A powerhouse German power metal outfit with elements of thrash and speed metal, Scanner was formed in 1986 out the ashes of the like-minded Lion's Breed, who like Scanner, invoked names such as Helloween, Pretty Maids, and Blind Guardian. Featuring the talents of Tom S. Sopha (guitar), Michael M.A.J.O.R. Knoblich (vocals), Wolfgang Kolorz (drums), Axel A.J. Julius (guitar), and Martin Bork (bass), the band issued their Noise Records debut, the sci-fi concept album Hypertrace, in 1988. Vocalist Knoblich left the group the following year and was replaced by ex-Angel Dust vocalis...