UNISONIC, featuring former HELLOWEEN bandmates Michael Kiske (vocals) and Kai Hansen (guitars; GAMMA RAY), will release their self-titled debut album on March 30th (March 21st in Japan). Kiske recently spoke with Greece's Rockpages webzine about the new band. An excerpt is available below:

Rockpages.gr: How do you view Unisonic, as a real band or as a project?

Michael Kiske: "This is a really band; a totally different situation from the years before…I mean, I was trying to form a band with SUPARED but in reality it was yet another Kiske solo record with a different name. You can’t make bands; they just happen…and Unisonic happened! It was Kosta (Zafeiriou) and Dennis (Ward) approaching me, then Mandy (Meyer) stepped in and we were fooling around with songs for a couple of years. Then I went for a small tour with AVANTASIA and reconnected with Kai (Hansen). We thought that it would be a good time to do something together again and he was really the one who suggested that he should join Unisonic. But it needed some time! Unisonic with Kai started working towards the right direction. Before Kai, some songs were just OK and when he joined they started sounding really really good! A good example is the song 'Star Rider'. Dennis wrote the verses and he had a chorus but it wasn’t that good. When Kai heard it, he suggested to change a few things here and there and then, in a matter of 20 seconds, the chorus sounded excellent! That’s what makes a real band. We work and discuss everything together. If someone doesn’t like something, he says so. In the end we are trying to make everyone happy."

Rockpages.gr: We have talked a couple of times in the past under different circumstances. But, now, I guess you are more open to talk about it...if the occasion arises would you be open for a possible reunion with HELLOWEEN?

Michael Kiske: "I have the best part of Helloween in my band now! It’s not really necessary to do a reunion. I am not friend with Mr. Weikath. I have always had a good relationship with Kai. Yes, we had our differences but it was never like we hated each other or something. Now, with Kai in the band we have every right to play songs from the Helloween days….just for fun. Songs that Kai has written or I have written. Of course, we won’t play anything that Weikath has written, but the key tracks from the past, at least the majority of them, were written by Kai. We could play those songs live but I don’t see any reason for a reunion. I know the press would love that but trust me it wouldn’t be that fun. Let me tell you…just for the music, I would love to sing 'Eagle Fly Free' as it was always one of my favorite tunes. The things that went on between me and Weikath…I don’t forget that! I’ve never been more betrayed by any person…so, I don’t see that (reunion) happening to be honest with you."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Unisonic has now revealed the following tracklisting for the album:

‘Unisonic’

‘Souls Alive’

‘Never too Late’

‘I’ve Tried’

‘Star Rider’

‘Never Change Me

‘Renegade’

‘My Sanctuary’

‘King For A Day’

‘We Rise’

‘No One Ever Sees Me’

‘Over The Rainbow’ (Bonus Limited Edition)

The band also features Mandy Meyer (guitars; ex-KROKUS, GOTTHARD) and PINK CREAM 69 rhythm section Dennis Ward (bass) and Kosta Zafiriou (drums).

Unisonic's debut album will be available in the following configurations:

Europe, rest of the world:

- CD jewel case
- CD limited edition Mediabook format with and extended booklet plus bonus track
- Vinyl and CD package limited edition

Japan:

- CD jewel case
- CD limited edition Digipack plus bonus track (exclusive for Japan)

The band recently announced three European festival dates. They are as follows:

May

27 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Rock Hard Festival

June

21 - Milan, Italy - Gods Of Metal

July

12 - Vizovice, Czech Republic - Masters Of Rock

The band's non-festival tour schedule is now as follows:

May

12 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Teatro Flores
14 - Antofagasta, Chile - Statix Rock & Soccer
16 - Santiago, Chile - Teatro Teleton
18 - Sao Paulo, Brazil - HSBC Hall
20 - Mexico City, Mexico - Circo Volador

October (with GOTTHARD)

11 - Barcelona, Spain - Sala Apolo
12 - Madrid, Spain - La Rivera
13 - Pamplona, Spain - Sala Totem

Check out the new video for 'Unisonic' and a promotional video clip below: