Michael
Kiske
Born in Germany in 1968, Michael Kiske made his first big mark in the music
business with heavy metal pioneers Helloween.
He was the lead singer for the band
from 1983 to 1987.
Michael Kiske - Instant Clarity (Raw Power) 1996
1. "Be True to Yourself"
(4:38)
2. "The Calling" (3:57)
3. "Somebody Somewhere" (4:38)
4. "Burned Out" (4:43)
5. "New Horizons" (4:21)
6. "Hunted" (4:24)
7. "Always" (4:29)
8. "Thanx a Lot!" (5:24)
9. "Time's Passing By" (3:45)
10. "So Sick" (4:28)
11. "Do I Remember a Life?" (10:19)
Michael Kiske first solo-effort fter leaving Helloween in 1993. It's not too far off from the sound Helloween had on "Pink Bubbles Go Ape" and "Chameleon". Michael brings in some guests to help out, including Kai Hansen (ex-Helloween, Gamma Ray, Iron Savior) and Adrain Smith (Iron Maiden, Psycho Motel, A.S.A.P.). Honestly, I can't say that this would ever become a frequent player in my collection, but it's not a bad listen every once and a while, and certainly a nice disc for the Helloween collector.
Michael Kiske - Readiness to Sacrifice (Noise) 2001
1. "Could Cry"
(4:40)
2. "Ban 'em" (6:37)
3. "Philistine City" (4:30)
4. "Crosstown" (3:36)
5. "Where Wishes Fly" (5:28)
6. "Watch The Blue" (4:17)
7. "Out Of Homes" (4:13)
8. "It" (4:08)
9. "Easy" (5:47)
10. "Shadowfights" (3:19)
"Readiness to Sacrifice"
totally abandons the classic Helloween heavy metal sound that Kiske is known.
Instead Micheal goes in a more pop rock direction. Of the two Mickeal Kiske
discs I have I actually prefer this disc. Whereas "Instant Clarity"
just sounded like watered down Helloween, this is truly a 'solo' project. I
actually enjoyed the soothing acoustic melodies and melodic nature of the songwriting.
At the same time I must admit that this would never be a frequent player. However,
for a more laid back, relaxing listen, this CD is quite good.