 SUPARED
S/T
Sanctuary Records Group
www.supared.de
What’s the 4-1-1?
We here at Rock is Life were sitting around, like we usually do, discussing
what CDs to review this week. Being a big fan of the power
metal scene, I suggested the new SupaRed CD. I mentioned that it’s the new group
fronted by Michael Kiske and its being hailed as Michael’s return
to rock. For some reason I received blank stares. I said, “You know
Michael Kiske, he had those two solo albums Instant Clarity and Readiness
to Sacrifice, they were quite successful in Europe in Japan”. Just
stares. As a last resort I mentioned his vocal work for Helloween on their
most memorable and successful albums Chameleon and Pink Bubbles Go Ape.
Out of embarrassment I didn’t mention Keeper of the Seven Keys Part
I and II. Oh, that Michael Kiske, they said. Honestly, I didn’t
even know that Kiske had a new group. I was excited to
hear about it, because
I love Helloween, Gammaray, and every other group that
formed off of them.
Genre
Alternative / pop-rock
The Good
Another thing I didn’t know was that Michael Kiske has put his Helloween
days behind him. That’s okay, everyone has to progress. SupaRed has
kind of an alternative, pop feel to it, with a hint of industrial. “Reconsider” starts
things off with a chugga-chugga riff, while Kiske uses his melodic wail on
the chorus. It’s not the high falsetto that he’s known for, but
it’s good. Another good rocker is “Hey”. Michael really
challenges his voice, but the return pays off. “Hackneyed” and “Turn
It” fair just as well in the hard rock category. On the industrial
side, “Can I Know” and “He Pretends” both begin with
sounds generated in the studio. They’re also darker and a little heavier,
but turned right around by Michael’s lyrics and vocal tone. Without
a doubt, Kiske is at his best on the power ballads. “Let’s be
Heroes” is a well written track that inspires the listener to ‘do
something’. “Ride On” is just as emotional. The combination
of the guitars and the piano set the mood. The disc has a good amount of
ballads. Be sure to check out “Freak Away” and “A Bit of
Her”.
The Bad
This guy was in Helloween?
The Verdict
I listened to this disc over and over again. I really wanted to look past
his work with Helloween, but I couldn’t. I did not like the rock
based tracks (Kiske hates critics too, sorry man). In my opinion, rock
music makes you want to move around, yell, or pump your fist in the air.
These did not. I felt they were too tame. However, the power ballads are
great. They’re the best tracks on the disc. Kiske has a great vocal
sound (it carries over to the rock tracks too). If he wanted to pack a
disc full of power ballads, I would buy it in an instant. Kiske certainly
has not forgotten how to write great lyrics.
Did you know?
Michael Kiske and former Helloween guitarist Kai Hansen (current Gammaray)
live ten minutes walking distance from each other.
Rating:  out
of 5
--George Dionne
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