Review by Paddy Gallagher for MPM
To those of us of a certain vintage, Helloween provokes memories of glorious days in the late 1980’s listening to Michael Kiske telling tales of seven keys and their keeper! Rightly regarded as at the forefront of European Power Metal, they’ve forged a career blending melodies with soaring vocals and speed metal riffs for 42 years, 12 members and with this release 17 studio albums.
“Giants and Monsters” is also their second album as a septet featuring the “Pumpkins United” line up after 2021’s self-titled release. We have three vocalists contributing, their individual talents utilised to their best. Andi Deris, with the band since 1994 is again joined by Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen, the latter also performing guitar duties. Along with Markus Grosskopf on bass and Michael Weikath on guitars the septet is rounded out by 21st century additions Sascha Gerstner on guitar and Dani Löble on drums.
As expected with the quality of the musicians involved and a relaxed timeframe during the songwriting process, all band members contributed nuggets of ideas when listening back to a track. With the first track, “Giants on the Run” and its unique Helloween sound, evidence of the abundant craftsmanship is clear.
Second track “Saviour of the World” sees Michael Kiske take lead vocal duties evoking a throwback to the classic Helloween sound of late 1980’s and the “Keeper of the 7 Keys” era while fourth track “We Can Be Gods” is the first track in the running order to feature vocal duties from all three singers.
Nowhere is the songwriting prowess more evident than on “Into The Sun”, a superb ballad featuring a powerful duet between Deris and Kiske, their brilliant vocal histrionics complimented by fine piano and synth building to an emotionally charged guitar solo.
“This is Tokyo” is an ode to Japan and the importance of the country to the development of Deris’ career. A catchy track that’ll incite singalongs and fists in air at gigs.
Album closer “Majestic” is a colossus of a track, grandiose music clocking in at over eight minutes, it is the second track to feature all three vocalists. Explosive guitar work, emotion dripping from the fretboards and inventive song structure establishes the track as a future Helloween classic.
If you consider Helloween at the top of a Power Metal flow chart and the iconic band names that flow there from, iconic names such as Gamma Ray and Masterplan, plus the quality of the bands where members in the past plied their trade, you know this band and this album is oozing with talent few can match. A worthy addition to Helloween’s discography!
With Giants & Monsters, HELLOWEEN boldly step into their fifth decade, proving once again why they remain one of the most influential and beloved bands in heavy metal.
TRACKLISTING
1. Giants On The Run
2. Saviour Of The World
3. A Little Is A Little Too Much
4. We Can Be Gods
5. Into The Sun
6. This Is Tokyo
7. Universe (Gravity For Hearts)
8. Hand Of God
9. Under The Moonlight
10. Majestic
FORMATS:
– Earbook (incl. bonus-CD)
– Digipak-CD (incl. bonus track)
– Jewel case-CD
– 2LP in gatefold (various colours)
– Picture 2LP (incl. bonus track)
– Digital
BAND MEMBERS
Michael Kiske – vocals
Andi Deris – vocals
Kai Hansen – guitars, vocals
Michael Weikath – guitars
Sascha Gerstner – guitars
Markus Grosskopf – bass
Daniel Löble – drums
FOLLOW HELLOWEEN
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok
YouTube | X | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM
