Kai Hansen

Kai Michael Hansen (born in Hamburg, Germany on January 17th, 1963) is a German heavy metal guitarist and vocalist. He is the founder, guitarist, and vocalist of the power metal band Gamma Ray. Hansen is also one of the co-founders of the German heavy metal band Helloween.

Hansen is regarded as “the godfather of power metal.” His musical career started in 1978 in a band called Gentry, alongside Iron Savior’s Piet Sielck. Five years later, Hansen and Michael Weikath founded Helloween. After recording three albums with Helloween, Hansen left the band due to the extensive touring in 1988-89 and went on to form his power metal band, Gamma Ray. He also joined Iron Savior in 1997, but quit after a few years.

He has also participated in many other projects. Hansen appeared as a guest vocalist and lead guitarist in some Blind Guardian albums. He and fellow Gamma Ray bandmate Dirk Schlächter also collaborated on Angra’s debut album.

In 2011, Hansen joined the band Unisonic featuring vocalist Michael Kiske. Hansen and Kiske reunited with Helloween in 2017.