Seven keys and seven rings. Now five pumpkins have also become seven. All of them has been a part of the band for many years, but not at the same time, until now. What began as a live performance idea a few years ago, turned into a permanent and unique line-up. The men are faithful to their legacy and ”Helloween” reminds of all eras in the group’s history, without being repetitive. The songwriting is often expressive and comes to life in the music in a splendid way, which is typical of HELLOWEEN. The band’s musicality and imagination are mixed with the members combined strength. They have a lot left to give, which is promising for the future.
One of the world’s most influential, German Metal groups is opening a new chapter in its glorious career, after more than 35 years of band history. If you look back, we can see that the first two parts of ”Keeper Of The Seven Keys” (1987 and 1988) are among the most inspiring productions in Metal history. On these we find, for example, classics such as ”I’m Alive”, ”Future World”, ”Dr. Stein”, “I Want Out” and the title track itself, as well as their signature “Halloween”. It has been six years since the latest studio work was released. HELLOWEEN took a deep breath and reloaded for album number seventeen. However, there has not really been a longer pause. In 2017 came the single and lyric video ”Pumpkins United”. Maybe no bigger hit song, just pleasant nostalgia in new clothes, but it was fun with the hints to their older songs and records. To the fans delight, an extensive tour was made, with a total of over one million visitors. Concerts were played in thirty-two countries on three continents, which resulted in the extremely good material ”United Alive In Madrid” (2019). Afterwards, they said: “We saw thousands of happy faces, heard your ‘please stay together!’-wishes and understood that there is no way back. The future of HELLOWEEN needs to be written in this unity.”
This combination with a trio of singers and three guitarists adds an extra dimension. A strong rhythm section, as well as some keyboardtones that binds everything together into a wholeness, makes the result outstanding. Here we can talk about a supergroup. Their long time producer Charlie Bauerfeind (SAXON, HAMMERFALL, BLIND GUARDIAN) and the co-producer Dennis Ward began to put the upcoming work together in Home Studios, Hamburg. The final touch was made by Ronald Prent (DEF LEPPARD, GOTTHARD, RAMMSTEIN) in Valhalla Studios, New York.
The air is filled with excited expectation when ”Out For The Glory” sets off everything. Michael Kiske (AVANTASIA) easily tosses up and down with his superb voice. Here is a tremendous rapidity on the drums, which is not unusual for this group, which mixes Speed Metal and Power Metal in a perfect way. A lot happens in this song and the ending is grandiose. If there had been an honorable crusade in the sign of Hard Rock, then HELLOWEEN would have won that battle. The author of these lines was almost out of breath the first times I heard it and wondered if they might have put in too much stuff. Later, when more listenings made the seven-minute piece sink in, then it became crystal clear that the track is fantastic.
Andi Deris is the frontman in ”Fear Of The Fallen” and he is a very good singer too. Deris slightly hoarse voice sometimes alternates with a soft, fine tone and just like Kiske, he has no problem reaching the heights. Both voices together sound mighty nice. This song is powerful and contains a lovely, vivid guitar solo. The music rushes through my veins and makes me smile with satisfaction.
During the past year, all of us have probably felt trapped in one way or another, unable to do anything about what is happening. The text line ”a fish in a bowl” is a fitting description. ”Down In The Dumps” is an expression of being depressed or feeling a bit low. Even so, despair shifts into a hopeful energy, which makes the listener in a good mood during this track. A pulsating six-string sound and a violin that turns into chasing tones are heard in the intro. The powerful drumming goes into Speed Metal tempo again. The guitar solo is lively and this is one of the songs that brings a concert feeling. I was just waiting to hear a crowd shout and applaud. Nice bass guitar tones from Markus Großkopf introduce ”Mass Pollution”. Dani Löble stomps on the bass drum, a deep thumping with a pause in between. Someone says ”make some noise” and then you actually hear a hissing sound in the distance, as from a big audience. A humble impression of a live performance falls into a strong longing. I want to stand there in a sea of people and scream with joy.
”Best Time” is Metal that flirts with the eighties. The wings of history sweeps in with Synthpop and neon lights. Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY), Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner (FREEDOM CALL) are terrific guitarists. Their way of playing is always uplifting, but rises a little extra in the excellent ”Rise Without Chains”. In the chorus, double singers are heard again. It is so incredibly wonderful when the voices wrap around each other and rush upwards.
The awesome ”Skyfall” is epic. The composition is absolutely brilliant. This masterpiece contains rapid drumming, an enthusiastic guitarplaying and a catchy melody, especially in the chorus. The middle part is calm and the songwriter Hansen sings. It sounds like RUSH for a moment. The music and everyone’s voices, which escalate in intensity at the end of this piece, make me dizzy of happiness. When it all fades out, I want to hear more, even though the song is twelve minutes long. It is indescribably good and a great end that fits the album perfectly. When they sing ”we’re coming home”, you feel that this is just the beginning of a fresh, new start in the group’s already long career.
To be cured from our withdrawal symptoms, HELLOWEEN will give their European fans a double dose of Metalparty in March, April and May next year. The band has invited HAMMERFALL and you can see them on "United Forces Tour 2022". The Swedish group will also have released new material before then.
HELLOWEEN has once again landed with a fantastic album. The record has a rich content, so we who love details get more than pleased. "Helloween" is like a bag filled with goodies and keeps your interest the whole time. The reunion disc became one of their best albums, maybe even the very best. The band has maintained its charm and brings it with them on new adventures to entertain us. There is magic in the air. (Anna)
”A couple of really good songs in the beginning. The rest is nothing new or outstanding.” (Klaus)
“If you ask me, with 'Fear Of The Fallen' and the really strong 'Skyfall' there are just two songs that I would like to hear live. The rest is not really bad, but measured against what the magnificent seven have already achieved, it is only a solid average. So in the end hopeful excitement turns to sober disappointment.” (Maik)
“It is exhausting and too much, especially with three singers. ‘Skyfall’ is great. Unfortunately, the rest is pretty average.” (Matthias)
”Really good and varied songwriting. But the sound destroys some things like in many Metal productions nowadays. The mastering is too compressed.” (Pfaelzer)
Anzahl der Songs: 12
Spielzeit: 65:04 min
Label: Nuclear Blast
Veröffentlichungstermin: 18.06.2021
Bewertung:
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