Pumpkins from the past and present came together to shape what could be the future of the pioneering melodic power metal band
By Luiz Athayde
Helloween is back! Well, obviously they have always been around, regardless of fashions and market trends alike. Since their genesis, still signing as Gentry (and other later names), the subliminal watchword was to renew themselves, at least until they found their sound.
And that’s what happened with the release of the mega classic Walls of Jericho in 1985, but especially with the advent of Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I and II, records that simply influenced 11 out of 10 names in the universe called power metal, thanks to the creative power of guitarist and mentor (and eventual vocalist) Kai Hansen, the guitarist Michael Weikath, and the legendary singer Michael Kiske.
Not least, already with Andi Deris at the helm of the microphones, we have Master of the Rings (1994) and The Time of the Oath (1996). Now imagine a line-up with the main members of these two eras, including the ‘factory original’ Markus Grosskopf (bass), plus current members Sascha Gerstner (guitar) and Dani Löble (drums) releasing a brand new album… Well, what seemed to be impossible happened and with the only possible title: Helloween.
Their fondness for long tracks was never a novelty, but still, it was a big surprise that the first single was “Skyfall”. But listening to it you realize that it was the perfect choice; an immediate journey through the time tunnel to 1988, at the time of Keeper 2, with Kiske’s famous vocal lines allied to the melodic torpedo that the composition brings.
The expectation around what would come next was natural, also corroborated with the production of the more than specialist Charlie Bauerfeind (Gamma Ray, Angra, Freedom Call and, of course, Helloween) and Dennis Ward (Angra, Pink Cream 69, Unisonic, etc). Not in the technical part.
The strategic level was also assertive. When we give the play, we find ourselves faced with a track that also harks back to the times of the second Keeper. “Out for the Glory” is the Germanic in their classic way: fast, low and very “power”, as it could not be otherwise.
With Deris on lead vocals, “Fear of the Fallen” brings Helloween almost reaching the 2000s, but without the bad atmosphere that lasted that period.
“Best Time” presents a continuation aura of the hit “I Want Out”, also because of its catchy chorus. Possible single and music video? Who knows. On the other hand, “Mass Pollution” arrives as the strongest of the album, if not the most powerful. Markus’ dirty bass at the opening ignites the perfect track for a metallic road movie.
In general, tracks 4, 5 or 6 are usually ballads, but this is not the case here. “Angels”. Its cadenced tempo allows drummer Löble to shine – it’s worth remembering that the drums used in the recording were those of none other than the late Ingo Schwichtenberg.
“Rise Without Chains” is a typical song for Deris’ style, and for that very reason it ‘catches’ right away. Without softening in the tempo, “Indestructible” once again uses the chorus to prevent the unwary from skipping the track.
Obviously, not everything is massively focused on the past, and that’s where “Robot King” comes in, with the most updated approach of Helloween, especially from the albums 7 Sinners (2010) and Straight Out of Hell (2013), yet still flirting with elements of the classic era. Not surprisingly, it is Deris who once again takes the reins, but with Kiske shining on the (not so) backing vocals.
No, no ballads yet. And I don’t even recommend waiting for that. The next song to take the stage is “Cyanide”, with its traditional power/heavy style. The very heavy “Down in the Dumps” also flirts with the new times of the group, but at the same time makes us imagine how the last records with the vocalist of the first two Keepers would have been. Actually, this is possible live, it will depend on who chooses the setlist for the tour.
Revolving around the end, the instrumental “Orbit” is the intro to the aforementioned bombastic first single. For those who can secure the limited edition double vinyl along with 2 CDs (album + bonus) will still be graced with two more unreleased: the old school “Golden Times” and the great “Save My Hide”, which reminds Deris of the Pink Cream 69 days.
In short, we are in front of another “already born classic” thanks to the surprising balance between the old and the new, signed by a team that needs no comments or credentials, since they are the creators of melodic power metal – at least by common sense.
Listen to the album below: