Or even in the worst case, trying to be so different that it becomes something that isn’t good. So I wrote it off until this was passed over to me for review and I was now interested to hear the rest of the album to see if Kai could win me back.
The album starts off with the song that turned me off titled “Feeding the Beast”, which is kind of a generic rockish style song that is very bland. It is catchy but nothing that would make me race out and buy this. It is very by the numbers and safe. Knowing what Kai can do music wise this song was a real step down. But then something magical happened. The next song kicked in and I was blown away. Now this is the KAI HANSEN that I knew and the music style that I loved.
“Welcome to Life” could almost be a song from the GAMMA RAY archives that was never released. The song is full of energy and catchy vocals and it will win over the most jaded fan like myself.
Now this being a solo album we don’t want GAMMA RAY leftovers but something new as well. This song will help quench the taste for wanting that but still giving it a fresh coat of paint so to say. The song as it goes it changes and changes again to a funny kind of somber lounge singer style song near the end which really makes this something special before going back to full GAMMA RAY speed.
Over the rest of the album we get a taste of all the Kai trademarks that we love. We get a heavier song in “Wait and See” which gives a more mechanical / robotic vibe but works to “Born with a Hammer” which is a melancholic ride in 8 minutes from speed to plodding to softer to an epic ending. There’s also the anthem style song I.D.G.A.F which is a tad cringe but a decent song that I think would go over live. All of these songs range differently in style which is great since it really spotlights Kai’s diversity in songwriting. So you never feel that the album is a blend of the same stuff. Each song stands out on its own which is a great thing.
I really enjoyed this album more than I thought that I would. From start to finish it is a lot of fun and shows that Kai still has it in him to put out great music. While if you go in thinking you are getting “Land of the Free” by GAMMA RAY you will be sadly disappointed. If you go in wanting to hear the many talents of KAI HANSEN this is the album for you. Sure, there is some HELLOWEEN / GAMMA RAY vibes throughout, but this is not that alone. Kai still has an amazing voice and knows how to blend melodies and build within songs to give you a wild ride. So race out now and pick this one up and you will not be disappointed.
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