Power metal pioneer KAI HANSEN is stepping into the spotlight with his first true solo studio album, Born With A Hammer, due out on September 18 via earMUSIC. Following the successful reunion era of Helloween and extensive world touring, the legendary guitarist and vocalist is channeling decades of heavy metal experience into a record that promises to be both personal and uncompromising.
The album marks Hansen’s first solo release since Kai Hansen & Friends: XXX – Three Decades In Metal and showcases the many facets of his musical identity. Across ten tracks, Born With A Hammer blends classic heavy metal, hard rock, punk attitude, and melodic power metal, all anchored by Hansen’s signature guitar work and instantly recognizable vocals.
Leading the charge is the newly released single, “Feeding The Beast,” an energetic opener packed with razor-sharp riffs and anthemic hooks. Fans can watch the official music video here:
Watch “Feeding The Beast”
Produced by Eike Freese, the album features an impressive lineup of collaborators. Freese also contributes guitar work alongside Alexander Dietz, while Dan Wilding returns on drums after working with Hansen on XXX – Three Decades In Metal. Rounding out the lineup is Hansen’s son, Tim Hansen, adding another layer to the family legacy.
Born With A Hammer Track Listing
- Feeding The Beast
- Welcome To Life
- Don’t Care
- Wait And See
- Born With A Hammer
- I.D.G.A.F.
- End Of The Road
- Triple Trouble
- Invaders
- Wonderland
The album will be available in several formats:
- CD Digipak
- 180g Black Gatefold LP
- Limited 180g Picture Disc LP
As one of heavy metal’s most influential architects, Hansen helped define the power metal genre through his work with Helloween before founding Gamma Ray. With Born With A Hammer, he demonstrates that his creative drive remains as potent as ever, delivering a record built on passion, authenticity, and decades of experience.
Fans can stream the new single and keep up with upcoming announcements through Hansen’s official social channels and pre-order the album ahead of its September release.