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Michael Kiske (born January 24, 1968) is a German singer and lead vocalist for the German
power metal Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional heavy metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. Generally, power metal is characterized by a faster, lighter, and more uplifting sound, in contra ...
band
Helloween Helloween is a German power metal band founded in 1984 in Hamburg by members of bands Iron Fist, Gentry, Second Hell and Powerfool. Its first lineup consisted of singer and guitarist Kai Hansen, bassist Markus Grosskopf, guitarist Michael Weik ...
. Kiske has released four solo albums, two albums with the
hard rock Hard rock or heavy rock is a loosely defined subgenre of rock music typified by aggressive vocals and distorted electric guitars. Hard rock began in the mid-1960s with the garage, psychedelic and blues rock movements. Some of the earliest hard ...
band Unisonic, has participated on various metal and rock related projects, such as
Avantasia Avantasia is a German supergroup metal opera project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist of the band Edguy. It has been characterized as a rock opera, as it features the contributions of various vocalists and musicians and it consists of concept ...
, Place Vendome and
Kiske/Somerville Kiske/Somerville is a melodic heavy metal duet project, put together in late 2009 by Frontiers Records. The project features vocalist Michael Kiske (Helloween, Unisonic, Place Vendome) collaborating with American singer Amanda Somerville ( ...
and has also performed with numerous bands as a guest vocalist.


Biography


Early life

Prior to joining Helloween, Kiske sang with the German band Ill Prophecy at the age of 17. The band recorded a demo, but it was never released commercially.


Personal life

Kiske said in an interview 2021 that his father killed himself with alcohol. Michael himself didn't drink alcohol at all for many years, but in 2021 he said he could enjoy a glass of red wine while he was working. He has a younger sister and an older brother. Kiske said in an interview 2013: "I'm very sensitive and I take betrayal very, very heavy. I don't wanna sound stupid, but I think I'm a good friend. If I call someone a friend, he's my friend, and it stays that way, and I don't betray. I have never betrayed my wife or my girl. She betrayed me later on." "After the split with Helloween, I kind of locked myself up and was basically just living in books for a number of years. I had some amazing years just being like spiritual. Just being, thinking, learning and trying to understand life. The musician's life is very often very superficial. Everything happens as a big party, so the years after Helloween was the total opposite of that. I didn't have much happening on the outside, everything happened on the inside."


Helloween (1986–1993, 2017–present)

At the age of eighteen, Kiske was asked to join the German power metal band
Helloween Helloween is a German power metal band founded in 1984 in Hamburg by members of bands Iron Fist, Gentry, Second Hell and Powerfool. Its first lineup consisted of singer and guitarist Kai Hansen, bassist Markus Grosskopf, guitarist Michael Weik ...
, which was fronted by singer/guitarist
Kai Hansen Kai Michael Hansen (born 17 January 1963) is a German musician who is the founder, lead guitarist and vocalist of power metal band Gamma Ray. He is also one of the co-founders of metal band Helloween, which he rejoined in 2016. He is a promine ...
. Hansen had some difficulties being both the lead guitarist and lead vocalist, and it was decided that a new vocalist would be needed. Kiske rejected Helloween's first offer, because he disliked the sound of the band's '' Walls of Jericho'' album, but accepted the second and joined Helloween in late 1986. Kiske's first album with the band was 1987's '' Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I'', widely considered to be one of Helloween's best albums and a milestone in the creation of the
power metal Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional heavy metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. Generally, power metal is characterized by a faster, lighter, and more uplifting sound, in contra ...
genre. Helloween went on to release '' Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II'' in 1988, which went gold in Germany and brought even more success than its predecessor. The ''Keeper of the Seven Keys'' albums proved to be highly influential and aided in the formation of a new wave of European power metal bands, such as
Blind Guardian Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in 1984 in Krefeld, West Germany. They are often credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres.Stratovarius Stratovarius is a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1985. Since their formation, they have released sixteen studio albums, five DVDs and six live albums. In its history, the band has gone through many chaotic lineup changes, and after fo ...
,
HammerFall HammerFall is a Swedish power metal band from Gothenburg. The band was formed in 1993 by ex-Ceremonial Oath guitarist Oscar Dronjak. History Early days (1993–1996) HammerFall was formed when rhythm guitarist Oscar Dronjak quit Ceremonial ...
and
Edguy Edguy is a heavy metal band formed in Fulda, Germany in 1992. History Demos, AFM years (1992–2003) Edguy was founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch and Dirk Sauer. The name "Edguy" was an affecti ...
. The album's worldwide success enabled the band to embark on an extensive world tour and perform at famous festivals such as
Monsters of Rock Monsters of Rock was an annual hard rock and heavy metal music festival held in Castle Donington, England, from 1980 to 1996, taking place every year except 1989 and 1993. It later branched into other locations such as the Netherlands, Poland, ...
. After the completion of the band's 1988 headlining tour, the album ''
Live in the UK ''Live in the U.K.'' is the first live album released by the band Helloween. It was released in Japan as ''Keepers Live''. In the United States, it was released as ''I Want Out – Live'' without the track "Rise and Fall", and with a shorter ed ...
'' was released, while Kai Hansen left the band and was replaced by guitarist
Roland Grapow Roland Grapow (born 30 August 1959 in Hamburg) is a German professional guitarist and music producer. Grapow is best known for his time in the power metal band Helloween, with which he played for 12 years after replacing founding member Kai Han ...
. Legal disputes with their record company, prevented Helloween from releasing new material until 1991's ''
Pink Bubbles Go Ape ''Pink Bubbles Go Ape'' is the fourth studio album by German power metal band Helloween, released in 1991. It marked the departure of guitarist Kai Hansen, with Roland Grapow replacing him. It was also the first album released on EMI Records. Ba ...
'', which was followed by 1993's ''
Chameleon Chameleons or chamaeleons (family Chamaeleonidae) are a distinctive and highly specialized clade of Old World lizards with 202 species described as of June 2015. The members of this family are best known for their distinct range of colors, bein ...
''. These two albums saw the band moving away from their power metal roots and experimenting with different sounds. Both ''Pink Bubbles Go Ape'' and ''Chameleon'' were commercial failures and resulted in Kiske leaving Helloween. Kiske was fired from the band in 1993, reportedly for personal reasons. He was replaced by
Pink Cream 69 Pink Cream 69 is a German hard rock/ heavy metal band founded in 1987 in Karlsruhe by Andi Deris, Dennis Ward, Kosta Zafiriou and Alfred Koffler. The band gained their first contract by winning music magazine ''Metal Hammer''s newcomer compe ...
's Andi Deris, who has remained with Helloween ever since. Kiske said in an interview 2018: "For a long time, this was totally impossible for me, because I was hurt and full of anger and I didn't want to have anything to do with it. For a long time I didn't want anything to do with the metal scene. It went very deep. But in the last couple of years before the reunion, without me noticing, things changed somehow, and I realized something is different when I ran into Michael Weikath. It was a festival and suddenly I was standing in front of him and he said something like, 'Michael, what have I done that you can't forgive me?', which I thought was a great line. Then I just said, 'You know what? I think I have forgiven you a long time ago.' That was just how I felt. There was no anger — I was totally relaxed." In 2016, it was announced that Michael Kiske would join Helloween, together with Kai Hansen, for a reunion tour that would take place during 2017 and 2018. The Pumpkins United World Tour started in October 2017 in South America and continued in Europe with concerts lasting close to three hours. On December 8, 2017 the single ''Pumpkins United'', featuring the reunited line-up, was released. The reunion tour continued throughout 2018 in Japan, Russia, Ukraine and Europe in general, North America, Canada and Latin America. The Pumpkins United World Tour was the biggest one in the band's history as it comprised 69 shows and lasted for 14 months. A live
DVD The DVD (common abbreviation for Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc) is a digital optical disc data storage format. It was invented and developed in 1995 and first released on November 1, 1996, in Japan. The medium can store any kind ...
/
Blu-ray The Blu-ray Disc (BD), often known simply as Blu-ray, is a digital optical disc data storage format. It was invented and developed in 2005 and released on June 20, 2006 worldwide. It is designed to supersede the DVD format, and capable of sto ...
entitled '' United Alive'' and the live album '' United Alive in Madrid'' were released on October 4, 2019. The band embarked on a Brazilian tour in September 2019, which started at Rockfest (
Sao Paulo SAO or Sao may refer to: Places * Sao civilisation, in Middle Africa from 6th century BC to 16th century AD * Sao, a town in Boussé Department, Burkina Faso * Saco Transportation Center (station code SAO), a train station in Saco, Maine, U.S ...
) and ended with their performance at the Rock In Rio Festival. A new album with Kiske and Hansen was released on June 18, 2021. The self titled album reached top ten positions in several international music charts.


Solo work (1996–2008)

On August 16, 1996, three years after leaving Helloween, Kiske released his first solo album, ''
Instant Clarity '' Instant Clarity'' is the first solo album of vocalist Michael Kiske, formerly of Helloween. The album was released 1996 and features guest appearances by Kai Hansen, formerly of Helloween, Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden, and compositions with ...
''. The album featured guest appearances by
Adrian Smith Adrian Frederick "H" Smith (born 27 February 1957) is an English guitarist best known as a member of heavy metal band Iron Maiden, for whom he also writes songs and performs backing vocals both live and in the studio. Smith grew up in London ...
of Iron Maiden, Kai Hansen an
Ciriaco Taraxes
and contained songs in a wide variety of styles. A music video for the ballad "Always", dedicated to deceased Helloween drummer
Ingo Schwichtenberg Ingo "Mr. Smile" Schwichtenberg (18 May 1965 – 8 March 1995) was a German drummer and one of the founding members of the power metal band Helloween. Biography Helloween guitarist Roland Grapow said about Schwichtenberg in an interview 1999: ...
, was filmed and produced in New York City. During the same time he also wrote a book, ''Kunst Und Materialismus'', (in English: ''Art and Materialism.)'' which is only available in German. Kiske said in 2003: "First of all, I wrote this book for myself. First I had to collect and define myself. This was a very good personality enhancement story. I then printed a few thousand in self-publishing. It is very difficult to translate as I have quoted many quotes from thinkers from the good old days in Germany." His second solo album, ''Readiness to Sacrifice'', was first only released in Japan on the Victor Label in April 1999, and later reissued in Europe 2001 by
Noise Records Noise Records is a German heavy metal record label founded in 1983 by German music industry personality Karl-Ulrich Walterbach as an expansion of his company Modern Music Records. It was sold to the Sanctuary Records Group in 2001 and ceased any ...
. The music on the album featured Kiske moving completely away from his heavy metal roots towards a smoother AOR sound. Kiske also sang on two symphonic orchestral songs with The Bremer Weser Quartett on strings. Kiske said in 2003: "After I left Helloween I was insecure about myself. The situation with Helloween created such an inner conflict inside me, that I needed those albums to rediscover myself. I was disappointed in everything and everyone. I was angry at some people, but most of all of the metal-industry." In 2003, out of desire to make rock music again, Kiske formed a band with studio musicians, named
SupaRed ''SupaRed'' is an album by SupaRed, a band led by ex- Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske. It was released on Helloween's former record label Noise Records. Background Kiske both produced and mixed the album by himself. The album was recorded in ...
. They released a self-titled album in January 2003 on Noise Records. This album had a modern rock sound and a song structure, distinct from both his solo albums and the heavy metal sound of Helloween. The project was under promoted, unsuccessful and because of some personal reasons Kiske dissolved the band. "It didn't work", he said in an interview. In 2006, Kiske released his third full-length solo album under the name of ''Kiske''. This was his first solo album released by the Italian
Frontiers Records Frontiers Music – formerly Frontiers Records – is an Italian record label, predominantly producing hard rock. It was founded in 1996 by Serafino Perugino and is based in Naples. History In 1996, Serafino Perugino started working in the m ...
. The album contained songs in a mellow, acoustic singer-songwriter style and was a step away from the sound of his previous solo albums. According to Kiske:"It's a healthy-careless and musically free album. I am very proud of this record because it is a true statement from myself". ''Instant Clarity'' was also reissued in 2006 with the addition of 4 newly recorded bonus tracks. Kiske said in 2013: "That was the best I could do in those days. I see those years after Helloween as a learning phase. I was learning so much, even producing records nobody cared about. Even the process of setting up the microphones, mastering, mixing…you learn so much. I don’t want to miss that. There have been some nice tunes, too." In 2008, Kiske released his fourth solo work, entitled '' Past in Different Ways''. The album contained acoustic re-arrangements of his old Helloween material and one new song. According to Kiske the album "on one hand shows that I don't reject my past just because I'm a different person today, and on the other hand it can maybe give people who were part of that past a different view at those songs". In an interview with Spanish ''Metal Journal'', in May 2021, Kiske said that he was recording a new acoustic solo album. The album will contain new songs and various cover versions.


Avantasia (since 2000)

In 2000,
Tobias Sammet Tobias Sammet (born 21 November 1977) is a German musician, singer, songwriter, music producer and radio host best known for being the singer and primary songwriter of the power metal band Edguy, and the founder of the metal opera project Avant ...
(vocalist of the band
Edguy Edguy is a heavy metal band formed in Fulda, Germany in 1992. History Demos, AFM years (1992–2003) Edguy was founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch and Dirk Sauer. The name "Edguy" was an affecti ...
) asked Kiske to participate in the
rock opera A rock opera is a collection of rock music songs with lyrics that relate to a common story. Rock operas are typically released as concept albums and are not scripted for acting, which distinguishes them from operas, although several have been ad ...
project
Avantasia Avantasia is a German supergroup metal opera project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist of the band Edguy. It has been characterized as a rock opera, as it features the contributions of various vocalists and musicians and it consists of concept ...
. Kiske agreed to sing on the project, in the role of Lugaid Vandroiy, but only under the nickname of ''Ernie''. The nickname was printed on the back of the first Avantasia release, ''
The Metal Opera ''The Metal Opera'' is the first full-length album by Tobias Sammet's German supergroup project, Avantasia. It is a concept album and a rock opera. The album is followed by the sequel ''The Metal Opera Part II''. Both were written over the course ...
'', but not on the sequel, ''
The Metal Opera Part II ''The Metal Opera Pt. II'' is the second full-length album by Tobias Sammet's German supergroup project, Avantasia. It is a concept album and a rock opera. The songs carry on the story begun in ''The Metal Opera'', with the same characters. Bot ...
'', where he was featured under his real name. Kiske said in interviews that, at that time, he did not want people to link him to heavy metal anymore. He had a main role in the concept of the Metal Opera albums and performed on the songs "Reach Out for the Light", "Breaking Away", "Farewell", "Avantasia", "The Tower", "The Seven Angels" and "No Return". During 2007, he recorded guest vocals for two Avantasia tracks; "Promised Land" and "Lost in Space xtended Version, both of which appeared on the '' Lost in Space Part I & II'' compilation album ("Promised Land" was also featured on the EP '' Lost in Space Part II''). In 2008, Kiske took part in the Avantasia album '' The Scarecrow'', singing lead on the track "Shelter From The Rain" and backing on the title track and on "What Kind of Love". During 2010, Kiske performed on the Avantasia albums ''
The Wicked Symphony ''The Wicked Symphony'' is the fourth full-length album by Tobias Sammet's German rock opera project Avantasia, released on 3 April 2010, parallel with ''Angel of Babylon''. ''The Wicked Symphony'' was released both as part of a box set, with the t ...
'' and ''
Angel of Babylon ''Angel of Babylon'' is the fifth full-length album by Tobias Sammet's rock opera German project Avantasia, released on 3 April 2010, along with ''The Wicked Symphony''. ''Angel Of Babylon'' was released both as part of a box set, with the two albu ...
'', singing on the tracks "Wastelands", "Runaway Train" and "Stargazers". Between November and December, he also took part in " The Metal Opera Comes to Town Tour", sharing the stage with Tobias Sammet, Kai Hansen,
Jørn Lande Jørn Marumsrud Lande (born May 31, 1968) is a Norwegian hard rock and heavy metal singer and songwriter. He is known for his work with the bands Ark, Beyond Twilight, Millenium, Vagabond, The Snakes, and most notably with power metal band Ma ...
,
Bob Catley Robert Adrian Catley is an English singer and musician, best known by his stage name as Bob Catley. He is the lead singer of the British rock band Magnum. He is also a solo artist. Biography Early years (1947–1972) Born in Aldershot on ...
, Amanda Somerville,
Sascha Paeth Sascha Paeth (born 9 September 1970 in Wolfsburg, West Germany) is a German guitarist, bassist, musical producer, and mixer known for working with heavy metal bands such as Avantasia, Edguy, Angra, Shaaman, Rhapsody of Fire, Kamelot, After ...
, and
Oliver Hartmann Oliver Hartmann (born 28 June 1970 in Rüsselsheim, West Germany) is a German metal vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer who performed in various acts, either as guitarist, solo or choir singer. He is best known for his role as vocalis ...
among others. On August 6, 2011, Kiske performed with Avantasia at the Wacken Open Air Festival. During 2013, Kiske took part in the Avantasia album ''
The Mystery of Time ''The Mystery of Time'' is the sixth full-length album by German Tobias Sammet's rock opera project Avantasia. The album was released on 26 April 2013. This is the first Avantasia release to feature the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg (the s ...
'', singing on the songs "Where Clock Hands Freeze", "Savior in the Clockwork" and "Dweller in a Dream". Between April and August, he also participated on " The Mystery World Tour", which included 10 European
festival A festival is an event ordinarily celebrated by a community and centering on some characteristic aspect or aspects of that community and its religion or cultures. It is often marked as a local or national holiday, mela, or eid. A festival c ...
appearances and 3-hour long shows in South America, Japan, Russia and Europe. On August 2, 2014, Michael performed with Avantasia at the Wacken Open Air festival once again. In 2016, Kiske participated in the Avantasia album ''
Ghostlights ''Ghostlights'' is the seventh full-length album by Tobias Sammet's German metal opera project Avantasia. It was released on 29 January 2016. The opening track and first single " Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" was a candidate for the German repres ...
'', singing on the songs "Ghostlights", "Unchain The Light" and on the bonus track "Wake Up To The Moon". Between March and August of the same year, he was part of the biggest Avantasia tour, entitled " Ghostlights World Tour", which consisted of more than 40 concerts in Europe, North America, South America, Canada, Japan, Russia and Scandinavia. During 2019, Michael participated in the Avantasia album '' Moonglow'', singing on the song "Requiem For A Dream". In 2022, Kiske participated in the Avantasia album ''
A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society ''A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society'' is the ninth studio album by Tobias Sammet's German metal opera project Avantasia. It was released on 21 October 2022, through Nuclear Blast. Background According to Avantasia founder Tobias S ...
'', singing on the songs "The Inmost Light" and "Arabesque".


Place Vendome (2005–2017)

In 2005, Kiske took part in the Place Vendome project, on
Frontiers Records Frontiers Music – formerly Frontiers Records – is an Italian record label, predominantly producing hard rock. It was founded in 1996 by Serafino Perugino and is based in Naples. History In 1996, Serafino Perugino started working in the m ...
. Place Vendome consisted of Dennis Ward (bass and production),
Kosta Zafiriou Kosta Zafiriou is a Swiss musician and music manager, one of the owners of Bottom Row Promotion company, which currently manages the bands Unisonic, Helloween, Axxis, Gotthard and Krokus. A former hard rock drummer, Zafiriou is known as one ...
(drums) and Uwe Reitenauer (guitars) from the German band
Pink Cream 69 Pink Cream 69 is a German hard rock/ heavy metal band founded in 1987 in Karlsruhe by Andi Deris, Dennis Ward, Kosta Zafiriou and Alfred Koffler. The band gained their first contract by winning music magazine ''Metal Hammer''s newcomer compe ...
, Gunther Werno (keyboards) from the band
Vanden Plas Vanden Plas is the name of coachbuilders who produced bodies for specialist and up-market automobile manufacturers. Latterly the name became a top-end luxury model designation for cars from subsidiaries of British Leyland and the Rover Group, ...
and Kiske on vocals. The project's debut album, '' Place Vendome'', was a blend of melodic
hard rock Hard rock or heavy rock is a loosely defined subgenre of rock music typified by aggressive vocals and distorted electric guitars. Hard rock began in the mid-1960s with the garage, psychedelic and blues rock movements. Some of the earliest hard ...
and AOR (comparable to the sound of bands such as Foreigner or
Journey Journey or journeying may refer to: * Travel, the movement of people between distant geographical locations ** Day's journey, a measurement of distance ** Road trip, a long-distance journey on the road Animals * Journey (horse), a thoroughbred ra ...
) and the majority of the songwriting was provided by Dennis Ward. In 2009, the Place Vendome project released its second album entitled '' Streets of Fire''. A video was filmed for the song "My Guardian Angel", marking Michael's visual return since 1996. The songwriting for the second album was provided by musicians Magnus Karlsson ( Primal Fear), Torsti Spoof (Leverage), Ronny Milianowicz (Saint Deamon) and Robert Sall (Work of Art). In 2013, Frontiers Records released Place Vendome's third album entitled '' Thunder in the Distance''. The songwriters for this release were
Alessandro Del Vecchio Alessandro Del Vecchio (born 21 April 1979) is an Italian multi-instrumentalist and producer, best known for his collaborations with hard rock and heavy metal artists such as Jørn Lande, Revolution Saints, Hardline, Fergie Frederiksen, Ted Poley ...
(
Hardline In politics, hardline (or hard-line) is an adjective describing a stance on an issue that is inflexible and not subject to compromise. A hardliner is a person holding such views. The stance is usually far from the centrist view. People, policies, ...
),
Timo Tolkki Timo Tapio Tolkki (born 3 March 1966) is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. With his tenure lasting for more than twenty years, he was the longest standin ...
(ex-
Stratovarius Stratovarius is a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1985. Since their formation, they have released sixteen studio albums, five DVDs and six live albums. In its history, the band has gone through many chaotic lineup changes, and after fo ...
), Brett Jones,
Tommy Denander Tommy Denander (born March 10, 1968, in Stockholm, Sweden) is a Swedish guitarist, songwriter and record producer. He is mostly famous for his role in the AOR project Radioactive, signed to Frontiers Records. The new Radioactive album called X ...
(Radioactive), Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear), Sören Kronqvist ( Sunstorm), Roberto Tiranti and Andrea Cantarelli (
Labyrinth In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth (, ) was an elaborate, confusing structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. Its function was to hold the Minotaur, the monster eventually killed by the ...
). A video was filmed for the song "Talk To Me". In 2017, the Place Vendome project released its fourth album entitled '' Close to the Sun''. The album featured songs written by Magnus Karlsson, Alessandro Del Vecchio,
Jani Liimatainen Jani Allan Kristian Liimatainen (born 9 September 1980) is a Finnish musician, songwriter and backing vocalist, currently a member of melodic death metal band Insomnium. He is the former guitarist and one of the founding members of the power m ...
(
Cain's Offering Cain's Offering is a Finnish power metal supergroup that formed in 2008. History Cain's Offering was formed by former Sonata Arctica members Jani Liimatainen and Mikko Härkin, Stratovarius singer Timo Kotipelto, Norther and Wintersun bass play ...
, ex-
Sonata Arctica Sonata Arctica is a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi, Finland. Created as a hard rock band named Tricky Beans, they later changed to Tricky Means and finally to Sonata Arctica, when they shifted to power metal. The current lineup c ...
),
Olaf Thorsen Olaf or Olav (, , or British ; Old Norse: ''Áleifr'', ''Ólafr'', ''Óleifr'', ''Anleifr'') is a Scandinavian and German given name. It is presumably of Proto-Norse origin, reconstructed as ''*Anu-laibaz'', from ''anu'' "ancestor, grand-father" a ...
(
Vision Divine Vision Divine is an Italian power/progressive metal band formed in 1998. History Originally a solo project from Olaf Thörsen (born Carlo Andrea Magnani). Soon, Fabio Lione rejoined him after the first Labyrinth period ("No Limits"), and the ...
,
Labyrinth In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth (, ) was an elaborate, confusing structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. Its function was to hold the Minotaur, the monster eventually killed by the ...
),
Fabio Lione Fabio Tordiglione (born 9 October 1973), known professionally as Fabio Lione, is an Italian singer and lyricist who has worked with many bands in the metal genre. He was known for being the singer of Italian power metal band Rhapsody of Fire fo ...
(
Vision Divine Vision Divine is an Italian power/progressive metal band formed in 1998. History Originally a solo project from Olaf Thörsen (born Carlo Andrea Magnani). Soon, Fabio Lione rejoined him after the first Labyrinth period ("No Limits"), and the ...
, Angra, ex- Rhapsody of Fire), Simone Mularoni ( DGM), Aldo Lonobile (
Secret Sphere Secret Sphere is an Italian symphonic power metal band from Alessandria, formed by guitarist Aldo Lonobile in July 1997. History Early Years (1997–2011) Guitarist Aldo Lonobile formed Secret Sphere in July 1997. Early on, the band was ...
) and Mike Palace. In addition, it was be the first Place Vendome album to feature guest guitar solos by
Gus G Kostas Karamitroudis (born 12 September 1980), better known as Gus G, is a Greek heavy metal guitarist. He currently plays with his band Firewind. He has also played in Mystic Prophecy, Nightrage, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil and Ozzy Osbour ...
(
Firewind Firewind is a Greek power metal band formed in Thessaloniki in 1998. The group is currently signed to Century Media Records and was originally a small project created by guitarist Gus G. to showcase his demo, ''Nocturnal Symphony'', in 1998. ...
,
Ozzy Osbourne John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. He rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which period he adop ...
), Kai Hansen (ex-Helloween,
Gamma Ray A gamma ray, also known as gamma radiation (symbol γ or \gamma), is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves, typically ...
, Unisonic),
Mandy Meyer Armand "Mandy" Meyer (born August 29 1960) is a Swiss-Canadian guitarist best known for being a member of the hard rock band Gotthard, the progressive rock band Asia, and the heavy metal band Krokus. Meyer has also worked with Cobra, Stealin' H ...
( Krokus, ex-
Asia Asia (, ) is one of the world's most notable geographical regions, which is either considered a continent in its own right or a subcontinent of Eurasia, which shares the continental landmass of Afro-Eurasia with Africa. Asia covers an area ...
, Unisonic), Alfred Koffler (Pink Cream 69), Michael Klein, Magnus Karlsson and Simone Mularoni.


Kiske/Somerville (2009–2015)

In late 2009, Kiske collaborated with female vocalist Amanda Somerville in a duet project, put together by Frontiers Records. The project was named
Kiske/Somerville Kiske/Somerville is a melodic heavy metal duet project, put together in late 2009 by Frontiers Records. The project features vocalist Michael Kiske (Helloween, Unisonic, Place Vendome) collaborating with American singer Amanda Somerville ( ...
and it marked the contribution of musicians
Mat Sinner Mat Sinner (born Matthias Lasch; 16 October 1964 in Stuttgart, West Germany) is a bassist, vocalist, and record producer from Stuttgart, Germany. Sinner has been involved in numerous bands and projects throughout his musical career. His main ...
, Magnus Karlsson,
Sander Gommans Sander Gommans (born 15 August 1978) is a Dutch musician and songwriter. He founded the symphonic metal band Apocalypse with Mark Jansen in 1995, which later changed its name to After Forever. He played guitar and performed the vocal grunting p ...
, Martin Schmidt and Jimmy Kresic. The
self-titled An eponym is a person, a place, or a thing after whom or which someone or something is, or is believed to be, named. The adjectives which are derived from the word eponym include ''eponymous'' and ''eponymic''. Usage of the word The term ''epon ...
debut album was released on September 24, 2010. Two videos were filmed for the songs "Silence" and "If I Had A Wish", enabling most of the participants to actually meet in person. The second Kiske/Somerville album entitled '' City of Heroes'' was released on April 17, 2015. Mat Sinner, Magnus Karlsson and Veronika Lukesova handled the instrumentation, while Jacob Hansen and Sinner were in charge of the production. Two music videos were filmed for the songs "City Of Heroes" and "Walk On Water".


Unisonic (2009-2017)

On November 10, 2009, Michael formed the band Unisonic together with Dennis Ward,
Kosta Zafiriou Kosta Zafiriou is a Swiss musician and music manager, one of the owners of Bottom Row Promotion company, which currently manages the bands Unisonic, Helloween, Axxis, Gotthard and Krokus. A former hard rock drummer, Zafiriou is known as one ...
and
Mandy Meyer Armand "Mandy" Meyer (born August 29 1960) is a Swiss-Canadian guitarist best known for being a member of the hard rock band Gotthard, the progressive rock band Asia, and the heavy metal band Krokus. Meyer has also worked with Cobra, Stealin' H ...
. Michael Kiske made his long-awaited return to the stage after 17 years, playing with Unisonic 5 June 2010 at Live Music Hall in Mörlenbach, Germany. Unisonic played songs of Place Vendome, 'A Little Time' and 'Kids of the Century'(Helloween-era) and the new song ‘Souls Alive’. Unisonic was also performing at
Sweden Rock Festival The Sweden Rock Festival is an annual rock/metal festival held in Sweden since 6 June 1992. While having a clear rock/metal focus, the festival is noted for its diversity across these genres, from southern rock bands such as Molly Hatchet to de ...
12 June 2010 and Masters of Rock Festival 18 July 2010 as well. In March 2011,
Kai Hansen Kai Michael Hansen (born 17 January 1963) is a German musician who is the founder, lead guitarist and vocalist of power metal band Gamma Ray. He is also one of the co-founders of metal band Helloween, which he rejoined in 2016. He is a promine ...
joined the band, and on October 15 the new line-up performed its first show at
Loud Park Festival The was a heavy metal festival held annually at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama City or Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, Japan. It was one of the biggest heavy metal festivals in Japan. The festival has featured both Japanese and international p ...
(Japan). The band released the EP ''
Ignition Ignition may refer to: Science and technology * Firelighting, the human act of creating a fire for warmth, cooking and other uses * Combustion, an exothermic chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidant * Fusion ignition, the point at which a ...
'', together with their first video for the song "Unisonic" in January 2012, through EarMusic (
Edel AG Edel SE & Co. KGaA is a German independent media company based in Hamburg. As a label and publishing group, it also operates marketing and sales for artists and smaller music labels. The repertoire of the Edel labels includes dance, rock and po ...
). The release of their self-titled debut album followed on March 30, 2012. The debut album entered several international music charts, scoring the highest points on the
Finnish albums chart The Official Finnish Charts ( fi, Suomen virallinen lista; sv, Finlands officiella lista) are national record charts in Finland compiled and published by Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. The name ''Suomen virallinen lista/Finlands officiell ...
,
Japanese Albums Chart , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan and Western music. It started as, which was founded by Sōkō Koike in ...
,
German Albums Chart The GfK Entertainment charts are the official music charts in Germany and are gathered and published by GfK Entertainment (formerly Media Control and Media Control GfK International), a subsidiary of GfK, on behalf of Bundesverband Musikindust ...
and
Swedish albums chart Sverigetopplistan (, lit. "the Sweden top list") is the Swedish national record chart, formerly known as Topplistan (1975–1997) and Hitlistan (1998–2007) and known by its current name since October 2007, based on sales data from the Swedish R ...
. Unisonic embarked on their first world tour in May 2012 performing in South America and in various European
music festivals A music festival is a community event with performances of singing and instrument playing that is often presented with a theme such as musical genre (e.g., rock, blues, folk, jazz, classical music), nationality, locality of musicians, or hol ...
, such as Masters of Rock,
Hellfest Hellfest (), also called Hellfest Summer Open Air, is a rock festival focusing on heavy metal music, held annually in June in Clisson, France. Its high attendance makes it the French music festival with the largest turnover. It is also one of ...
,
Rock Hard Festival Rock Hard Festival is a heavy metal festival organized and sponsored by the '' Rock Hard'' magazine. First established in Lichtenfels, Bavaria, Germany, in 1990 on an irregular basis, mostly for magazine anniversaries, it is held annually in Gels ...
and
Gods of Metal Gods of Metal is the biggest Italian metal festival, held annually since 1997. It takes place in early summer, usually on the first or second weekend of June. It is most often held at venues in or near Milan, but took place in Bologna three tim ...
among others. The second half of the tour included concerts in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Russia, Spain and Germany. The band's second EP, '' For the Kingdom'', came out in May 2014, the video for the song "Exceptional" followed in July, while their second album, '' Light of Dawn'', was released on August 1, 2014. ''Light of Dawn'' entered several international music charts, scoring the highest entries on the
Finnish albums chart The Official Finnish Charts ( fi, Suomen virallinen lista; sv, Finlands officiella lista) are national record charts in Finland compiled and published by Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. The name ''Suomen virallinen lista/Finlands officiell ...
,
German Albums Chart The GfK Entertainment charts are the official music charts in Germany and are gathered and published by GfK Entertainment (formerly Media Control and Media Control GfK International), a subsidiary of GfK, on behalf of Bundesverband Musikindust ...
, Swiss albums chart,
Czech albums chart The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) is the organisation that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide. It is a non-profit members' organisation registered in Switzerland and founded in Italy in 19 ...
and
Japanese Albums Chart , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan and Western music. It started as, which was founded by Sōkō Koike in ...
. The band embarked on a summer festival tour in July 2014, performing at Masters Of Rock, Leyendas del Rock, Moscow Metal Meeting, Bang Your Head, Skogsrojet and Rock Pod Kamenom. A Japanese and European tour together with
Edguy Edguy is a heavy metal band formed in Fulda, Germany in 1992. History Demos, AFM years (1992–2003) Edguy was founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch and Dirk Sauer. The name "Edguy" was an affecti ...
followed, while the band's final show was at the Knock Out Festival in December 2014. On August 5, 2016, Unisonic performed a show at Wacken Open Air Festival, which was recorded and released under the title '' Live in Wacken'' on July 21, 2017.


Collaborations and guest appearances

In 1995, Kiske participated as a guest on
Gamma Ray A gamma ray, also known as gamma radiation (symbol γ or \gamma), is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves, typically ...
's (Kai Hansen's band, formed after his departure from Helloween in late 1988) '' Land of the Free'' album, singing lead vocals on the song "Time To Break Free" and additional vocals on the title track. During 2002, Michael sang the song "Key to the Universe", which was featured on
Timo Tolkki Timo Tapio Tolkki (born 3 March 1966) is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. With his tenure lasting for more than twenty years, he was the longest standin ...
's (guitarist of the band
Stratovarius Stratovarius is a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1985. Since their formation, they have released sixteen studio albums, five DVDs and six live albums. In its history, the band has gone through many chaotic lineup changes, and after fo ...
) solo album '' Hymn to Life''. In 2003, Kiske took part in the metal opera ''
Days of Rising Doom Aina was a German progressive metal project produced by Sascha Paeth with a number of guest appearances including Glenn Hughes, Michael Kiske and Candice Night. It resulted in the metal opera ''Days of Rising Doom'', which was released in 2003 ...
'' by
Aina Aina may refer to: * Aina (given name) Places * Aina (Crete), a town of ancient Crete * Aïna River, a river in Cameroon and Gabon * Aina, Iran, a village in Kermanshah Province, Iran Art and entertainment * ''Aina'' (1977 film), a 1977 Pakista ...
, in the role of the Narrator, singing on the songs "Revelations", "Silver Maiden", "Serendipity" and "Restoration". During the same year he also sang on the duet "Heroes" (together with Jørn Lande), featured on Masterplan's self-titled debut album. In 2004, Michael sang on the duet "The Encounter", together with the female vocalist of the band Thalion on their debut album ''Another Sun''. During 2005, Kiske was a guest on the heavy metal album ''
Execution Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, is the State (polity), state-sanctioned practice of deliberately killing a person as a punishment for an actual or supposed crime, usually following an authorized, rule-governed process to ...
'' by the band
Tribuzy Tribuzy is a Brazilian heavy metal band fronted by Renato Tribuzy. They have toured with Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson and guitarist/producer Roy Z. A live album called ''Execution – Live Reunion'' was released in May 2007. Members *R ...
, singing on the duet "Absolution". Following this participation Kiske also sang as a guest on the song "Judas at the Opera", featured on
Edguy Edguy is a heavy metal band formed in Fulda, Germany in 1992. History Demos, AFM years (1992–2003) Edguy was founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch and Dirk Sauer. The name "Edguy" was an affecti ...
's ''
Superheroes A superhero or superheroine is a stock character that typically possesses ''superpowers'', abilities beyond those of ordinary people, and fits the role of the hero, typically using his or her powers to help the world become a better place, ...
''EP. In 2007, Michael sang on the duet "Breathe in Water", together with the female vocalist of the band Indigo Dying on their self-titled debut album. During 2008,
Timo Tolkki Timo Tapio Tolkki (born 3 March 1966) is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. With his tenure lasting for more than twenty years, he was the longest standin ...
departed from Stratovarius and formed the band
Revolution Renaissance Revolution Renaissance was a multinational power metal band founded by guitarist Timo Tolkki after he left Stratovarius in 2008. The band released three studio albums before disbanding in 2010. History ''New Era'' The studio lineup for the '' N ...
. The band's debut album, '' New Era'', was recorded by session musicians and Kiske on the role of the main singer, performing vocals for the tracks "I Did It My Way", "Angel", "Keep The Flame Alive", "Last Night on Earth" and "Revolution Renaissance". In 2009, he was a guest on
Trick or Treat Trick-or-treating is a traditional Halloween custom for children and adults in some countries. During the evening of Halloween, on October 31, people in costumes travel from house to house, asking for treats with the phrase "trick or treat". Th ...
's album ''Tin Soldiers'', singing all vocals on the song "Hello Moon" and additional lead vocals on the duet "Tears Against Your Smile". During 2010, he recorded guest vocals for the song "All You Need To Know", featured on
Gamma Ray A gamma ray, also known as gamma radiation (symbol γ or \gamma), is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves, typically ...
's ''
To The Metal ''To the Metal!'' is the tenth full-length studio album by Gamma Ray. It was released on 29 January 2010. To promote the album, the band did a tour with Freedom Call and Secret Sphere. The album was recorded in Kai's own studio in Hamburg in autumn ...
'' album. In 2011, Kiske appeared as a special guest in Gamma Ray's concert in Pratteln (Switzerland). The full show was released in both CD and DVD under the name '' Skeletons & Majesties Live'' in 2012. Michael sings on the songs "Time To Break Free", "A While in Dreamland" and "Future World". In 2012, Michael sang the song "The Ethereal Dream (Reprise)", featured on the album ''34613'' by the project Tomorrow's Outlook. During 2013, Kiske took part in
Timo Tolkki Timo Tapio Tolkki (born 3 March 1966) is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. With his tenure lasting for more than twenty years, he was the longest standin ...
's
metal opera A rock opera is a collection of rock music songs with lyrics that relate to a common story. Rock operas are typically released as concept albums and are not scripted for acting, which distinguishes them from operas, although several have been a ...
project
Avalon Avalon (; la, Insula Avallonis; cy, Ynys Afallon, Ynys Afallach; kw, Enys Avalow; literally meaning "the isle of fruit r appletrees"; also written ''Avallon'' or ''Avilion'' among various other spellings) is a mythical island featured in the ...
. Michael sang the self-titled track on the project's debut album '' The Land of New Hope''. In the same year he also sang as a guest on the duet "Fly", featured on
Infinita Symphonia Infinita Symphonia is an Italian symphonic metal and heavy metal band, founded in Rome during 2008. The band released a demo album in 2009, under the name "Into the Symphonia", from which they got good fame. Their debut album, "''A Mind's Chr ...
's self-titled album. During December, he participated in the "Christmas Metal Symphony 2013 tour", sharing the stage with
Joey Belladonna Joey Belladonna (born Joseph Bellardini; October 13, 1960) is an American singer, best known as the vocalist for thrash metal band Anthrax. He is also the vocalist and drummer of the cover band Chief Big Way. Belladonna has six Grammy Award no ...
,
Udo Dirkschneider Udo Dirkschneider (born 6 April 1952) is a German singer and songwriter who rose to fame with German heavy metal band Accept. After leaving the band in 1987, he formed U.D.O., with which he has also enjoyed commercial success. Biography Fo ...
,
Chuck Billy Charles Billy (born June 23, 1962) is an American singer who is best known as the lead vocalist for thrash metal band Testament. Career Testament Billy joined Legacy in 1986, replacing vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza who would later join Exod ...
,
Joacim Cans Joacim Cans (born 19 February 1970 in Mora) is a Swedish singer, best known as the lead vocalist of heavy metal band HammerFall. He is the only member aside from founder and guitarist Oscar Dronjak to appear on all of the band's albums. Cans a ...
,
Floor Jansen Floor Jansen (; born 21 February 1981) is a Dutch singer and songwriter. She is the lead vocalist of Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. Jansen first became known as a member of symphonic metal band After Forever, standing as their lead vo ...
and a symphonic orchestra. In 2014, he sang on the duet "Black And White Forever", featured on Starchild's self-titled debut album. During 2015, Kiske sang as a guest on the title track of the Wolfpakk album ''Rise of the Animal''. In August of the same year he sang as a special guest with Rock Meets Classic (a project featuring
Mat Sinner Mat Sinner (born Matthias Lasch; 16 October 1964 in Stuttgart, West Germany) is a bassist, vocalist, and record producer from Stuttgart, Germany. Sinner has been involved in numerous bands and projects throughout his musical career. His main ...
and the
Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague is an orchestra based in Prague, Czech Republic. It was founded in 2000 by its chief conductor Martin Šanda and its basic formation consists of 70 musicians. Other conductors are David Lukáš and Martin Pe ...
) performing at the Rock of Ages Festival and at Wacken Open Air Festival. On September 19, he performed at the
Rock In Rio ''Rock in Rio'' is a recurring music festival originating in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It later branched into other locations such as Lisbon, Madrid and Las Vegas. Nine incarnations of the festival have been held in Rio de Janeiro, in 1985, 1991, ...
festival with the band Noturnall. In 2016, he participated as a guest vocalist on the Hansen & Friends ''XXX : 30 Years of Metal'' album and on the project's performance at Wacken Open Air Festival. The live performance was recorded and released on both CD and DVD under the title Hansen & Friends ''Thank You Wacken'', on June 23, 2017. During the same year he also sang on the duet "Halleluja" with Swedish singer Aino Löwenmark, featured on her album "Human". Kiske returned to work on this recording with ex. SupaRed-members, the guitar player Sandro Giampietro and drummer Jürgen Spiegel. During 2018, Kiske sang on the duets "Angel Of Light" and "King Thorgan's Hymn", featured on the album '' Legend of Valley Doom part 2'' by Marius Danielsen. In 2022, Kiske sang on the song "A King Has Gone", featured on the album ''
Universal Universal is the adjective for universe. Universal may also refer to: Companies * NBCUniversal, a media and entertainment company ** Universal Animation Studios, an American Animation studio, and a subsidiary of NBCUniversal ** Universal TV, a ...
'' by
Michael Schenker Group The Michael Schenker Group (often abbreviated as MSG) are a guitar-oriented hard rock band, formed in London in 1979 by former Scorpions and UFO guitarist Michael Schenker. In 1986, Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley formed the McAuley Schenke ...
. The song was a tribute to
Ronnie James Dio Ronald James Padavona (July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010), known professionally as Ronnie James Dio, was an American heavy metal singer. He fronted and founded numerous bands throughout his career, including Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and H ...
and featured guest appearances by former
Rainbow A rainbow is a meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky. It takes the form of a multicoloured circular arc. Rainbows c ...
members
Tony Carey Anthony Lawrence Carey (born October 16, 1953, Watsonville, California) is an American-born, European-based musician, composer, producer, and singer/songwriter. One of his earliest musical experiences was as a keyboardist for Rainbow. After his ...
,
Bob Daisley Robert John Daisley (born 13 February 1950) is a retired Australian bass guitarist. He has collaborated on several occasions with Ozzy Osbourne, for whom he contributed bass, backing vocals, co-production and songwriting. He has also worked wi ...
and
Bobby Rondinelli Robert Rondinelli (born July 27, 1955) is a rock drummer best known for his work with the hard rock/ heavy metal bands Blue Öyster Cult, Rainbow, Quiet Riot, Black Sabbath, The Lizards, The Handful, and Rondinelli. In July 2013, Rondinelli was ...
.


Singing style

In comparison to Kai Hansen, Kiske had a more vibrant and clean voice. Some fans and critics have likened his singing style and range to that of
Geoff Tate Geoff Tate (born Jeffrey Wayne Tate, January 14, 1959; he later changed his first name to Geoffery or Geoffrey) (Pp. 11, 48). is an American singer and songwriter. He rose to fame with the progressive metal band Queensrÿche, who had commercial ...
or a young Samson-era
Bruce Dickinson Paul Bruce Dickinson (born 7 August 1958) is an English singer who has been the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden from 1981 to 1993 and 1999–present. He is known for his wide-ranging operatic vocal style and energetic stage ...
, with shades of Rob Halford. He has a tenor type voice and possesses an almost 4 octave vocal range, as he is capable of reaching extremely high notes (A5) and low baritone notes (E2) as well. Kiske's time in Helloween has proven to be highly influential and many singers cite him as a major influence.


Recognition and honors

Named favorite vocalist Rank:5. In
Burrn! is a monthly Japanese magazine for fans of heavy metal music, published since September 1984. It is the major publication on heavy metal music in the country. As of 2013, it is published by Shinko Music Entertainment in Tokyo. The magazine's c ...
magazine's Readers poll (April 2012 issue). Named best vocalist of 2012. In
Burrn! is a monthly Japanese magazine for fans of heavy metal music, published since September 1984. It is the major publication on heavy metal music in the country. As of 2013, it is published by Shinko Music Entertainment in Tokyo. The magazine's c ...
's Readers poll (April 2013 issue). Named best all-time singer in rock and metal Rank:18. In German
Metal Hammer ''Metal Hammer'' is a heavy metal music magazine and website founded in 1983, published in the United Kingdom by Future, with other language editions available in numerous other countries. ''Metal Hammer'' features news, reviews and long-form ...
readers poll (June 2013).


Discography


Solo albums

* ''
Instant Clarity '' Instant Clarity'' is the first solo album of vocalist Michael Kiske, formerly of Helloween. The album was released 1996 and features guest appearances by Kai Hansen, formerly of Helloween, Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden, and compositions with ...
'' (1996) ** ''Always (EP)'' (1996) ** ''The Calling (EP Japan-only)''(1996) * ''Readiness to Sacrifice'' (1999) * ''Kiske'' (2006) * '' Past in Different Ways'' (2008)


With Helloween

* '' Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I'' (1987) * '' Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II'' (1988) * ''
Live in the UK ''Live in the U.K.'' is the first live album released by the band Helloween. It was released in Japan as ''Keepers Live''. In the United States, it was released as ''I Want Out – Live'' without the track "Rise and Fall", and with a shorter ed ...
'' (1989; Live Album) * ''
Pink Bubbles Go Ape ''Pink Bubbles Go Ape'' is the fourth studio album by German power metal band Helloween, released in 1991. It marked the departure of guitarist Kai Hansen, with Roland Grapow replacing him. It was also the first album released on EMI Records. Ba ...
'' (1991) * ''
Chameleon Chameleons or chamaeleons (family Chamaeleonidae) are a distinctive and highly specialized clade of Old World lizards with 202 species described as of June 2015. The members of this family are best known for their distinct range of colors, bein ...
'' (1993) * '' Pumpkins United'' - Single (2017) * '' United Alive in Madrid'' (2019; Live Album) *''
Helloween Helloween is a German power metal band founded in 1984 in Hamburg by members of bands Iron Fist, Gentry, Second Hell and Powerfool. Its first lineup consisted of singer and guitarist Kai Hansen, bassist Markus Grosskopf, guitarist Michael Weik ...
'' (2021)


With Avantasia

* ''
Avantasia Avantasia is a German supergroup metal opera project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist of the band Edguy. It has been characterized as a rock opera, as it features the contributions of various vocalists and musicians and it consists of concept ...
'' (Single) (2001) * ''
The Metal Opera ''The Metal Opera'' is the first full-length album by Tobias Sammet's German supergroup project, Avantasia. It is a concept album and a rock opera. The album is followed by the sequel ''The Metal Opera Part II''. Both were written over the course ...
'' (2001) * ''
The Metal Opera Part II ''The Metal Opera Pt. II'' is the second full-length album by Tobias Sammet's German supergroup project, Avantasia. It is a concept album and a rock opera. The songs carry on the story begun in ''The Metal Opera'', with the same characters. Bot ...
'' (2002) * '' Lost in Space Part II'' (EP) (2007) * '' Lost in Space Part I & II'' (2008) * '' The Scarecrow'' (2008) * ''
The Wicked Symphony ''The Wicked Symphony'' is the fourth full-length album by Tobias Sammet's German rock opera project Avantasia, released on 3 April 2010, parallel with ''Angel of Babylon''. ''The Wicked Symphony'' was released both as part of a box set, with the t ...
'' & ''
Angel of Babylon ''Angel of Babylon'' is the fifth full-length album by Tobias Sammet's rock opera German project Avantasia, released on 3 April 2010, along with ''The Wicked Symphony''. ''Angel Of Babylon'' was released both as part of a box set, with the two albu ...
'' (2010) * ''
The Mystery of Time ''The Mystery of Time'' is the sixth full-length album by German Tobias Sammet's rock opera project Avantasia. The album was released on 26 April 2013. This is the first Avantasia release to feature the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg (the s ...
'' (2013) * ''
Ghostlights ''Ghostlights'' is the seventh full-length album by Tobias Sammet's German metal opera project Avantasia. It was released on 29 January 2016. The opening track and first single " Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" was a candidate for the German repres ...
'' (2016) * '' Moonglow'' (2019) * ''
A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society ''A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society'' is the ninth studio album by Tobias Sammet's German metal opera project Avantasia. It was released on 21 October 2022, through Nuclear Blast. Background According to Avantasia founder Tobias S ...
'' (2022)


With SupaRed

* ''
SupaRed ''SupaRed'' is an album by SupaRed, a band led by ex- Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske. It was released on Helloween's former record label Noise Records. Background Kiske both produced and mixed the album by himself. The album was recorded in ...
'' (2003)


With Place Vendome

* '' Place Vendome'' (2005) * '' Streets of Fire'' (2009) * '' Thunder in the Distance'' (2013) * '' Close to the Sun'' (2017)


With Kiske/Somerville

* ''
Kiske/Somerville Kiske/Somerville is a melodic heavy metal duet project, put together in late 2009 by Frontiers Records. The project features vocalist Michael Kiske (Helloween, Unisonic, Place Vendome) collaborating with American singer Amanda Somerville ( ...
'' (2010) * '' City of Heroes'' (2015)


With Unisonic

* ''
Ignition Ignition may refer to: Science and technology * Firelighting, the human act of creating a fire for warmth, cooking and other uses * Combustion, an exothermic chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidant * Fusion ignition, the point at which a ...
'' (2012, EP) * '' Unisonic'' (2012) * '' For the Kingdom'' (2014, EP) * '' Light of Dawn'' (2014) * '' Live in Wacken'' (2017; Live Album)


Guest appearances

*
Gamma Ray A gamma ray, also known as gamma radiation (symbol γ or \gamma), is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves, typically ...
– '' Land of the Free'' (1995) *
Timo Tolkki Timo Tapio Tolkki (born 3 March 1966) is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. With his tenure lasting for more than twenty years, he was the longest standin ...
– '' Hymn to Life'' (2002) * Masterplan – '' Masterplan'' (2003) *
Aina Aina may refer to: * Aina (given name) Places * Aina (Crete), a town of ancient Crete * Aïna River, a river in Cameroon and Gabon * Aina, Iran, a village in Kermanshah Province, Iran Art and entertainment * ''Aina'' (1977 film), a 1977 Pakista ...
– ''
Days of Rising Doom Aina was a German progressive metal project produced by Sascha Paeth with a number of guest appearances including Glenn Hughes, Michael Kiske and Candice Night. It resulted in the metal opera ''Days of Rising Doom'', which was released in 2003 ...
'' (2003) * Thalion – ''Another Sun'' (2004) *
Tribuzy Tribuzy is a Brazilian heavy metal band fronted by Renato Tribuzy. They have toured with Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson and guitarist/producer Roy Z. A live album called ''Execution – Live Reunion'' was released in May 2007. Members *R ...
– ''
Execution Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, is the State (polity), state-sanctioned practice of deliberately killing a person as a punishment for an actual or supposed crime, usually following an authorized, rule-governed process to ...
'' (2005) *
Edguy Edguy is a heavy metal band formed in Fulda, Germany in 1992. History Demos, AFM years (1992–2003) Edguy was founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch and Dirk Sauer. The name "Edguy" was an affecti ...
– ''
Superheroes A superhero or superheroine is a stock character that typically possesses ''superpowers'', abilities beyond those of ordinary people, and fits the role of the hero, typically using his or her powers to help the world become a better place, ...
'' (2005) *
Helloween Helloween is a German power metal band founded in 1984 in Hamburg by members of bands Iron Fist, Gentry, Second Hell and Powerfool. Its first lineup consisted of singer and guitarist Kai Hansen, bassist Markus Grosskopf, guitarist Michael Weik ...
– '' Keeper of the Seven Keys: The Legacy'' (2005)(sampled only) * Indigo Dying – ''Indigo Dying'' (2007) *
Revolution Renaissance Revolution Renaissance was a multinational power metal band founded by guitarist Timo Tolkki after he left Stratovarius in 2008. The band released three studio albums before disbanding in 2010. History ''New Era'' The studio lineup for the '' N ...
– '' New Era'' (2008) *
Trick or Treat Trick-or-treating is a traditional Halloween custom for children and adults in some countries. During the evening of Halloween, on October 31, people in costumes travel from house to house, asking for treats with the phrase "trick or treat". Th ...
– ''Tin Soldiers'' (2009) *
Gamma Ray A gamma ray, also known as gamma radiation (symbol γ or \gamma), is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves, typically ...
– '' To the Metal!'' (2010) *
Gamma Ray A gamma ray, also known as gamma radiation (symbol γ or \gamma), is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves, typically ...
– '' Skeletons & Majesties Live'' (2012; Live Album) * Tomorrow's Outlook - ''34613'' (2012) * Avalon (Finnish band), Timo Tolkki's Avalon – '' The Land of New Hope'' (2013) *
Infinita Symphonia Infinita Symphonia is an Italian symphonic metal and heavy metal band, founded in Rome during 2008. The band released a demo album in 2009, under the name "Into the Symphonia", from which they got good fame. Their debut album, "''A Mind's Chr ...
– ''
Infinita Symphonia Infinita Symphonia is an Italian symphonic metal and heavy metal band, founded in Rome during 2008. The band released a demo album in 2009, under the name "Into the Symphonia", from which they got good fame. Their debut album, "''A Mind's Chr ...
'' (2013) * Starchild - ''Starchild'' (2014) * Wolfpakk – ''Rise of the Animal'' (2015) * Aino Löwenmark – ''Human'' (2016) * Hansen & Friends - ''XXX : 30 Years of Metal'' (2016) * Hansen & Friends - ''Thank You Wacken'' (2017; Live Album) * Marius Danielsen - '' Legend of Valley Doom part 2'' (2018) *
Michael Schenker Group The Michael Schenker Group (often abbreviated as MSG) are a guitar-oriented hard rock band, formed in London in 1979 by former Scorpions and UFO guitarist Michael Schenker. In 1986, Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley formed the McAuley Schenke ...
- ''
Universal Universal is the adjective for universe. Universal may also refer to: Companies * NBCUniversal, a media and entertainment company ** Universal Animation Studios, an American Animation studio, and a subsidiary of NBCUniversal ** Universal TV, a ...
'' (2022)


References


External links

*
Michael Kiske exclusive interview
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kiske, Michael German heavy metal singers German male singers German-language singers German heavy metal guitarists German male guitarists Helloween members Musicians from Hamburg German Christians 1968 births Living people English-language singers from Germany Unisonic (band) members Frontiers Records artists Noise Records artists