Michael Kiske's career in music began at 17, when he was the vocalist of his school band called Ill Prophecy. He left in order to join Helloween a band who would become one of the most popular and respected Heavy Metal gro... more »ups of all time. His dynamic and amazing vocals graced the two classic albums ''Keeper of the Seven Keys'' - released in 1987 and 1988 - with sales in excess of one million copies worldwide. During the Helloween years, Michael Kiske gained his reputation as one of the best singers of the scene and he has been often rumored to join very successful metal bands. Kiske however, after the decision to quit Helloween following the release of the band's fifth studio album "Chameleon", started to work on his solo career. He debuted in 1996 with "Instant Clarity", a record that counts former band-mate Kai Hansen and Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) as special guests. The sound style differs from the old work with Helloween and paved the way for more records ("Readiness To Sacrifice" and the "SupaRed" project) that would have departed him more and more from his roots. Surrounded by a positive and totally free environment, made of great friends and musicians (Karsten Nagel - an old schoolmate - on drums and Sandro Giampietro and Fontaine Burnett on guitars and bass respectively), Kiske gained again strong confidence with his music and expressive style. The resulting album: "Kiske" is a very personal statement - from the beginning to the end. "It's a healthy-careless and musically free album", says Michael who wanted to tirelessly explore his more melodic and straightforward roots. Frontiers. 2006.« less
Michael Kiske's career in music began at 17, when he was the vocalist of his school band called Ill Prophecy. He left in order to join Helloween a band who would become one of the most popular and respected Heavy Metal groups of all time. His dynamic and amazing vocals graced the two classic albums ''Keeper of the Seven Keys'' - released in 1987 and 1988 - with sales in excess of one million copies worldwide. During the Helloween years, Michael Kiske gained his reputation as one of the best singers of the scene and he has been often rumored to join very successful metal bands. Kiske however, after the decision to quit Helloween following the release of the band's fifth studio album "Chameleon", started to work on his solo career. He debuted in 1996 with "Instant Clarity", a record that counts former band-mate Kai Hansen and Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) as special guests. The sound style differs from the old work with Helloween and paved the way for more records ("Readiness To Sacrifice" and the "SupaRed" project) that would have departed him more and more from his roots. Surrounded by a positive and totally free environment, made of great friends and musicians (Karsten Nagel - an old schoolmate - on drums and Sandro Giampietro and Fontaine Burnett on guitars and bass respectively), Kiske gained again strong confidence with his music and expressive style. The resulting album: "Kiske" is a very personal statement - from the beginning to the end. "It's a healthy-careless and musically free album", says Michael who wanted to tirelessly explore his more melodic and straightforward roots. Frontiers. 2006.
CD Reviews
A great song is a great song...no matter what genre it's in!
Schenker is God | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"And that's the reason why anyone who's ever felt like listening to some peaceful, uplifting music will enjoy "Kiske". Yes, even metalheads. I still love Helloween and metal in general, but the sheer quality and originality of Michael's songwriting, combined with his voice, majestic in Helloween and here just beautiful, create an album that only the most cynical, emotionless metalhead couldn't love. Unfortunately most of Michael's fans seem to be hangers-on from his Helloween days, but I'm sure anyone interested in this kind of relaxing light pop-rock and balladry would also love this album. My only minor complaints are that, as always, Michael needs an English language coach to help polish the lyrics, and that I would have liked to hear more of his powerful, higher-pitched vocals, which he proved could still work in a mellow setting on songs like "It's So Easy" from R.T.S. I don't care how mellow Kiske gets, I still want to hear him push his voice as on "It's So Easy", because NOBODY on this planet has a voice like that... These are very minor complaints though. "Kiske" is a great album filled with great songs which makes for a truly enjoyable listening experience. Congratulations Michael!"
Great Record!
Alberto Arevalo | Mexico City | 06/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First of all I have to be absolutely objective because erase Michael's heavy metal past it's a little bit difficult. Kiske's high pitched voice still remains but with a mellower feeling. At first hearing it's, maybe, hard to digest but by the third time you will really love the cd. To be honest I'm a fan of whatever he does and I have to say this record surpasses his first two records (Instant Clarity and R.T.S). Just to do a quick resume of his last 3 years, Supared (in my opinion, his weakest project) and Place Vendome (excellent album for AOR or Melodic Hard Rock lovers) had nothing to do with this record. This is a complete different genre, it's kind of a mix of pop and melodic rock; difficult to catalogue but very enjoyable, with nice acoustic guitars. The job of the musicians is fine, Karsten Nagel (drums) from Kiske former band Il Prophecy do a good performance, Sandro Giampietro (also Supared) fulfills the duties of the main guitar player (just don't expect virtuosity solos because you won't find them) and Fontaine Burnett (bass) closes the lineup. Kiske also plays guitar and keyboard to add more consistency to the record.
1. Fed By Stones - A good start with a strong phrase opener. I like the lyrics very much, very profound and goes with the emotive voice.
2. All Solutions - A softer piece with reminiscence of R.T.S. ballads.
3. Knew I Would - One of my favorite tracks. I hope the next album keep that direction.
4. Kings-Fall - In my opinion the best ballad (to date) of kiske's career (I hate stereotypes but I had to name some sort of style)
5. Hearts Are Free - In this one Michael sings with a girl called Corinna Wolke, I believe she did some choirs in Chamaleon record. A nice song.
6. The King Of It All - Great song with beautiful violins accompanying it.
7. Sing My Song - Reminds me the atmosphere of some softer songs from I.C.
8. Silently Craving - Very Good song, it shows that Michael's voice is still in great shape.
9. Truly - In this one he also sang with Corinna but her voice is a little less obvious. A good song but not one of my favorites.
10. Painted - Reminds me some sort of Boston (the band) style but more acoustic.
11. Sad As The World - My favorite track, it's fresh and clearly shows the new direction Michael wants to take.
My conclusion is that "Kiske" is a very good album, relaxing and melodic. So if you are a metal head without prejudice or a music lover try it, otherwise don't bother.
"
Emotional, atmospheric and relaxing acoustic-pop-rock
John | Greece | 07/27/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is Michael Kiske's fourth solo album and it is a step away from anything he has done in the past. There is no comparison between KISKE and his Helloween days, nor with his participation in metal projects (Avantasia, Tribuzy, Masterplan) or the amazing melodic hard-rock-AOR of `Place Vendome'.
KISKE is a singer-songwriter type of album with songs ranging from acoustic ballads to melodic pop-rock. This is an atmospheric and peaceful record which is overflowing with emotion and is overall great for what it is. The instrumentation includes mainly acoustic and at some parts electric guitars, a bass guitar, some nice drumming, a small amount of keyboards-piano in the background and a slight dose of violin in some places. Michael Kiske is at his usual best vocally and lyrically, demonstrating his huge range in a more soothing atmosphere. In this album he displays the most emotional and warm vocals that I ever heard from him. Moving low range vocal parts, varied middle range ones, clean high pitched delivery and just the right amount of vibrato added for good measure.
The strongest tracks of the album IMO are the acoustic ballads "King's Fall", "Sing My Song" and "The King Of It All", which contains a truly memorable chorus and violin orchestration. The other highlights are the pop-rock songs "Painted", "Knew I Would" and "Fed By Stones", which contains some of the most thought out lyrics I've heard in years. The Japanese edition of the album includes a bonus track well worth having, the cover of "Mary In The Morning" (Elvis) sang in a truly magnificent way.
With this release Michael Kiske proves once more what a talented songwriter and what a gifted and extraordinary singer he is. This is his most mellow and emotional sounding release ever and it should be listened and enjoyed for what it is, instead for what it is not.
(Note: metal and hard-rock fans should definitely stay away from this album IF they expect a return to those genres as they will be very disappointed.)"
Wonderful musical experience
Susan, NYC | United States | 09/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Michael Kiske's gift is connecting to his audience with a resounding voice and insightful songwriting. His blend of melodic music and superb songwriting gives listeners a glimpse into the mind of the artist and leaves fans wanting more. Kiske is an artist not to be missed. He is one of the best voices on the music scene. For a taste of what true musical expression is all about, purchase this record. This is the full package: superb voice, excellent songwriting, and rich, melodic music - you will not be disappointed with this purchase."
Great Vocals
Robert Hopkins | Columbus Oh.USA | 10/20/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The album does what it is ment to do. which is to showcase michale's vocals. Kiske has gotten smoother and more controled as the years have passed. some of the lyrics leave us asking what he was talking about but the vocal quality is incredible!. Also the first track shows Michael to be much deeper than anything hes done before. A great albumn all in all though not for everyone. It takes a truley progressive ear to go from helloween to Instant Clarity to this. I like it."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1