It’s certainly a rare occurrence for all the greatest elements of a band – past, present and future to join forces on a single behemoth of a collective effort. German pioneers Helloween were responsible for the creation of power metal as we know today, adding a distinct European flavour to the burgeoning heavy metal scene of the 80’s. Bringing a far more epic and grandiose flavour to speed metal with their landmark second album Keeper of the Seven Keys: part 1, led by young vocal superstar Michael Kiske.
Both Michael Kiske and original vocalist Kai Hansen had been absent from Helloween for decades, with Andi Deris handling the pipes in the meantime. But in 2016, Helloween embarked on the enormous task of incorporating all 3 vocalists in the mix for a colossal Pumpkins United World Tour. A fantastic idea for the stage, to the delights of crowds worldwide. But after deciding to record a new album with all 3, does it translate to a worthwhile album, or will it just be too much to handle?
Maybe we had been doing the Euro-legends a disservice, because this self titled effort is an absolute riot. Honestly this is the most exciting offering from Helloween for as long as I remember. Kai Hansen‘s vocals largely just add a bit of sparkle, letting Michael Kiske and Andi Deris trade glorious vocals back and forth with the youthful energy of guys in their mid 20s. Kai Hansen in particular has not lost a step from his illustrious best. Has there been a more engaging and influential vocalist throughout power metal than Kiske at his very peak?
Fear of the Fallen is classic old school Helloween. Deris and Kiske leading the charge over up tempo riffing, a terrific soaring chorus, and an expertly composed interlude. A straight up barnstorming track worthy of being held up with the best Helloween have ever produced without question. It is, however, the extended album cut of lead single Skyfall that completely floors everyone within a 10 mile radius. Leading you on a nostalgic journey through the entire history of the mighty German warriors, twisting and turning for 12 minutes of pure elation.
It takes sizeable balls to dish out an album pushing 1 hour 15 minutes to today’s goldfish attention spans. But when you are having so much fun head banging and raising fists, you really don’t give a toss. At no point does it drag, such is the variety and quality on offer. Helloween have managed to create an album greater than the sum of its considerably spectacular parts, and the result is a fun, elaborately composed and energetic opus. Would you take your power metal any other way?
Score: 9/10
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