DreamTheaterForums.org Dream Theater Fan Site

General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: wolfking on October 12, 2010, 04:52:06 AM

Title: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 12, 2010, 04:52:06 AM
Not sure if there are any Helloween fans here, but I for one love them, one of my favourite bands of all time.  Their new album is coming out on Nov 9th, titled 7 Sinners.   

Anyone else planning to pick this up?? 

Check out the new video for the single, Are You Metal?  Yes, yes it's a song about metal, but listen to it before you pass judgment, it's pretty damn cool.

Are You Metal?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfSUCJACyKs


7 Sinners

01. Where The Sinners Go
02. Are You Metal?
03. Who is Mr. Madman?
04. Raise The Noise
05. World Of Fantasy
06. Long Live The King
07. The Smile Of The Sun
08. You Stupid Mankind
09. If A Mountain Could Talk
10. The Sage, The Fool, The Sinner
11. My Sacrifice
12. Not Yet Today
13. Far In The Future

(https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/reviewpics/helloween7cover.jpg)
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: Zydar on October 12, 2010, 05:11:27 AM
Pretty cool song :metal
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: Mladen on October 12, 2010, 07:41:23 AM
It's a catchy tune, but certainly not what I'd like to hear from Helloween. They're trying too hard to sound heavy, just listen to that bit after the second chorus. I'm still pretty sure the album will kick some ass, can't wait to hear it.

 :metal
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: King Postwhore on October 12, 2010, 08:17:22 AM
Inb4 TAC.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: TAC on October 12, 2010, 12:47:01 PM
Inb4 TAC.
:lol

The thing is, I really don't care for Deris. I mean they sound great...but I haven't bought ANYTHING post Kiske except the Perfect Gentleman EP which was released right when deris joined.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 12, 2010, 02:53:19 PM
Inb4 TAC.
:lol

The thing is, I really don't care for Deris. I mean they sound great...but I haven't bought ANYTHING post Kiske except the Perfect Gentleman EP which was released right when deris joined.

Dude, you are missing out.  Sure Deris is a complete 180 from Kiske and certainly an acquired taste, but they have done so much great music with Deris,  I'd say all their albums with him are essential.  After Pink Bubbles and Chameleon, Deris is just what the band needed.  Kiske was bringing them down, Deris is Helloween now.  My fav albums from Deris;


Rabbit Don't Come Easy
Dark Ride
Better Than Raw
Time of the Oath
Keeper of the Seven Keys Legacy

Hell, just add all of them, they are all great.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 12, 2010, 02:54:25 PM
It's a catchy tune, but certainly not what I'd like to hear from Helloween. They're trying too hard to sound heavy, just listen to that bit after the second chorus. I'm still pretty sure the album will kick some ass, can't wait to hear it.

 :metal

I think they did this on purpose.  My theory is they did the horrible Unarmed and wanted something overly heavy to contrast, so they have done this, I believe it was all planned.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: TAC on October 12, 2010, 03:00:04 PM
It wasn't so much of him being a 180 from Kiske, it's just that I did not care for his voice. I'll try and add some of their stuff. I have been thinking about starting with their new album. I mean, the music sounded great.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 12, 2010, 03:41:16 PM
It wasn't so much of him being a 180 from Kiske, it's just that I did not care for his voice. I'll try and add some of their stuff. I have been thinking about starting with their new album. I mean, the music sounded great.

Yeah, Deris actually sounds surprising good on this track.  The last couple of albums and tours his voice really has been slipping IMO, but he has seemed to kick back into gear here.  I'd really recommend Better Than Raw, The Dark Ride and Rabbit Don't Come Easy, he sounded really good on those.

Here's some 30 second samples of the new songs.

https://www.cede.ch/de/music-cd/frames/right.cfm?aobj=858288&mp_type=popup

Sounds decent, nothing really jumps out at me here, but hey, they are 30 second samples.  Going by most of the other songs, doesn't sound like it will be any heavier than Gamling, Better Than Raw or The Dark Ride.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: Dittomist on October 12, 2010, 06:33:16 PM
I was just about to post a Helloween thread. Now that it's October, Helloween is one of the most appropriate bands to listen to. I am really excited about the new album, as these guys hardly ever disappoint me. It's true that they intended to make this one of their heaviest albums because of all the criticism against Unarmed.
The albums that all Helloween fans NEED to own are all 3 Keeper albums, Better Than Raw, The Time of the Oath, Chameleon, The Dark Ride, and Master of the Rings. Also essential is Gamma Ray's Heading for Tomorrow because for obvious reasons, it sounds so much like the first two Keeper albums.
HAPPY HAPPY HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HAPPY HAPPY HELLOWEEN, SILVER SHAMROCK!
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: yeshaberto on October 12, 2010, 06:53:42 PM
better than I expected
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: InstrumentalFiasco on October 13, 2010, 03:47:43 AM
I agree about the Deris' albums. They are all solid and Helloween is just as good today as they were in the 80s.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 13, 2010, 04:56:11 AM
I was just about to post a Helloween thread. Now that it's October, Helloween is one of the most appropriate bands to listen to. I am really excited about the new album, as these guys hardly ever disappoint me. It's true that they intended to make this one of their heaviest albums because of all the criticism against Unarmed.
The albums that all Helloween fans NEED to own are all 3 Keeper albums, Better Than Raw, The Time of the Oath, Chameleon, The Dark Ride, and Master of the Rings. Also essential is Gamma Ray's Heading for Tomorrow because for obvious reasons, it sounds so much like the first two Keeper albums.
HAPPY HAPPY HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HAPPY HAPPY HELLOWEEN, SILVER SHAMROCK!

Heading for Tomorrow I'd say is Gamma Ray's weakest album.  Although the title track is one of their best songs.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 14, 2010, 02:23:53 PM
I agree about the Deris' albums. They are all solid and Helloween is just as good today as they were in the 80s.

This is a true statement.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: TAC on October 14, 2010, 06:38:12 PM
Well, I'll be checking them out..
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: wkiml on October 14, 2010, 07:01:00 PM
Inb4 TAC.
:lol

The thing is, I really don't care for Deris. I mean they sound great...but I haven't bought ANYTHING post Kiske except the Perfect Gentleman EP which was released right when deris joined.


this for me as well.....although i can say I honestly dont own anything after Kiske left....I did get heavily into Gamma Ray for awhile, because they sounded more like the Helloween I loved than the Deris stuff did, but they became very predictable with their sound.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 14, 2010, 07:05:07 PM
Well, I'll be checking them out..

Please do.  You may like it, or you may not.  But give it a chance, there is some brilliant music.  Let us know what you check out and your opinions.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 14, 2010, 07:06:23 PM
Inb4 TAC.
:lol

The thing is, I really don't care for Deris. I mean they sound great...but I haven't bought ANYTHING post Kiske except the Perfect Gentleman EP which was released right when deris joined.


this for me as well.....although i can say I honestly dont own anything after Kiske left....I did get heavily into Gamma Ray for awhile, because they sounded more like the Helloween I loved than the Deris stuff did, but they became very predictable with their sound.

I prefer Gamma Ray over Helloween myself, I love their sound.  The Somewhere Out In Space - No World Order era was absolute power metal perfection.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 23, 2010, 07:01:27 AM
Full album is streaming on the bands myspace if anyone's interested.

https://www.myspace.com/helloween
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip and full album streaming inside)
Post by: Mladen on October 24, 2010, 03:40:19 AM
Listening to it right now... The Sage, The Fool, The Sinner is pretty awesome.  :metal
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip and full album streaming inside)
Post by: RazielSR on October 24, 2010, 04:32:31 AM
Cool. I will see them with Stratovarius in Madrid on January.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip and full album streaming inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 24, 2010, 04:59:35 AM
I've only listened to the first 5 songs as I want some fresh stuff when I buy it.  I am really impressed with this so far.  World of Fantasy is AMAZING!!
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: ShadowWalker on October 25, 2010, 02:34:48 PM
Dude, you are missing out.  Sure Deris is a complete 180 from Kiske and certainly an acquired taste, but they have done so much great music with Deris,  I'd say all their albums with him are essential.  After Pink Bubbles and Chameleon, Deris is just what the band needed.  Kiske was bringing them down, Deris is Helloween now.  My fav albums from Deris;


Rabbit Don't Come Easy
Dark Ride
Better Than Raw
Time of the Oath
Keeper of the Seven Keys Legacy

Hell, just add all of them, they are all great.

No love for Master of the Rings? That album remains firmly as my second Helloween album behind Keys II.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip and full album streaming inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 25, 2010, 03:30:04 PM
Oh I love it, but it's probably not in my top 5.  But Why, Sole Survivor, Where the Rain Grows, Mr. Ego, Perfect Gentleman, Secret Alibi, great album.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip and full album streaming inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 31, 2010, 04:33:07 AM
Just listened to the cd for the first time.  Very solid, but a lot of songs to take in, definitely needs more spins.

I don't understand the hype of it being so heavy, it's not as heavy as The Dark Ride or Gambling with the Devil.  Even half the songs from Better Than raw and even a lot of tracks from Rabbit Don't Come Easy are heavier than this.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: Leorimus on October 31, 2010, 10:35:25 AM
I was just about to post a Helloween thread. Now that it's October, Helloween is one of the most appropriate bands to listen to. I am really excited about the new album, as these guys hardly ever disappoint me. It's true that they intended to make this one of their heaviest albums because of all the criticism against Unarmed.
The albums that all Helloween fans NEED to own are all 3 Keeper albums, Better Than Raw, The Time of the Oath, Chameleon, The Dark Ride, and Master of the Rings. Also essential is Gamma Ray's Heading for Tomorrow because for obvious reasons, it sounds so much like the first two Keeper albums.
HAPPY HAPPY HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HAPPY HAPPY HELLOWEEN, SILVER SHAMROCK!

Heading for Tomorrow I'd say is Gamma Ray's weakest album.  Although the title track is one of their best songs.


Really? 
Even though I love Gamma Ray with Kai on vocals, specially on Land Of The Free, I still regard their first 2 albums as some of their best.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip inside)
Post by: wolfking on October 31, 2010, 11:57:34 PM
I was just about to post a Helloween thread. Now that it's October, Helloween is one of the most appropriate bands to listen to. I am really excited about the new album, as these guys hardly ever disappoint me. It's true that they intended to make this one of their heaviest albums because of all the criticism against Unarmed.
The albums that all Helloween fans NEED to own are all 3 Keeper albums, Better Than Raw, The Time of the Oath, Chameleon, The Dark Ride, and Master of the Rings. Also essential is Gamma Ray's Heading for Tomorrow because for obvious reasons, it sounds so much like the first two Keeper albums.
HAPPY HAPPY HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HAPPY HAPPY HELLOWEEN, SILVER SHAMROCK!

Heading for Tomorrow I'd say is Gamma Ray's weakest album.  Although the title track is one of their best songs.


Really? 
Even though I love Gamma Ray with Kai on vocals, specially on Land Of The Free, I still regard their first 2 albums as some of their best.

I generally though Heading and Sigh were considered their weakest.  I really love both albums though.  Sigh no more is excellent.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip and full album streaming inside)
Post by: Mladen on November 01, 2010, 04:36:21 AM
I've listened to 7 Sinners quite a bit for the last week or so...

It's great.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip and full album streaming inside)
Post by: Dittomist on November 01, 2010, 10:43:30 AM
Yeah, I am happy with it too. My Sacrifice, The Smile of the Sun, You Stupid Mankind, Long Live the King, and Far in the Future are the standout tracks in my opinion. Deris' vocals are extremely strong on this album.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip and full album streaming inside)
Post by: Mladen on November 01, 2010, 01:01:51 PM
My favorites include:

The Sage, the fool, the sinner
Raise the noise
Long live the king
The Smile of the sun
If a mountain could talk
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip and full album streaming inside)
Post by: wolfking on November 01, 2010, 02:49:45 PM
I still haven't had a chance to listen through it again, but I did enjoy it the first time.  Deris does sound very strong.  There doesn't seem to be any standout tracks on first listen, but at the same time, there was no bad tracks.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip and full album streaming inside)
Post by: wolfking on November 03, 2010, 03:42:47 PM
This album is really growing on me, heaps of amazing tracks, and very consistent and solid.  Favs;

Where the Sinners Go
Are You Metal?
Who Is Mr. Madman?
Raise the Noise
World of Fantasy
If A Mountain Could Talk
Far in the Future
I'm Free (Bonus Track)

Lot's of great songs.  And Weiki hasn't done anything cringe worthing this time like Can Do It.  Raise the Noise is the fun song on the album, but not too sickening like some of his other more light hearted songs.
Title: Re: Helloween - 7 Sinners (new video clip and full album streaming inside)
Post by: wolfking on March 10, 2011, 03:27:23 PM
Kosmo got me back into this album and just thought I'd bump this thread.  This album is aging very well, and the songs are exceptionally strong after not listening to it for a few months.  Helloween are on fire!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: wolfking on March 11, 2011, 03:23:58 PM
Check out the bonus tracks from 7 Sinners, they are available to stream on Grooveshark;

I'm Free (On most cd editions)
Aiming High
Faster We Fall

Just as good as the album tracks.  All written by Markus I think.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: TAC on March 16, 2011, 07:45:32 AM
https://www.bravewords.com/news/158200

GAMMA RAY Frontman Kai Hansen Joins Former HELLOWEEN Bandmate Michael Kiske In UNISONIC
Hot Flashes
Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 09:25:06 EST

 
Former HELLOWEEN vocalist Michael Kiske's website has revealed that Kiske and GAMMA RAY frontman Kai Hansen (ex-Helloween) have teamed up again, with Kai joining UNISONIC.

Says Michael Kiske: "After so many years of abstinence I had a lot of fun doing my first live shows with Unisonic in summer 2010, so I agreed to do the short world tour with AVANTASIA. It was a great experience to be on stage with all those great artist, but with Kai it was something different: We instantly felt the magic again and had a lot of fun together on and off stage. We both realized that we want to be together in a band again. He was interested in the open musical concept of Unisonic and finally asked me if he could join the band. I talked to my bandmates and they all felt great about it. His talent as a guitarist and songwriter is an enrichment for the band and we are looking forward to his contribution for the music of Unisonic."

Kai Hansen will stay a member of his band Gamma Ray and play all scheduled shows. Currently he is writing songs with the Unisonic guys for the long anticipated debut album, which is planned to be released at the end of 2011.

Unisonic lineup:

Michael Kiske (vocals)
Mandy Meyer (guitars)
Kai Hansen (guitars)
Dennis Ward (bass)
Kosta Zafiriou (drums)


 :omg:
Holy f##king Shit!!!!!!


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: Dittomist on March 16, 2011, 12:26:48 PM
That is amazing news! I am glad that Kiske hasn't completely given up on metal.
It's wonderful that all the Helloween guys seem to be on good terms these days. To see Helloween and Gamma Ray on stage together a couple years ago during their US Tour was an unbelievable experience.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: wolfking on March 16, 2011, 02:43:52 PM
Read that last night.  Loved the article.  Really, if Kai Hansen asks to join your band, would you really turn him down? 

Anyway, sounds like UniSonic will be a continuation of the Place Vendome sound, maybe a little heavier.  It's interesting to see Kai taking in interest in this.  And really it's interesting to see many artists taking an interest away from metal into a more AOR/melodic rock sound e.g. Kiske, Mat Sinner, Kai, Allen/Lande.  I'm a huge Dennis Ward and PC69 fan, so really this should be something special.  Take Mandy off guitar and put in Magnus Karlsson and you've got a dream band.

Just hope this doesn't affect Gamma Ray.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: TAC on March 16, 2011, 03:01:25 PM
Kiske should've left Helloween with Hansen in the first place and formed Gamma Ray with him. I mean, I love Pink Bubbles, but there was something special missing from that album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: wolfking on March 16, 2011, 03:12:39 PM
Kiske should've left Helloween with Hansen in the first place and formed Gamma Ray with him. I mean, I love Pink Bubbles, but there was something special missing from that album.

Yeah, Pink Bubbles is a really good album, but definitely not up to par as the two before.  And we all know what came after Pink Blubbles.  :\  Would have been interesting to see what Gamma Ray would have been with Kiske.  But I'm happy with Ralf on the first three albums.  Kiske would have left anyway.  I always wondered if Kai asked Kiske to join after Ralf left for Land of the Free.

Nevertheless, it's great to see Kai and Kiske back together, but I really would like to keep it at that.  I mean, I don't want to see Weikath back into the fold.  Helloween's lineup at the moment and their outputs the last ten years have been amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: Kosmo on March 16, 2011, 04:09:24 PM
World of Fantasy's chorus..It's, divine.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: wolfking on March 16, 2011, 04:17:22 PM
World of Fantasy's chorus..It's, divine.

That is one amaizng song, definitely top 3 on the album, could possibly be my favourite.  Such a damn solid album.  Top 5 would be;

World Of Fantasy
Are You Metal?
You Stupid Manking
If A Mountain Could Talk
Where the Sinners Go/I'm Free/Far in the Future/Who Is Mr. Madman (I can't decide, so many good songs)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: Dittomist on March 16, 2011, 04:29:15 PM
My top 5 favorite Helloween albums:
1. Keeper of the 7 Keys Part II
2. Better than Raw
3. The Time of the Oath
4. Keeper of the 7 Keys: The Legacy/ Master of the Rings (tie)
5. Chameleon

Top 5 favorite 7 Sinners tracks:
1. My Sacrifice
2. You Stupid Mankind
3. Long Live the King
4. Smile of the Son
5. Are You Metal?

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: wolfking on March 16, 2011, 05:52:08 PM
Interesting to see Chameleon in your top 5.  Nice work on Better Than Raw, that album is seriously underrated.  It would be hard for me to pick a top 5 actually. I'll have a go later.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: Mladen on March 17, 2011, 01:10:17 AM
1. Keeper of the seven keys I
2. Keeper of the seven keys II
3. Master of the rings
4. Time of the oath
5. Pink bubbles go ape

And yeah:
6. 7 Sinners  :metal  :metal  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: Kosmo on March 17, 2011, 07:14:53 AM
Mine:

1.Gambling With the Devil
2.The Dark Ride
3.Keeper of the Seven Keys I
4.Keeper of the seven Keys: The Legacy (I've seen this album get a lot of hate for whatever reason..)
5.7 Sinners / Rabbit Don't Come Easy (propably Sinners but i've had a lot more time to listen to Rabbit and grow attached to it.)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: Dittomist on March 17, 2011, 10:45:07 AM
I will never understand why people dislike Chameleon so much. I think it's Helloween at their most adventurous; it's a strange album in how it incorporates so many genres in its 71 minutes, but I think it's such an exciting ride. It has really strong production--a huge improvement over the poor quality of Pink Bubbles--and offers some powerful epics and wonderful ballads, two of Helloween's trademarks.
In my opinion, Better Than Raw is Helloween's heaviest/fastest album to date, and every song is either great or fucking incredible. The Dark Ride is also very underrated.
I think the only Helloween album I've been disappointed with is Rabbit Don't Come Easy. It has some decent songs for sure (The Tune, Don't Stop Being Crazy, Up Against the Wall) but overall, it felt rather unambitious.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: Kosmo on March 17, 2011, 12:24:37 PM
Yeah i like Chameleon, but it's a sad fact that MANY metal fans don't even give a chance to something different.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: Dittomist on April 27, 2012, 11:43:06 PM
Hello Helloweenies. I just made a dorky little Top 25 Helloween Songs of All Time video, and I'm curious to know what you guys think. What songs did I forget to include? What shouldn't be there?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeNLZQorEgk
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: Kosmo on April 28, 2012, 04:25:08 AM
Not really what my top 25 would look like but definitely some good songs there, especially King For a 1000 Years in top 3 is worthy of a thumbs up. The only songs from that list I'd say would never make it into my list are Kill It and Escalation 666.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: Mladen on April 28, 2012, 06:02:06 AM
25, 23, 21, 19, 18, 16, 15, 13, 11, 10, 9, 8, 6, 3, 2 and 1 are fantastic songs.  :metal

Also, my top 3 is exactly the same as yours.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: wolfking on April 28, 2012, 05:06:52 PM
Interesting pick with Can't Fight Your Desire, that probably wouldn't be in my top 50 to be honest.
Great to see Kill It in here, one of Helloween's most underrated.
Same with Before The War, one of my favs from TOTO.
I loved seeing Pleasure Drone in at 20, that song would certainly be in my top 20 also.
Ride the Sky is classic, no more to say
You Stupid Mankind is the best from 7 Sinners I'd say and would probably be in my top 20 too.
Time is criminally underrated and is so good, the atmosphere is incredible.
I wouldn't be Dr. Stein anwhere near my top 25 to be honest.
Great to see 666 so high in here, I've always loved that one.
Interesting choice with Longing and Rain grows is killer.
Nice choices with March of Time and Midnight Sun.
Interesting choice with I Believe too, probably wouldn't be in my top 25.
Revelation and The Dark Ride are underrated as hell.
2 and 3 are awesome but 7 Keys wouldn't be my number 1.

Good list.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v.7 Sinners
Post by: Dittomist on April 29, 2012, 04:35:15 PM
Thanks guys for watching the video and commenting! It was certainly tough narrowing down the choices. I don't think anyone else would include Can't Fight Your Desire on their list, but I've always found it really sweet and charming (it sounds very much like a Deris era Pink Cream 69 track) and I wanted to include at least one b-side. The other b-sides I considered were Silicon Dreams, Madness of the Crowds, and Deliver Us From Temptation.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on September 14, 2012, 04:51:34 AM
New album being released in January 2013 titled Straight Out of Hell.

German power metallers HELLOWEEN have set "Straight Out Of Hell" as the title of their new album, due on January 18, 2013. The CD is once again being helmed by longtime producer Charlie Bauerfeind at HELLOWEEN singer Andi Deris's Mi Sueño Studios in Tenerife, Spain. A limited-edition version of the album will be made available with bonus tracks and special packaging.

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Scorpion on September 14, 2012, 06:17:32 AM
Awesome!! If it's anything like 7 Sinners, then it's gonna fucking rock!! :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on September 14, 2012, 06:38:25 AM
Agreed.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Mladen on September 14, 2012, 10:44:47 AM
Oh good, I've been wondering what's going on with them. Here's to a fine Helloween album!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on September 14, 2012, 06:11:17 PM
Should be killer, the band has been so strong for years now.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: jjrock88 on September 14, 2012, 06:24:58 PM
Cool album title.  It's  pretty much a guarantee that anything Helloween releases will be killer; very consistent band!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on October 10, 2012, 05:37:38 AM
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=180559

German power metallers HELLOWEEN will release their new album, "Straight Out Of Hell", on January 18, 2013. The CD was once again helmed by the band's longtime producer Charlie Bauerfeind at HELLOWEEN singer Andi Deris's Mi Sueño Studios in Tenerife, Spain.

According to HELLOWEEN, "Straight Out Of Hell" will feature "13 mostly fast-paced songs — impressively multi-layered due to their different songwriters."

Commented guitarist Michael Weikath:" 'Straight Out Of Hell' is the consequent development of the two albums before.

"The new songs are a continuation of the '7 Sinners' directives, only less doom-bound and noticeably more positive. These songs will kick even the laziest listener's ass."

The best example of HELLOWEEN's ability to think outside the box of metal cliché is the first single from "Straight Out Of Hell", a song called "Nabataea". The legendary kingdom and its secret capital Petra — hidden behind cliff scenery and only discovered at the beginning of the 20th century — are the origin of many myths and legends. "Nabataea" is the perfect shape of great music to come and will deliver an epic video clip, yet to be shot.

Apart from the standard album, there will be a limited edition featuring premium packaging and two bonus tracks: "Another Shot Of Life" and a Hammond version of "Burning Sun" in memory of DEEP PURPLE's recently deceased organ player Jon Lord.

"Straight Out Of Hell" track listing:

01. Nabataea (7:03)
02. World Of War (4:56)
03. Live Now! (3:10)
04. Far From The Stars (4:41)
05. Burning Sun (5:33)
06. Waiting For The Thunder (3:53)
07. Hold Me In Your Arms (5:10)
08. Wanna Be God (2:02)
09. Straight Out Of Hell (4:33)
10. Asshole (4:09)
11. Years (4:22)
12. Make Fire Catch The Fly (4:22)
13. Church Breaks Down (6:06)

Bonus tracks (limited edition):

14. Another Shot Of Life
15. Burning Sun (Hammond version) (dedicated to Jon Lord)

 :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: TAC on October 10, 2012, 09:10:30 AM
I didn't care much for 7 Sinners. I am looking forward to this though.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Mladen on October 10, 2012, 09:48:58 AM
The titles are horrendous. Asshole? Really?  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: ZKX-2099 on October 10, 2012, 10:23:39 AM
Totally looking forward to this. Finally got into the Deris era albums after sticking to the Kiske stuff. Loving it. So energy.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: TAC on October 10, 2012, 10:24:08 AM
The titles are horrendous. Asshole? Really?  :facepalm:
:lol
You're right. Hold Me In Your Arms? WTF?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: ZKX-2099 on October 10, 2012, 10:27:16 AM
Deris has his own studio in Tenerife? Now that is where I would want to record.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: jjrock88 on October 10, 2012, 11:02:06 AM
First single is 7 minutes; should be interesting. I hope the songs aren't too happy, I like dark evil Helloween better
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on October 10, 2012, 03:30:14 PM
Once we know the writing credits we will have a bit more of an idea on the direction of the album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on November 23, 2012, 04:20:18 PM
New album cover;

(https://www.metalkingdom.net/album/cover/d43/62039_helloween_straight_out_of_hell.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: jjrock88 on November 23, 2012, 07:55:01 PM
I like it
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Mladen on November 24, 2012, 04:04:16 AM
I like it. A lot.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Scorpion on November 24, 2012, 04:28:57 AM
Yeah, that's agreat cover.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: ZKX-2099 on November 24, 2012, 07:12:57 AM
While were on the Helloween album covers topic, what the hell is up with Pink Bubbles?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Scorpion on November 24, 2012, 10:06:46 AM
Is it the one with the woman swallowing the fish? That's pretty weird, I know. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Mladen on November 24, 2012, 10:43:42 AM
Dang, that cover is hilarious.  :lol Everything about that album is so bizarre, I can't help but not love it. They really wanted to escape from the power metal clichees and predictability, and created something uniquely weird and special as a result. The video for Kids of the century comes to mind immediately, I'm just glad they were smoking whatever they were smoking.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: jjrock88 on November 24, 2012, 04:06:35 PM
During this period of the band, change had to happen as they appeared to be in disarray.  Deris helped to rejuvinate the band and they released some awesome albums.  Pink Bubbles and Chameleon are very good albums, but dont really seem to be true Helloween albums.  I still think Kiske is the better singer of the two though.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on November 25, 2012, 04:38:49 AM
The cover's alright, reminds me of Glambling. 

IMO, I love the Kiske stuff, but the band has really became what I define as Helloween.  Andi was the best thing to ever happen to the band.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: TAC on November 25, 2012, 04:57:28 AM
During this period of the band, change had to happen as they appeared to be in disarray.  Deris helped to rejuvinate the band and they released some awesome albums.  Pink Bubbles and Chameleon are very good albums, but dont really seem to be true Helloween albums.  I still think Kiske is the better singer of the two though.
Pink Bubbles has aged very well for me.

Chameleon is so splintered. You had the Weikath side and then the Kiske side. It's like listening to two different albums.


I am still not a huge fan of Deris' voice. It's actually gotten worse as the years have gone on. They have made some great music with him in the band. Only in the last year have I gone back and gotten all of those albums, as I had been ignoring them ever since he joined the band.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: ZKX-2099 on November 25, 2012, 08:10:12 AM
Quote
Chameleon is so splintered. You had the Weikath side and then the Kiske side. It's like listening to two different albums.

I don't know, man... I always thought the album flowed really well considering it's variety.

I can't pick a favorite between, Chameleon and Keeper 2...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: adace on December 04, 2012, 02:59:58 PM
The new single "Nabataea" is streaming. It rules.
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=183154&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter (https://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=183154&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: SeRoX on December 04, 2012, 03:02:24 PM
I can't believe myself I'm about to say this but this new single is fucking awesome. Totally unexpected.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: TAC on December 04, 2012, 03:19:02 PM
Quote
Chameleon is so splintered. You had the Weikath side and then the Kiske side. It's like listening to two different albums.

I don't know, man... I always thought the album flowed really well considering it's variety.

I can't pick a favorite between, Chameleon and Keeper 2...

Chameleon and Keepers Pt.2 ??
Really?

Well a matter of taste I guess, but to me those two albums are not in the same stratosphere.

The new single "Nabataea" is streaming. It rules.
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=183154&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter (https://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=183154&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)
Sounds good!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: jjrock88 on December 04, 2012, 04:06:35 PM
new song sounds awesome
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on December 05, 2012, 05:00:08 AM
Wow, new song is absolutely incredible.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on December 16, 2012, 03:24:33 AM
Killer new video;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBpXBbO6o9k
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Scorpion on December 16, 2012, 04:03:30 AM
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHH! I want to see it so badly and motherfucking GEMA doesn't license this shit! :zeltar:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on December 16, 2012, 04:10:05 AM
Your missing out, it's one of the best videos they have ever done. :D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Scorpion on December 16, 2012, 04:29:08 AM
Found the song on SoundCloud, at least. It's not really bad, but nothing groundbreaking, either. The chorus was pretty great, though.

Still pumped for the rest of the album. :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: SeRoX on December 16, 2012, 04:36:24 AM
Note that everyone. To me this song and probably the album is their reborn. Their latest stuff was terrible, so was previous one but judging from the promo song this is going to killer, this is what Helloween must do.

Video is amazing too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on December 16, 2012, 04:54:23 AM
Note that everyone. To me this song and probably the album is their reborn. Their latest stuff was terrible, so was previous one but judging from the promo song this is going to killer, this is what Helloween must do.

Video is amazing too.

Wow, IMO the last album was one of their best and this band has been nothing but solid for the last ten years.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: jjrock88 on December 16, 2012, 06:34:32 PM
Holy smokes, thats a great video.  Surprisingly big budget video for the band.  Great song too!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on December 17, 2012, 05:05:57 AM
This new song is kicking my ass, love it!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Scorpion on December 17, 2012, 02:33:04 PM
My favourite Helloween songs with mini-writeups because I'm listening to Helloween right now so what the fuck.

5. World of Fantasy

Best song off of 7 Sinners, no questions asked. The main riff is infectious, and the chorus even more so. It had me singin along from the first listen and since then, it has never let up. Probably the best thing that Helloween has written since The Dark Ride, and while 7 Sinners is a great album, this tops it off.

4. How Many Tears

My only gripe with this song is the production, the rest is kick-ass. I can't count how many time I nearly broke my neck from headbanging to that main riff. Great mellow section in the middle and the lyrics are a bit cheesy, but very heartfelt as well and delivered perfectly. The live version with Kiske on Live in the U.K. is even better.

3. The Dark Ride

Right from that eerie intro, you know that this will kick ass, and when the band comes in, they don't disappoint in the slightest. Great verses, and one of the fucking best choruses that Helloween have ever written. The instrumental section is pretty sweet, though it would have been cool if the chorus would have been repeated one more time at the end. Still, a kick-ass song and a worthy end of my second favourite Helloween album.

2. The Departed (Sun Is Going Down)

Probably the most surprising pick, but I can't help it. The main riff is addictive, Deris' vocals in the chorus are a very welcome change over other stuff and the chorus has one of the best melodic hooks in Helloween's whole discography. Killer stuff and it cements The Dark Ride as my second favourite Helloween album.

1. Halloween

THE Helloween epic. It has it - creepy lyrics, awesome musicianship, grand scope, some of the best solos that Weikath and Hansen have ever played - just all-around awesome. Definitely the highlight of my favourite Helloween album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on December 17, 2012, 05:09:31 PM
That is an absolutely cracking top 5.  Love the Dark Ride too, and World of Fantasy is incredible.  You can't deny Halloween either, absolutely amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: jjrock88 on December 17, 2012, 08:00:02 PM
I think The Dark Ride might just be my favorite Helloween disc.  Better then Raw is up there too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Mladen on December 18, 2012, 03:27:02 AM
Nice pick with The Departed. Also, great number one, it would be my number two with the top spot belonging to Keeper of the seven keys. It used to be vice versa, though.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: ZKX-2099 on December 18, 2012, 07:47:03 AM
Note that everyone. To me this song and probably the album is their reborn. Their latest stuff was terrible, so was previous one but judging from the promo song this is going to killer, this is what Helloween must do.

Yeah I think 7 Sinners is the best Deris Helloween release.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on December 18, 2012, 02:30:43 PM
Yeah, definitely one of their best albums.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Scorpion on January 18, 2013, 04:19:24 AM
Straight Out of Hell is out on Spotify! :caffeine:

Currently listening to Nabataea and I'm already liking the album version more than the single edit. :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on January 18, 2013, 04:20:52 AM
I think I'm gonna wait til I get my cd.  Looking forward to it, the samples do sound quite promising.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on January 18, 2013, 04:50:57 AM
I think The Dark Ride might just be my favorite Helloween disc.  Better then Raw is up there too.
I can't agree more! Uli Kusch just slays on that album!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Zydar on January 18, 2013, 07:31:53 AM
I think The Dark Ride might just be my favorite Helloween disc.  Better then Raw is up there too.
I can't agree more! Uli Kusch just slays on that album!  :metal

I haven't heard that much Helloween yet, but The Dark Ride is my favourite too so far.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Fisi on January 18, 2013, 08:59:21 AM
I listened to Straight Out Of Hell on Spotify today and I must say that it was pretty much what I expected. I mean, I've never been a big Helloween fan, but I do enjoy their music when I'm in the right mood, but it doesn't really have a big emotional impact to me. In my opinion their latest albums have been pretty similar to each other, and Straight Out Of Hell seems to continue with that trend. There are catchy melodies, lots of really fast songs and so on. Andi's vocals are really great on this one. Overall it's very nice power metal, which is good if you happen to like that kind of stuff, but there's nothing really spectacular.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Dittomist on January 19, 2013, 01:02:00 AM
Just listened to Straight Out of Hell for the first time. I am sure my some opinions will change with further listenings but for the most part I am happy with the album. It's mostly an uplifting, fun, and catchy album, but I wish they could have been a tad more adventurous because much of it feels a little too safe and familiar. Nabataea is the only one that feels totally original and unpredictable.
The other tracks that really stood out were:
World of War- This should definitely be the next single. Aggressive verses, soaring epic chorus, and a hell of a solo.
Burning Sun- One of Andi's best performances ever. Man, how does he maintain that voice of his? It sounds like such an unnatural way of singing, like it would be really rough on the vocal cords, but he has been just incredible on every Helloween album.
Hold Me in Your Arms- Not crazy about the title, but this is their greatest ballad since Light the Universe. A really lovely song.
Years- Reminds me a lot of The Tune (my favorite song from my least favorite Helloween album)

And the two songs I know already that I'll never like are Wanna Be God (probably because I absolutely hate the song it was influenced by, We Will Rock You) and Live Now.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: ZKX-2099 on January 20, 2013, 06:37:29 AM
On Live Now! they ripped off the WOMP WOMP from Home... DT should sue.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: TAC on January 20, 2013, 07:47:06 AM
So I've had Gambling With The Devil in the car all week. Is it me or is this album mixed way too fuc#ing loud?

Also, while listening to The Bells Of The Seven Hells (great song BTW!), I spaced out and literally thought I was listening to King Diamond. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Mladen on January 20, 2013, 08:14:24 AM
Also, while listening to The Bells Of The Seven Hells (great song BTW!), I spaced out and literally thought I was listening to King Diamond. :lol
My God, that's an awesome song!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on January 20, 2013, 01:32:12 PM
So I've had Gambling With The Devil in the car all week. Is it me or is this album mixed way too fuc#ing loud?

Also, while listening to The Bells Of The Seven Hells (great song BTW!), I spaced out and literally thought I was listening to King Diamond. :lol

I listened to that album for the first time in ages the other day and thought the same thing about the production too, too much highs too.  Interesting King Diamond comparison with Bells, never really noticed but can see how you got that.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Jaq on January 24, 2013, 11:12:50 PM
So I got bored earlier today and pulled up Spotify and decided, what the hell, I'm gonna listen to Pink Bubbles Go Ape because I haven't in ages. Hey, I was bored. It's a LOT better than I remembered, but one thing leaped out at me: good god, does Number One have the most amazing chorus or what? I'm sure at the time it was kind of off putting for Helloween fans given how melodic a song it is, but DAMN, that is one catchy as fuck song, and I suspect a lot of Helloween fans haven't given it the time of day.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Dittomist on January 25, 2013, 12:30:30 AM
Yeah, I get really annoyed with all the bashing of Chameleon and Pink Bubbles. In my opinion, Chameleon is a masterpiece and one of their finest albums, and Pink Bubbles has several good songs, such as Mankind, Someone's Crying, Going Home, and Your Turn.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on January 25, 2013, 03:20:17 AM
They are both decent albums, not masterpieces but certainly didn't deserve the bashing they get.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: jjrock88 on January 25, 2013, 07:20:36 AM
I think some of Helloweens coolest songs in their discography are found on Chameleon. Wolf, what did you think of the new release?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on January 28, 2013, 03:09:59 AM
Still waiting for it in the mail.  I'm holding out.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Mladen on January 28, 2013, 03:54:09 AM
I've been listening to the new album in the last couple of days quite a bit, it's really good. Slightly lighter than its predecessors, there are more happy tracks which bring the album down a little bit, but for the most part it's very consistent. Some of the tracks really rock, typical modern day Helloween with a lot of catchy stuff. Favorites: Nabataea, Burning sun, Church breaks down, Waiting for the thunder, Make fire catch the fly.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on January 28, 2013, 03:59:53 AM
Good to hear, I should just cave and listen to it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on February 01, 2013, 04:50:58 AM
Finally received my copy of the album in the mail.  So far, I've had one listen through and it's good.  I don't want to judge much on one listen because on my first couple of listens to 7 Sinners, I was a little underwhelmed, but it ended up being top 3 Helloween in my book.

It sounds fresh with a lot of different vibes and styles going on.  You have Nabatea which is an incredible epic, then you have more melodic rock sort of stuff like Live Now and the incredible Waiting for the Thunder.  Typical Helloween with the title track, Burning Sun, Years and Far From the Stars, heavier stuff like World of War, then some different sort of stuff like Hold Me in Your Arms and the incredible Asshole.

Asshole took me by surprise the most, was expecting something heavier, but really this is classic Helloween, the chorus is incredible and it's stuck in my head simply after one listen.  This album has a lot of potential.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on February 03, 2013, 04:02:15 AM
After listening to the album about 6 times, it's fucking incredible.  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: TAC on February 03, 2013, 08:15:20 AM
 Won't be picking this up until Wednesday morning. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: TAC on February 06, 2013, 12:44:42 PM
OK, just picked this up this morning. Listened through it once. I really like it. I like hhow the songwriting is really spread out.

I really only explored Deris era Helloween in the last year. I basically ignored them, after not liking what I initially heard from them when he joined the band. So gearing up for the new album, I've been listening to them a lot lately.
I have come to the conclusion that I really don't like his vocals. But I've come to another conclusion..which is, doee Michael Weikath really get the credit he deserves? They have put out some unbelievable music during the Deris era. Michael Weikath, I beleive, is criminally underated for the part he has played in all of this. Helloween is still the standard bearer for Power Metal, and he's been at the helm since the beginning.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on February 06, 2013, 02:25:52 PM
Weiki does get a fair amount of recognition, but really his reputation is what makes people not praise him as much as they should IMO.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: TAC on February 06, 2013, 02:45:22 PM
Weiki does get a fair amount of recognition, but really his reputation is what makes people not praise him as much as they should IMO.
Yeah, Wolf, I thought of that as he was basically portrayed as the bad guy when Hansen and then Kiske left, true or not.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on February 06, 2013, 02:48:53 PM
Plus not to mention the way the fired Roland and Uli after the Dark Ride tour.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: TAC on February 06, 2013, 02:56:34 PM
Plus not to mention the way the fired Roland and Uli after the Dark Ride tour.
Oh, I'm not familiar with that. What happened?

Right after Deris joined I bought the CD singles of Perfect Gentleman and Mr. Ego but I did not like his voice. At the time Helloween was one of my favorite bands and I was pissed that Kiske left. I just ignored everything they had done through the years.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Dittomist on February 06, 2013, 05:13:44 PM
Weikath is a bit of a mystery to me because I've been a Helloween fan for such a long time yet I really haven't listened to any interviews he's given. I don't know much about him at all or what his personality is like. All I know is that he looks exactly the same in just about every photo from the past 25 years--does he ever smile? He's a brilliant musician who consistently writes some of the strongest material on each album (I'm pretty sure he did both "Burning Sun" and "Years" from Straight Out of Hell) and I've always had the impression that he's the heart and soul of the band.
I've missed Roland ever since he left, but I must say that Sasha really stepped up on this album, especially in terms of writing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on February 07, 2013, 03:39:55 AM
Plus not to mention the way the fired Roland and Uli after the Dark Ride tour.
Oh, I'm not familiar with that. What happened?

Weiki thought that The Dark Ride was too dark and too far away from Helloween's style (which I never understood) and thought that Roland and Uli were trying to 'take over' the band.  After the tour finished, he fired both of them via email.  They then formed Masterplan.  There's a Masterplan interview you can find online, which has Roland and Uli telling a little bit of the story, not happy gentlemen.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Zantera on February 07, 2013, 04:08:48 AM
The Dark Ride is probably my favorite Helloween-album, followed by the classic two. (Keeper of the Seven Keys)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on February 07, 2013, 04:18:02 AM
It's definitely top tier Helloween.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Scorpion on February 07, 2013, 04:28:31 AM
It has two of my favourite Helloween tracks, Sun Is Going Down and the title track. It's also ridiculously consistent. I think that's the only Helloween album where I never skip a song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Zydar on February 07, 2013, 04:36:52 AM
The Dark Ride is awesome, possibly my favourite as well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on February 07, 2013, 04:43:23 AM
Here's what Roland and Uli had to say about the situation;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdh4jNBRalg
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: jjrock88 on February 07, 2013, 10:46:48 AM
I agree. I wish they would've kept the Dark Ride lineup and sound.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Mladen on February 07, 2013, 10:51:09 AM
I always thought The Dark ride was very inconsistent - half of the songs are fantastic, the other half is pretty much average. Helloween couldn't obviously go on with all three of them, and I'd much rather have Weikath in the band instead of Uli and Roland. They both did a great job while in the band, but unfortunately it couldn't last. Looks like they handled the situation very maturely, judging by that interview. I have to admit, though, I never listened to Masterplan.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Shadow2222 on February 27, 2013, 01:51:38 PM
Hello(ween) everybody  ;)

I'm very unfamiliar with Helloween, but purchased the new album on a blind buy, and absolutely love it. I'm not sure why I've never listened to them considering I really like Gamma Ray, and I believe the previous singer (Michael Kiske) sung on the Unisonic record which I enjoyed.

However, I'm really digging this guy's voice. Any newer records to recommend? I may just end up working my way backwards through the discography.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Mladen on February 27, 2013, 02:14:46 PM
You can't go wrong with the previous two records, my friend. They're great.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: wolfking on February 27, 2013, 02:19:57 PM
Yeah, I spun the new album again yesterday, it's amazing.  Yeah, just go backwards and you can't go wrong.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Dittomist on February 27, 2013, 03:36:55 PM
Hey Shadow, I think the best Deris-era Helloween albums are Better than Raw, Master of the Rings, The Dark Ride, and The Time of the Oath. Happy Helloween  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Shadow2222 on February 27, 2013, 06:55:14 PM
Thanks for the suggestions everyone :)

I was super pleasantly surprised by this record, and I'm really looking forward to checking out more.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Straight Out of Hell
Post by: Dittomist on March 27, 2013, 01:49:00 PM
Happy happy Helloween indeed! They are coming to North America this autumn!    :metal   ;D
Sep. 24 - New York, NY - Stage 48
Sep. 25 - Montreal, QUE - Club Soda
Sep. 26 - Quebec City, QUE - Theater Imperial
Sep. 28 - Toronto, OT - The Opera House
Sep. 29 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
Sep. 30 - Joliet, IL - Mojoes
Oct. 02 - Engelwood, CO - Gothic Theater
Oct. 03 - Salt Lake City, UT - In the Venue
Oct. 05 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
Oct. 07 - Anaheim, CA - The Grove

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on November 18, 2013, 03:40:48 AM
Not quite Helloween but Andi Deris has a new project coming out.  Check out a song;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkHvY6QO7k8

This is fantastic.  Here's also a bit of a studio vid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zep8-GkTtxo

Really looking forward to this.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: ZKX-2099 on November 18, 2013, 06:45:57 AM
Well the album name is great.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: jjrock88 on November 18, 2013, 07:53:06 AM
Sounds pretty cool!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on November 18, 2013, 02:15:20 PM
I can't wait to get this actually.  All the samples sound really good.
Title: Helloween!
Post by: NotePad on December 02, 2013, 03:06:45 AM
All right! Helloween. Love these guys. Just bought they're newest album after ignoring them since Rabbit Dont Come Easy sucked. Now i remember why i loved them so much. Heavy, catchy. They know how to write a chorus that sticks.

I know a lot of people will say only bother with the Keepers albums. Those people wrong. I prefer the Andi Deris stuff. I mean, in a way he really did save the band. After Chameleon those guys were fucked. I liked it btw ;p

My one problem is that the guys don't really seem to write songs as a band. Roland Grapow is a fantastic song writer, and Uli Kusch was also, and Andi.....and Weikath.....kinda. But the way the wrote song mostly individually i think caused a lot of theis albums to be all over the place. Although I loved it. When they kicked Roland Grapow out, they made a big mistake and wrote Rabbit dont come easy. I remember when Masterplans first CD came out and compared it to Rabbit...i was kinda embarrased for the helloween guys. Sasch Gerstner is nowhere near as good a songwriter as him.

Anyways The Dark Ride is still their crowning achievement in my opinion. I gave up when those guys were kicked out and Rabbit was written. But recently i checked out Keepter Legacy and actually loved it, and Step Out of Hell was really quite awesome. When these guys decide on a direction together and do it, it works. That's why Dark Ride was so great, they was the dark album they wanted to make no matter what they say now.

Anyone else a fan of Helloween? I cant find anywhere else to chat with people who listen to them. What's your favorite album? Do you think they made a mistake kicking out Roland Grapow considering they had just written their best album with him (i know, my opinion)?
Title: Re: Helloween!
Post by: wolfking on December 02, 2013, 03:37:25 AM
Rabbit is probably my fav album from them actually.

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=17468.0
Title: Re: Helloween!
Post by: wolfking on December 02, 2013, 03:42:49 AM
In answer to your question, I liked the Dark Ride lineup and TDR was the album that introduced me into the band, but the last 5 albums they have done with this lineup is incredible, so no, I'm happy with the decision now, but at the time didn't understand it.
Title: Re: Helloween!
Post by: bl5150 on December 02, 2013, 05:20:03 AM
I've sorta lost track of Helloween - in the Kiske years I always thought of them more as a "compilation band" - I could make a great compilation from all their albums but didn't really rate any of the albums as classics.  I did like many of the classic songs like "I Want out" and really enjoyed a track called Mankind from "Bubbles".

I thought Master of The Rings was a strong album and was really on board then with Deris, but I found Time of The Oath a big disappointment and dropped off the bandwagon then.   Amongst a whole mountain of discs I have here that I've never even played yet is Better Than Raw and The Dark Ride which I bought only due to word of mouth at some stage.   If wolfking's taste is anything like mine then sounds like I should remedy that situation.
Title: Re: Helloween!
Post by: NotePad on December 02, 2013, 01:01:19 PM
I actually consider Better Than Raw one of their best. Any Pink Bubbles had some really great songs on it. I't wasn't received very well, coming out after Keepers. But I also think it got next to no marketing so many people didnt even know it was out there. And maybe the song weren't as "power metal" as the previous albums. But Mankind, The Chance, those are great songs. And they are Roland grapow songs.

Grapow wanted the band to continue in the direction of Dark Ride, that was one of the reasons he was kicked out. But the funny thing is that Deris wrote most of the songs on it.
I never understood why the song Deliver Us wasn't put on Dark Ride as more than a Japanese bonus track. Helloween fans know what im talkin about
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 02, 2013, 01:37:40 PM
Yeah, Better Than Raw is an amazing album and was my fav for a while before Rabbit came out.  Both bonus songs on the Dark Ride, Deliver Us and Crowds were spectactuar and should have been on the album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: jjrock88 on December 02, 2013, 01:49:57 PM
Dark Ride and Better than Raw are my two favorite Helloween discs.  Master, Time of the Oath and the two Keeper albums are close behind.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 03, 2013, 01:16:27 AM
Yeah, I'v always loved Deliver Us and especially Madness of The Crowds. That was awesome. They wrote that album conscientiously trying to write a dark and heavy album, and they really succeeded. I am one of many that consider Dark Ride their best. Andi Deris seems to write most of their songs, he's pretty much the leader, and he can clearly write whatever he wants and succeed. I liked 'All Over The Nation' and 'Salvation', they were written by Michael Weikath, but they clearly shouldn't have been on that particular album. I love them, but it's really odd to me that those made the cut but not Deliver Us or Madness.

I wish they continued in that direction, but since they're Helloween I don't exactly blame them. I just wish they didn't kick out Grapow. I think Masterplans S/T album is a taste of what Helloween's post-Dark Ride album would've been like if he had stayed. But, Step Out Of Hell is pretty awesome though.

I always thought Helloween could have been huge had they had better management after Keepers 2 was released and toured. They sold a lot in the US. They fucked up.

By the way, is there an Official Helloween message Board anymore? There is this really crappy one called Your Turn that no one uses but has been around forever. That's the only one i can find. Their official forum seems to have disappeared! 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 03, 2013, 03:54:50 AM
I think the darker production and undertones of the album really helped All Over Nations and Salvation.  I think they fit really well into the album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 03, 2013, 02:07:55 PM
To the person that said Weikath doesn't get enough credit, I don't agree. At some point after Andi Deris joined the band he seemed to give main writing duties over to Deris and Roland Grapow. And they write great songs, that's why Im still so disappointed that Grapow was kicked out. He wrote more songs and much better songs then Weikath.

Weikath just seems lazy. Other then his 2 on dark ride, his songs are usually the ones I like the least and often feel out of place. Although, to his credit, some of his do feel very classic Helloween. But they always feel out of place.

What do you guys think of Legacy? Do you think it deserves to be a Keepers album? And who do you think is the better songwriter, Grapow or Gerstner? (I'll never get over kicking the guy out)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 03, 2013, 04:32:16 PM
Hey man, Grapow has been out for years, time to move on I think.  :lol  And really, the last Masterplan album was great, but what they have been doing the last three albums, I prefer what Helloween have been doing in comparison.

Legacy is a tremendous album and I'm fine with it having the Keeper name to it.  Been listening through some Helloween albums the last couple of days and I gotta say I love what the band are doing now.  I think Sascha has been an amazing asset to the band.  I do think Andi is the strongest writer now in the band.  Weiki is solid enough and adds some variety to the albums, but yeah, he's been playing it safe now for a while.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on December 03, 2013, 04:33:48 PM
Although I have them all, I am not really that well versed in the Deris era. I do like the Dark Ride though. I think I'll put a few of the Deris CDs in the car for the next week.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 03, 2013, 04:35:05 PM
Although I have them all, I am not really that well versed in the Deris era. I do like the Dark Ride though. I think I'll put a few of the Deris CDs in the car for the next week.

Do it man, they are incredibly good.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 04, 2013, 12:47:56 AM
Ok so i posted this on the only Helloween board i can find, called Your Turn, but I'm not sure anyone goes there.

I remember a really old post at the original helloween.org. I went and used the website the Wayback Machine, and found it.

Here is what the post said: "The introduction track "Invitation" off of Keeper Of The Seven Keys Pt 2 is being used as theme music for the upcoming USA presidential elections.'

Here is a link to it, but it may or mat not work:
'https://web.archive.org/web/20010202072500/https://helloween.org/index2.html"

Was this real? or a joke?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 04, 2013, 04:02:08 AM
No idea, but pretty cool if it was true I guess.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 04, 2013, 02:32:03 PM
Yes that woulda been great. I managed to actually contact Michael Weikath by email using the address he lists on helloween.org. It's been killing me that I can't find any other info on it.

He replied and said that there had been a request by the Ministry, but that the then management never answered to it. He seemed to be a little puzzled by that, just as I am. I could only imagine that being good for the band. I find this disappointing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 04, 2013, 06:45:07 PM
I actually find it impressive that Weiki replied to you.  Given his personality, I wouldn't expect that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 04, 2013, 11:58:13 PM
Damnit, was typing a post but accidentially closed window. Anyways, i was saying that i agree, it's really cool for him to reply to his fans like that. I was thinking the email provided wasn't real and just a joke cuz it was odd, but guess not. I think he's probably a really nice guy. After all, he's the one that pushes the band to write positive, inspiring music.

I know i said i wasnt a huge fan of Rabbit, but was just listening to it earlier in my car. I was disappointed somewhat when it first came out cuz Dark Ride is one of my all time fave albums, but i still enjoyed it. Always have. The Tune is one of the best songs they've done. Sounds like it coulda been on Keepers. Just a little sign is catchy as hell. I can kinda see why they would feel confident enough to write a keepers album after what they did on rabbit. (although i prefer the more modern sounding stuff they do)

I'v always thought that if the band really, truely wanted to continue in the direction of the Keepers albums, they should let Weikath be their main songwriter. His songs always sound so classicly Helloween power metal. But he only ever writes at most like 2 songs each albums. Most of it is Andi, who writes great stuff, in many styles. But Weikath knows how to write a classic Helloween Keepers style song.

I think i heard somewhere that the 2 big 'epic' songs off Legacy were written more as a band collaborating. Or at least King for Thousand Years was. I truely believe that writing individually makes things uneven sometimes. Or at least have more focus stylistically. Which i think they did on their last 2 cds. I just think it's interesting how some bands write together like DT, and some bands write individually like Helloween.

I was just looking at writing credits on wikipedia, and I noticed the lack of writing credits for Roland Grapow. I always thought that he wrote some of their best stuff. And he is credited with a lot of my favorites. But some albums, like Better than Raw, there is no credit for him. I also heard he was a big part in Dark Rides direction. Just something i noticed. I think i heard them say somewhere that the credits on their CDs are often wrong and not entirely true. I know that he's done kickass stuff with Masterplan.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 05, 2013, 04:17:56 AM
Yeah, I think King for a Thousand Years was written by the whole band, including Dani.  As you said, Weiki really is the only link left to the Keepers material.  He definitely keeps that vibe in their music today, that's why I still think he is the most important part of the band along with Andi.

If you haven't already, there's an interview with Masterplan that came with the first album and it briefly has Roland and Uli discussing their Helloween departure.  They were not very happy.

To be honest, I never really understood the reasoning behind firing Uli and Roland.  Uli wrote Mr Torture which could easily be mistaken for a Weiki tune, and while Garpow did write 2 of the darkest tunes, Andi did contribute I Live For Your Pain, We Damn the Night, Crowds and Mirror Mirror which are just as heavy.  But if you look at Better Than Raw, Uli wrote the heaviest tunes by far.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 05, 2013, 05:27:38 PM
Yea, I read an interview with Roland recently, don't know when it was from, but it was interesting. He said Weiki mainly wanted to keep the music in the style of the Keepers albums. And like I said, if you look at the writing credits of their albums, Weiki writes the songs that i would say sound the most like Keepers-style power metal. That definitely played a part in his decision to fire them. And from the sounds of it, it mainly WAS his decision.  Grapow wrote some of the best stuff on dark ride, including my favorite one 'Escalation 666'- which is definitely not a typical Helloween song, but i love it so much. I just can't get over how they fired such great songwriters.

And I agree somwhat with what you said about Mr. Torture. Helloween is mainly a power metal band, and Mr. Torture is a great power metal song. BUT in keeping with the style of the album, it has dark lyrics, which Weiki has made clear he does not like. Another thing i don't get is that Andi Deris wrote the majority of the songs on that album, so I don''t really but his reasoning for firing those other 2.

From reading many interviews with the bandmembers recently, I think that Helloween is struggling with finding a balance with their music. They want to stay heavy and have a somewhat 'modern' sound, but they also don't want to write dark music. I think with the new one 'Straight out of hell' they have found that balance. I love this CD soooooo much.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 05, 2013, 08:24:30 PM
Yeah, the new album was pretty impressive.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 06, 2013, 12:16:10 AM
I will add that Andi Deris has one of the oddest, and most unique, singing voices out there. I'v always preferred him over the Michael Kiske fellow, who I still to this day feel has a rather boring and typical singing voice.

I wonder if Deris still smokes. I remember reading awhile back that he smoked. I think that is a horrible thing for a singer too do. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 06, 2013, 04:23:28 AM
I wonder if Deris still smokes. I remember reading awhile back that he smoked. I think that is a horrible thing for a singer too do. 

(https://bravewords-public.s3.amazonaws.com/images/p182rjq8pcc667ik17er1d1j4dk5.png)

(https://image1.frequency.com/uri/w354_h200_ctrim_ll/_/item/1/2/6/6/Andi_Deris_And_The_Bad_Bankers_Don_t_Lis_126656065_thumbnail.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on December 06, 2013, 11:02:01 AM
Deris is pretty versatile, I'll give him that, but there is nobody that I take over Kiske.  Nobody.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 07, 2013, 12:22:21 PM
Don't want to start an argument.....but Iv always felt Kiske was way overrated. Deris is underrated, as a singer and a songwriter. I mean, even alone, he's written songs that I think are soooooo much better then the Kai Hansen/Kiske stuff.

Was just listening to a couple of the deris & bad bankers songs on YouTube. They sound pretty amazing I must say. Iv always known that out of all the Helloween guys, Deris had the biggest tendency to write commercially accessible stuff. The Bad Bankers songs sound like something you might hear on a Deftones record or something. Hope I can find it here in Vancouver Canada. I can only hope.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 10, 2013, 12:02:56 AM
I have a question. I always thought Occasion Avenue was part of the 'Keeper trilogy', after Keeper and king for thousand years. But i was just reading up about thier cd Unarmed and the Keepers Trilogy on it has Halloween, Keeper, and King for 1000 years. Is Occasion Avenue not part of the trilogy?

By the way, can someone tell me what the Keeper songs are about? And I never knew Halloween was part of that story. Thought it was about something totally unrelated.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 10, 2013, 03:24:15 AM
Honestly, I'm not one to follow songs in my music.  I always thought King would be part of it, but I feel Occasion Avenue didn't but then the intro could tell a different story.  I can't help.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 10, 2013, 11:06:46 PM
Yea i dont know.

Why arn't there more people on this thread! This is the only place i can find where i can chat about them! I really love them, was one of the first metal bands i got into, a while after Dark Ride was released. It was the first album i bought from them. First song i heard was Mr. Torture. The only band i listened to before them was Maiden. Love BNW, but in total honesty the first song that hooked me was Angel and The Gambler. Yea love the Blaze stuff. Which led me to his band, and obsessing over Silicon Messian. Somehow that led me to Helloween, can't remember how tho. I think i just really liked their name.

A little OT, but has anyone heard the Masterplan albums without Jorn? The singers sound like Jorn Lande wannabes tbh. But like i said, Roland can write fuckin beautiful tunes ;)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 11, 2013, 03:54:01 AM
Yeah, Helloween nowadays is very underrated IMO and not talked about much here.

There is a Masterplan thread if you search too which is a lot more popular.  I liked Mike in Masterplan and Rick proved himself on Novum Initium.  Both the latter and MK2 are miles ahead of the Jorn sung Time To Be King, which was rubbish.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on December 11, 2013, 06:06:37 AM
Been going through some of the Deris albums this week. I'm not huge crazy about Deris, but I feel like it's still growing on me. Most of The Dark Ride is absolutely excellent. I'm sorry Wolf, but Rabbit just doesn't do a lot for me. I'm on to Time Of The Oath, which I also like a lot.

And yes, that last Masterplan album was excellent.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 11, 2013, 01:04:21 PM
I'v been giving Rabbit another shot too recently. But it just doesn't really do it for me either. It's like a poorer version of Better Than Raw (one of their best ;). Just a little sign i love though, The Tune is saved by its chorus and is the only reason i listen to in. In Fact The Tune's chrous is one of the main reasons i play the cd. And then Listen To The Flies. Other then that i can't think of any noteworthy Helloween songs on it. Nothing To Say got a lot of hype by fans at first, but overall...well, i don't even remember most of the song actually ;(.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: kirksnosehair on December 11, 2013, 01:08:27 PM
Yeah, Helloween nowadays is very underrated IMO and not talked about much here.

There is a Masterplan thread if you search too which is a lot more popular.  I liked Mike in Masterplan and Rick proved himself on Novum Initium.  Both the latter and MK2 are miles ahead of the Jorn sung Time To Be King, which was rubbish.


I'm trying to rectify that.  wolfking, I recently picked up "The Dark Ride" and I've listened to it twice.  Good album.  Definitely a bit different than other stuff I've heard.  I have "Straight Out of Hell" and like that one too.  It's different to hear aggressive-sounding metal in a major key but it almost seems like that's their signature style.


Now, I bought "Keeper of the Seven Keys" (parts 1 and 2) and never really got into them with those.  The production was pretty lousy and I just didn't connect with the music at all.  Should I go back to those with fresh ears?  Is there a remaster out there somewhere?  Or what do you recommend I try? 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 11, 2013, 01:53:03 PM
I'm trying to rectify that.  wolfking, I recently picked up "The Dark Ride" and I've listened to it twice.  Good album.  Definitely a bit different than other stuff I've heard.  I have "Straight Out of Hell" and like that one too.  It's different to hear aggressive-sounding metal in a major key but it almost seems like that's their signature style.


Now, I bought "Keeper of the Seven Keys" (parts 1 and 2) and never really got into them with those.  The production was pretty lousy and I just didn't connect with the music at all.  Should I go back to those with fresh ears?  Is there a remaster out there somewhere?  Or what do you recommend I try? 

Dude Helloween is maybe my favorite band and I don't even like the first 2 keepers albums. A couples songs like March of Time, I'm Alive, Eagle i enjoy, but that's it. I don't even think those are greatest hits material. Most of the keeprs songs i find too bland for my tastes ;)

I'm a fan of Helloween with Deris. And I think Straight Out Of Hell is one of their best albums. I hope they keep going in this direction. And for the first time since Better Than Raw, Weiki's songs dont sound out of place ;p.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend going back and trying keepers again. Like me, it's probably just not your thing. I wouldn't say the band doesn't write songs that are keepers style anymore- they still do. Their new stuff is just as fast and powerful, with catchy anthem like chorus'. But Deris is just a more creative vocalist, and a great songwriter. Other then that I'm not really sure how to compare new Deris-era Helloween with the Keepers albums. It's all there, but just better ;)

Fuck the Keeper of The 7 Keys. Don't even bother. They ain't that great.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on December 11, 2013, 02:00:27 PM
Kirk, those first two Keepers albums are TAC Classics. I mean they are intregal parts of my musical life. I was on them when they came out and they have never gotten old.

When Kiske left, I bought the first two CD singles with Deris, Mr Ego and Perfect Gentlemen. I just could not deal with the change of voice. So I ignored Deris era Helloween up until a couple of years ago. I still don't care for Master Of The Rings, the first with Deris, but Time Of The Oath is MUCH better, and if you like The Dark Ride, I'd recommend that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 11, 2013, 04:43:02 PM
The Keeper albums are indeed classic, but saying that, I'm not a huge fan of Part 2, but the first part is perfect.

I always knew since it came out that I was one of the only ones that loved Rabbit as much as I do.  I still stand by my opinion but totally understand why some wouldn't dig it as much as most of their other albums.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: jjrock88 on December 11, 2013, 05:12:00 PM
I thought Helloween was on fire with Time of the Oath, Better than Raw and the Dark Ride.  I was really pumped to hear the Rabbit disc and when I did, it was a let down.  I've come to like it, but to me, it was a drop in quality.  IMO, every Helloween disc since then has been a solid listen, but hasn't wowed me since Dark Ride.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 12, 2013, 12:46:33 AM
Hey TAC, do you live in america, or canada? Because i'v always wondered how popular they REALLY were when those 2 keepers first came out. I heard the were huge, and were on the brink of, say, Maiden or even Metallica like success. Then of course pink bubbles, and north america didnt even get a release of that for a long time. How was it back then?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on December 12, 2013, 08:39:26 AM
I live in a half hour south of Boston, but in the late 80's, I grew up closer to Cape Cod. I saw Helloween's on the Keepers Pt.1 tour. They opened the Grim Reaper/Armored Saint/Helloween tour. I saw it in Providence on 8/24/87. These were club shows.
I can post pics when I get home.

They toured Keepers Pt 2 on an MTV Headbangers Ball tour. It was headlined by Anthrax, and I forget the third band. I'm pretty sure Grapow did this tour. I can't remember why but I missed it when they came to Boston. They played the Orpheum (theater).

I would also add that they were never huge, nor were they ever on the cusp of being huge.


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 12, 2013, 01:26:43 PM
I would also add that they were never huge, nor were they ever on the cusp of being huge.

They most certainly were!

Well, I'v heard things. The 2 keepers albums sold very well in America, they even got to tour there, which wouldn't happen again for a long time. Record label issues prevented Pink Bubbles from getting a good release and attention etc. Wasn't released in America for a long time.

Now, Pink Bubbles was not a bad album. After the success of Keepers, their next one certainly would have brought them even more success if they pushed it more and gave it a better release. I don't think it has anything to do with the quality of the music on it. There was a little less 'power' metal in it but was still good. If Pink Bubbles had sounder like Keepers pt 3 it wouldn't have made much difference because it still would not be available to many fans.

But, actually, i guess the change in musical style probably did play a bigger part then i'd like to think. Chameleon lost them a lot of fans. But Pink Bubbles if think should appeal to a lot of keepers style fans.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on December 12, 2013, 01:31:31 PM
I would also add that they were never huge, nor were they ever on the cusp of being huge.

They most certainly were!
Sorry, man, but in the US at least they most certainly were not.
They were 3rd on the bill on a club tour, and 3rd again on the MTV tour. That was it. The edited Halloween video was played on Headbanger's Ball, but it was so stupid, it did not do them justice.

When I got Pink Bubbles, it was extremely disappointing. And I mean extremely! On the first pass it had a few good songs, but none in the Keepers' league. I will say that it has aged very well and I love the album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: kirksnosehair on December 12, 2013, 01:35:15 PM
Kirk, those first two Keepers albums are TAC Classics. I mean they are intregal parts of my musical life. I was on them when they came out and they have never gotten old.

When Kiske left, I bought the first two CD singles with Deris, Mr Ego and Perfect Gentlemen. I just could not deal with the change of voice. So I ignored Deris era Helloween up until a couple of years ago. I still don't care for Master Of The Rings, the first with Deris, but Time Of The Oath is MUCH better, and if you like The Dark Ride, I'd recommend that.


I'll give "Time Of The Oath" a listen.  Thanks, bro.  :tup


As for their popularity in the states, I don't think it compares to Maiden or Metallica. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 12, 2013, 02:16:58 PM
Well, all I'm really trying to get across is that they COULD have been much more popular then they are. Ok, so maybe Pink Bubbles wasn't keepers style. Personally I prefer Pink Bubbles to both keepers pt 1 and 2. I'v never been a big fan of them, other then Eagle Fly Free and a couple others. Pink Bubbles on the other hand is more for me. Part of this has to do with Roland Grapow joining. I much prefer songs he's written over songs Kai Hansen's written, not only with Helloween. Kids of the Century, The Chance, Mankind are my favorites off it. They're not power metal, or at least keeper style power metal, but they're awesome songs.

I'm not the only person who thinks that Helloween could have been very, very big if they kept going in the direction they were going. I don't think they ever would be as big as Metallica, but maybe Megadeth. People loved Kiske's vocals, the guitar duels, anthem like songs; people still and will always consider them classic albums. Hansen left because they were becoming too successful for him too handle. If they kept in the direction of Keepers, I very much believe they would have ended up headling tours with a band like Maiden.

Helloween is my favorite band. I only ever listen to the stuff with andi deris and feel like he helped bring out the best in the band. But I can't deny the fact that they would be much more successful had weiki and co capitalized on the success of Keepers and kept at it. Sometimes I wonder why they went in another direction with pink bubbles.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on December 12, 2013, 02:45:21 PM
Notepad, do you mind if I ask how old you are? I'm just trying to figure out your perspective, and when you became a fan.

I can tell you that I was a huge Helloween fan by the time Pink Bubbles came out. If you asked me in 1988 what my favorite album was, I might've said Keepers Pt.2. I had the same feeling about Pink Bubbles as I did about Metallica's Black album, which ironically, I bought both together on the same day. Both were such huge let downs. That's probably hard to understand, but that's how it was. I know some Metallica fans who came into the band in the 90's cannot understand how TBA could be considered a disappointment, but to me, it was, and the same goes for a lot of old school metallers.
Now both have aged extremely well and both are excellent albums.

Metallica and Maiden are both on different planes completely. I'm not sure Helloween was ever going to reach that status, no matter what. I do agree with you that they had an excellent band, but there were too many issues in keeping the lineup consistent. Losing Hansen, and then Kiske, and obviously with what happened with Ingo, the band just imploded.

But interestingly enough, Weikath found a great partner in Deris. They have made tremendous music over the years and have built a solid reputation for the Helloween brand, and that it is no longer dependant on the Kiske era as it's identity. In fact, the Kiske era is secondary.
Now I'm a Kiske fan and those albums are my favorites, but Helloween really emerged from the ashes as a more serious, consistent, and focused band.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 12, 2013, 06:31:57 PM
That last paragraph is so damn true.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 12, 2013, 08:45:39 PM
Okay. I'm 24. And i don't want to seem like someone who thinks they know it all. This is just how i see ir..or how i'd like it to be. I got into them thru Dark Ride, maybe a year after it was released, and awhile before Rabbit was released. When rabbit came out i was disappointed somewhat. I enjoyed parts of it but was let down because Dark Ride was where i thought the band should be. But now when i listen to it i see what they were doing: they were trying to do power metal the way the band used to. Helloween, like most bands, describe each album as back to their roots with each release. But i found this very true with Rabbit. For the most part the music was classic power metal pumpkin style. I can totally see why the did The Legacy next, their line up called for it. Weki and Sascha can play as partners the way Weiki did with Kai back when.

What you said about Deris and Weiki is very true. They clearly get along very well, way better then he did with Kiske. It's clearly much better for the band. And ironically enough, Kai and Kiske have that new band Unisonic together now. Havn't listened to it, but best bet for people who want keepers style music is to listened to them. Helloween with Deris has gone in a new direction. I think they have really found their sound with the last 2 albums. I liked The Legacy, but i think its better for everyone if they just evolve and try not to look at the past, which i think they accomplished with their last 2. I think they should have waited a few more years before doing The Legacy. But its all good either way ;)

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 12, 2013, 11:08:56 PM
I love Andi deris' voice, but wouldn't Tobias Sammet be fucking great for Helloween. I'm just checkin out some of his stuff right now. Avantasia is interesting, but Edguy is more of a band so i think i'm more likely to buy one of their albums. Can anybody recommend me a good Edguy album to buy?

But yea, Tobias Sammet is clearly influenced by Kiske, but he also has at times a rasp similar to Deris, and can reach those high notes like Kiske very very easily ( i will admit that when deris sings high it sounds quite forced i must say). If Deris ever dies or something they should contact this guy  ;)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: bl5150 on December 13, 2013, 02:30:11 AM
Edguy diehards seem to love Vain Glory Opera and the early stuff but I prefer the latter more melodic metal stuff -  you can't go too far wrong with any of them but I'd start with either Rocket Ride,  Mandrake or Age of the Joker.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 13, 2013, 04:05:34 AM
Can anybody recommend me a good Edguy album to buy?

But yea, Tobias Sammet is clearly influenced by Kiske, but he also has at times a rasp similar to Deris, and can reach those high notes like Kiske very very easily ( i will admit that when deris sings high it sounds quite forced i must say). If Deris ever dies or something they should contact this guy  ;)

Mandrake.  I listened to it today actually, amazing power metal. 

I believe Tobias' main influence along with Kiske is Dickinson.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on December 13, 2013, 05:29:20 AM
For Edguy, I'd start at the beginning with Kingdom Of Madness and The Savage Poetry.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 13, 2013, 05:53:26 AM
I don't think Kingdom of Madness is a good starting point for Edguy, but on the other hand, the remake of Savage Poetry is amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: kirksnosehair on December 13, 2013, 08:16:05 AM
Never did give this band a good listen.  I should rectify that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on December 13, 2013, 10:17:44 AM
KOM is filled with energy and heaviness. It's raw, but powerful. I love it.

I'm with you on Mandrake, Wolf, as it really is their signature album, but since Notepad is a Helloween fan, there is no album where the classic Helloween influence can be found than on KOM.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 13, 2013, 12:53:43 PM
From what I have heard of them, there's something about them that reminds me actually more of recent Helloween rather then classic helloween. Is lavatory love machine on rocket ride? Rocket ride is one I'd like to buy first. See- lavatory love machine; sounds like something something on Rabbit. But I know Tobias is very influenced by Kiske. This Tobias guy can sing I tell you! And a great voice. His stage presence is great too, definitely musta come from watching Bruce D. I doubt he is influenced by Deris.
(was just watching edguy and Helloween live performances. Man Andi cannot hold a candle to someone like Kiske live, or this Tobias guy. Andi is just so....off, so much of the time live)

Edgy is great. Would love to see them on a tour with Helloween. I'm interested in all their stuff, but is their early stuff REALLY like early helloween?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 13, 2013, 01:56:42 PM
Rocket Ride is where the band started to move out of the power metal and into a more hard rock sort of thing.  Rocket Ride had mixed reviews, but I love it, lots of good material.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 13, 2013, 02:33:46 PM
Like helloween, one of the reasons edguy appeals to me is because they are power metal but don't write about fantasy type things.

And their catchy sing-along chorus' and songs remind me of Helloween, recent helloween. Why dont these bands get more commercial attention? Here in the us and canada, if songs like lavatory love machine or Burning Sun or the song Straight Out of Hell were played on a rock radio station, i guarantee there would be tons of people digging it and looking them up and requesting them. Even though edguys recent stuff is more rock orientated, it still sounds like metal to me and i would still classify it as power metal.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 16, 2013, 10:01:23 PM
There was an article i read recently written around when the Dark Ride came out, comparing it to Alice Coopers album 'Brutal Planet'. Apparently that one has downtuned guitars and just an overall vibe similar to dark ride. (I always thought in Feed My Frankenstein' Cooper has moments of sounding like Deris). I'm not too familiar with Cooper, but i listened to parts of Brutal Planet online and i can see where the comment comes from.

I was thinking of buying this brutal planet album. I love Dark Ride very much ;) Anyone heard this Cooper CD?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on December 17, 2013, 03:12:20 PM
Oddly, I was thinking of Alice Cooper while listening to 7 Sinners today.

I'm DTF's biggest Alice fan. You might like Brutal Planet, Notepad. I didn't like it at first, but it has aged pretty well. I love like 4 or 5 songs, but then don't care for the rest.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 18, 2013, 04:42:26 AM
Brutal Planet is a pretty kick ass album.  The DVD form that tour is great too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 19, 2013, 02:44:56 AM
The sample I'v heard sound pretty  good. I may buy it if i ever come across it.

I'm still wanting to buy 7 Sinners. Last time i went to a store that actually has a metal section i was planning on getting it but wasn't there, but got Straight outta Hell instead ;) Which as i'v made clear, is a fuckin awesome record. Apparently 7 Sinners has a very similar sound, which i find interesting cuz it seems with each release Helloween have a new sound, u know? the guitars and everything always sound very different. Like Straight out of hell is obviously very heavy, so was dark ride, but the guitar sounds differ a lot. Dark Ride sounds like the guitars were tuned very low, whereas the new one was very heavy but didn't have the low tuning sound. that's just how i perceive it.

7 sinners is supposed to be less 'happy'. Straight out of hell wasn't necessarily happy tho, just noticeably more positive lyrically, and i guess harmonically too ;p.  Sounds like 7 sinners is the closest we'll ever get to another Dark Ride. Oh i'd be so happy if they announced they were writing a record titled 'The Dark Ride PT 2'. Goddamn i'd be so happy.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 19, 2013, 03:29:33 AM
7 Sinners is a pretty heavy record, although the production kills it a little, it's heavy but sounds quite thin.  Amazing album though.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: ZKX-2099 on December 19, 2013, 11:17:46 AM
7 Sinners is the best Deris fronted Helloween album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on December 19, 2013, 03:47:12 PM
7 Sinners is a pretty heavy record, although the production kills it a little, it's heavy but sounds quite thin.  Amazing album though.

Plus it is mixed so freaking loud. Similar to Gambling. It might actually be worse.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 20, 2013, 12:46:40 AM
I don`t own gambling. But i`v listeened to songs from it, on youtube and a downloaded copy a friend had. The production sound on both i noticed didn`t sound very great, kind without depth. Is this how the actual album sounds normally?

As you may be able to tell from my rambling, i'v been going thru a new helloween phase. Watching videos, buy new albums i'v missed when i can find them (not many stores with metal sections anymore where i live).

Watching their live performances, seems like Gerstner kinda steals the show most of the time from Weikath. Weikath is a great player, (and songwriter). Maybe it's always been this way, as he seems layed back on stage. Even on songs he wrote himself, Sacha seems to get to playe the better solos. Also watching their Wacken 2011 performance, they played mostly kiske sung songs. I find that odd. Doesn't play to Andi's strengh. Why did they do this? Is it like this with most shows and live performances?

Oh and Burning Suns is sooo great! Andi's vocals remind me of his vocals on Deliver Us (why don't they play that song live? How could that'v been a bonus track??? i mean, fuck!!!! the hell? At least Grosskopf's recently are making the actual albums)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 20, 2013, 03:46:42 AM
7 Sinners is a pretty heavy record, although the production kills it a little, it's heavy but sounds quite thin.  Amazing album though.

Plus it is mixed so freaking loud. Similar to Gambling. It might actually be worse.

The high pass filters that they ran through Gambling too is very annoying.  Shame these two albums suffered from teh production.  The new one was a lot better, but not perfect by any means.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 21, 2013, 12:17:21 AM
I own the newest one and think it sounds great, including overall production sound. From all i'v heard, i expect 7 Sinners to be very similar. I know the SOUND of the band will be very similar, but is the production the same (is it just as crunchy and 'full'?) Same question about Gambling.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 22, 2013, 12:34:06 AM
Don't want to start a new thread for this, and it's helloween related.

Has anyone heard the Unisonic record, with Kiske, Kai Hansen, and some Pink Cream 69 guys? I havn't yet. Place Vendome was a precursor to Unisonic, and i have heard their album 'Streets of Blood' (blood was it? i think). They, Place Vendome, i'v learned are an AOR band. I'm not too familar with AOR, but i get an idea what it means. The Place Vendome songs are definately radio friendly and soft rock/hard rock mix. Not bad, but i can see why Kiske would do it cuz it's poppy.

So I was surprised to heard about Hansen being in Unisonic, for the obvious reason, but also because i assumed Unisonic's music would be AOR and very much just Place Vendome with a different name. I have yet to hear Unisonic. I'd like to hear what people think here. Is it at all metal? is it just a continuation of Place Vendome?

Oh and just found a video of Unisonic live playing a place vendome song. was surprised to see Kiske playing guitar AND singing. Does he only do this live and not on the album? And has Hansen played live with them yet, since he was late joining?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: bl5150 on December 22, 2013, 01:43:53 AM
The whole Unisonic album is on Youtube so I won't waste space trying to describe it in detail - suffice it to say overall it's more metal than Place Vendome.   IMHO the first two Place Vendome albums are far stronger than Unisonic in the songwriting department and they are not all poppy AOR.  Sure there is a plenty of that but I don't consider this sort of stuff pop/AOR

Sign Of The Times   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpbGLCdyNPQ

Cross The Line https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12znzF4hHd4

Dancer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v4Vmgj7CFk

I wouldn't be surprised if Helloween fans (and I like a lot of Helloween material) considered Unisonic more their cup of tea but I prefer Place Vendome by some way.   - and one of the few Frontiers project bands that has really done it for me.

Oh........the second album was Streets of Fire
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on December 22, 2013, 03:50:08 AM
Notepad, the production of the new album is a lot better than the last two albums.

The Unisonic album was pretty good, but I think there was too much hype around it.  It's pretty much halfway between Place Vendome and Helloween, but leaning a lot more to Place Vendome.

The first Place Vendome album is a melodic rock classic, brilliant stuff.  Streets of Fire was a lot more AOR, but was pretty good.  The new one is solid but nothing groundbreaking.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: bl5150 on December 22, 2013, 05:08:10 AM
Notepad, the production of the new album is a lot better than the last two albums.

The Unisonic album was pretty good, but I think there was too much hype around it.  It's pretty much halfway between Place Vendome and Helloween, but leaning a lot more to Place Vendome.

The first Place Vendome album is a melodic rock classic, brilliant stuff.  Streets of Fire was a lot more AOR, but was pretty good.  The new one is solid but nothing groundbreaking.

I haven't listened to the third PV properly yet but even the previews were enough to recognise a massive ripoff of one of their own songs from an earlier album.  That doesn't inspire confidence..............I will get around to listening to it but my initial impression from the previews and a few tracks is that it's rushed compared to the first two.  I remember they were advertising around the traps for songs not that long before it was released too .
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on December 22, 2013, 11:52:13 PM
Dennis Ward wrote most of the music for the first Place Vendome album, not the next two. Is it really that.....AOR? Not bad though, gotta say, although it'll probably never actually be on radio!

I like coming here and bouncing my ideas of other Helloween fans. I'v been watching a lot of live videos of them. I love Andi, but goddamn does he make an ass of himself onstage! He just so goofy sometimes! Does he not realize how he looks! The hand gestures are just too much, most of the time they don't even make sense. Am I right!?!

At their Wacken open air show played mostly kiske songs. Do people really go there wanting to hear the keeper songs, knowing Andi will be singing them, and just doesn't suit them? If I ever had the ability to go to a Helloween concert, i honestly would much prefer to hear only post-Chameleon material.

And why does Sascha get all the good solos?!? It bugs me, everytime i see a show of theirs. Weikath is really just supporting Gerstner these days. Was it like this with Grapow?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on January 13, 2014, 04:11:46 PM
So I'm sitting here watching the Keepers Legacy tour DVD, which I just got last week. It is excellent BTW.

Anyway, Keeper Of The Seven Keys is on, and obviously Deris is not Kiske, but you know...I'm really enjoying this. Say what you want about Deris, but the man is fearless vocally.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on January 13, 2014, 06:07:37 PM
I have never had any problems with Deris singing Kiske songs.  IMO they sound fine.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on January 14, 2014, 01:02:21 AM
Sometimes he can make Kiske songs his own, by not attempting the high notes he's incapable of. When he goes high on those old songs it has a totally different effect then Kiske. It sounded so easy for Kiske, but for Deris it sounds like it strains him a lot. The songs wern't written with Deris in mind, but for Kiske. Deris' voice can't replicate them. He sounds weak when he goes high, whereas Kiske sounds powerful.  People say Deris sucks live, but it's only really when he attempts those old Kiske songs.

And Legacy is a very good album. I do kind of feel they should have waited a few more years and sat on the idea. Some songs I believe shouldn't have been put on a Keepers album. Like Weiki's songs. Something like Burning Sun off the newest CD would'v been perfect for Legacy, because it has all the elements of a Keepers songs. Or The Tune, too bad they didn't save that for Legacy. I think Gambling With The Devil is an album with songs in the style of Keeper brand power metal. That's why they should have waited to make the next keepers album. Legacy has too many songs that arn't in the classic power metal Keepers style, whereas GWTD had many that are.

But i am a fan of The Legacy. My Life For One More Day was very, very good. I like the part where Deris sings like Kai Hansen for a second. I assume this was on purpose.

Right now I'm really digging the song Another Shot of Life. I think it was a bonus track for SOoH?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on January 19, 2014, 12:49:40 PM
I'v been listening to that sing "deliver us from temptation" lately. It's such a fucking great song. Just read it wasn't written to be a bonus track or filler or anything, the label chose the tracklist for the album and left it out. That suck. I'd love to see them play it live: weiki is a fan of it, so it could happen. It definitely gives me a Priest/Painkiller vibe. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on January 20, 2014, 04:09:24 AM
I'v been listening to that sing "deliver us from temptation" lately. It's such a fucking great song. Just read it wasn't written to be a bonus track or filler or anything, the label chose the tracklist for the album and left it out. That suck. I'd love to see them play it live: weiki is a fan of it, so it could happen. It definitely gives me a Priest/Painkiller vibe.

Never knew that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: gazinwales on January 20, 2014, 10:14:39 PM
Same with the new Sabbath, 16 songs were recorded for the 13 album, and Rick Rubin got to decide the 8 on the album, and the other 4 bonus tracks.
Which leaves 4 songs in the can, that will no doubt appear at some stage on a 'tour version' or 'platinum edition' of 13 album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on January 21, 2014, 12:51:21 AM
Yea, read an interview with Weiki where he said this. I was surprised because from everything I'v read and heard, Weiki is not a fan of the dark ride album. Deliver Us is credited to the bassist Marcus, but I guess he helped somewhat. I read the lyrics for the song and think they're some of the best lyrics ever from the band. It does remind me of Painkiller judas priest. I love Andi's vocals, and hate that he did this on what became a bonus track! But on Burning Sun, he sings part of it in this Halford style. I'm a huge fan of his, but I don't think Andi could sing like that live. At least not at the present.

And was this the thread where it was pointed out that Deris is a 'high bariton'? That's a really interesting point to think about while listening to themn, and while listing to him live doing Kiske songs. Deris singing high just doesn't sound natural, and has a very very different effect than when Kiske does it. Like i read somewhere (here?), Kiske sounds powerful when he hits the high notes. Deris sounds weak when he sings high. Its like this: the effect of kiske hitting a high note sounds like a man with lots of power (in general). When Deris does it, it has a somewhat uh whats the word? Floundering. That's the word. I can describe the impressing as being 'like a floundering man'.....
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: bl5150 on January 29, 2014, 02:52:40 AM
I just had my first listen to The Dark Ride - had it around here (like all the post-Oath albums) for ages and haven't got around to listening.

Now this was a weird listen -  aside from If I Could Fly I thought the first 7 tracks were some of the most snooze inducing metal I've ever heard.  I was all but ready to give up and then BANG..........everything came to life with what I think would be my favourite 5 song run on any Helloween album.

Aside from needing a bit more crunch in the production (although the muddy production adds to the "darkness" I suppose) the run of

The Departed
I Live For Your Pain
We Damn The Night
Immortal , and
The Dark Ride

was awesome.

It's a shame I cannot rate an album that contains so many faves very high due to such a lackluster first half.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on January 29, 2014, 03:46:54 AM
Yeah, that album has a strong end.  I love the whole thing though, All Over Nations and Salvation are especially awesome.  666 is a strong one too.

Looking at those last 5 songs though, they are by far some of Helloween's most underrated. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: Zydar on January 29, 2014, 03:48:35 AM
Mr Torture :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on January 29, 2014, 03:52:23 AM
That was one of the songs that actually was one of my least favs for a while.  It took a while to grow, but became a classic Helloween song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: adastra on January 29, 2014, 06:50:13 AM
THE DARK RIDE!!!!  (Song)   is amazing! :)    Catchy chorus and cool guitar solos!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: Evermind on January 29, 2014, 08:17:07 AM
I started to like Mr. Torture more after Live on 3 Continents DVD, I think.

About the filler, it is the case for me with almost all recent Helloween albums. Some songs here and there are very enjoyable, and some are quite forgettable, and there is always one or two songs I skip everytime.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on January 29, 2014, 08:28:48 AM


About the filler, it is the case for me with almost all recent Helloween albums. Some songs here and there are very enjoyable, and some are quite forgettable, and there is always one or two songs I skip everytime.

Probably could be said about every album ever made..
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on January 29, 2014, 11:49:20 PM
I never really think of Helloween as having filler songs. Hell, Grosskopf writes amazing songs that are usually made bonus tracks only available on like japanese editions. So if they do that, then the official tracks have no filler.

I'm surprised by reading the opinion of the last 5 being the best, and the ones before being not good. I love the first few- i loved all the songs. Escalation 666 is, IMHO, one of Helloween's best tracks. Mirror Mirror- goddamn what an awesome track. If anything, if i had to guess what if any song on DR was filler, I'd say Immortal. And i love Immortal.

I'd love to see Helloween play more Dark Rides songs at shows. But Weiki is not a fan of the album. But don't believe that was the reason Grapow and Uli were fired; Deris wrote most of the songs and he's weiki's best friend. Anyways, they don't even play Weiki's songs, which I would say are the most 'Helloween-ish" songs on the album. All Over The Nation and Salvation are maybe the best things he's written. The problem was, they didn't fit in with the Dark vibe of the album.

But man, Dark Ride is one of my all time favorite albums. I can't find anything similar to it. Some say 7 Sinners is similar to it- yes it is heavy and dark, but not heavy and dark in the same way as Dark Ride.

Somewhat OT: Just obtained the New Masterplan album. Novum something. Can anyone tell me how it is? I'm a big Jorn fan, of his voice, not his ego ;) I really love the first 2 albums, and Time To Be King was good too. Haven't heard MKII.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on January 30, 2014, 03:29:07 AM
I'd go as far as saying that since The Dark Ride, Helloween haven't really had any filler tracks.  Everything from the Dark Ride onwards has been killer and consistent.  Songs are obviously better than others, but nothing straight out filler.

Somewhat OT: Just obtained the New Masterplan album. Novum something. Can anyone tell me how it is? I'm a big Jorn fan, of his voice, not his ego ;) I really love the first 2 albums, and Time To Be King was good too. Haven't heard MKII.

New Masterplan is awesome.  Miles ahead of the shit sandwhich that Time To Be King was.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on January 30, 2014, 01:15:05 PM
Yea Time To Be King was disappointing. Not bad, but not as good as I'd expect from them with Lande. Was listening to Aeronautics yesterday and was thinking, "Is this power metal?" because there are some big differences from the S/T. I love Aeronautics, but now that i think of it i can see Jorn's influence on the music. There's less speed and more mid-tempo tracks that have more of a rocker quality, as opposed to a metalhead quality..... I love it but i'm just saying it's an interesting album. Masterplan is my second favorite Power Metal band.

I see Time To Be King as them trying to get back to a harder and faster sound. But there's very little variety on it. The songs are so similar. And Jorn Lande sucks at writing lyrics. Jorn Lande is a douche, they never even toured for this album because of the guy and his million projects. I think it's very obvious that he's emulating his career path after Dio's.

I think the one song from Helloweens recent albums that MIGHT be filler is The Shade In The Shadows. I really like the song actually, but i must admit it has a filler quality to it.

Keepers: The Legacy should have had a different title. They should have put King for 1000 Years on Gambling and called it the 3rd Keepers album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: gazinwales on January 30, 2014, 11:02:32 PM
I actually like Time To Be King, it's enjoyable, but Jorn has always been an average at best lyricist.
Yes I know English is not his native language, but surely, (as a lot of non English Speaking bands do) he can get someone to proof read them first?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on January 30, 2014, 11:55:57 PM
Jorns new replacement ain't that bad i gotta say.

I'm always surprised when i read or hear interviews with guys like Grapow or Weiki, because their english is usually not the greatest. It's kinda odd that they only write music in english. In the early days of Grapows time in Helloween he didn't even know english, he said this in an interview. I find it crazy an i understand why they would want to learn english and write all lyrics in english too. It's just very surprising. These guys still don't sound too good when i hear them speaking.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on January 31, 2014, 06:20:19 AM
The majority of bands out there would be drastically reducing their worldwide appeal if they only sang in their native language.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on January 31, 2014, 01:14:42 PM
The majority of bands out there would be drastically reducing their worldwide appeal if they only sang in their native language.

I realize this. It's just that when i hear or read an interview or something or read a post they've written on a forum they still seem to have a lot of problems with English. But it explains certain lyrics and songtitles. You Stupid Mankind is not a title a native english speaker would come up with.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on February 07, 2014, 05:49:55 AM
New Andi Deris solo album is fucking excellent!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on February 08, 2014, 01:25:58 AM
You mean the Bad Bankers album right? I haven't heard it yet other then a couple clips online. From what I'v learned from recent interviews, Deris has really gotten into american bands like Deftones and 30 Seconds to Mars. I can hear the influence in the clips.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on February 09, 2014, 03:06:33 AM
You mean the Bad Bankers album right? I haven't heard it yet other then a couple clips online. From what I'v learned from recent interviews, Deris has really gotten into american bands like Deftones and 30 Seconds to Mars. I can hear the influence in the clips.

That's the one, it's fantastic.  It's nothing like those bands, don't worry.  It's just more dirty hard rock at times, but a lot of this reminds me of Master, Oath or even Better Than Raw. 

Pick it up.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: NotePad on February 10, 2014, 02:22:57 AM
Well, i didn't mean that influence like those were a bad thing ;) I think that if Deris let himself, it would be very easy for him to write more 'commercial' sounding stuff. Not that Deftones is commercial. Maybe the word is 'american'? that's how they describe dark ride......

I'll have to look into this bad bankers CD. I'm a big Deris fan and think he's a really fantastic songwriter.

And since this is a Helloween forum, there's more ;p So listening to 7sinners today and then the new Hell one, i noticed how most of the songs follow the very basic song forumula of 'verse-chorus-verse-chorus-Solo-chorus-verse....' You get the idea.

And i love these albums, but come on, really? I guess they've been doing this for a long time, so it's kinda their style. But on Legacy they varied up the forumula and is considered their 'progressive' album. And not ALL songs recently follow the typical formular, by definitely most. I remember Chino Moreno from the Deftones saying he wrote the song Back To School really fast because the label wanted a radio single, and that writing songs like that are really easy.

I'm not saying they're not putting in the effort, cuz i love their stuff, but are they concerned about being commercial? Look at Maiden, they clearly don't care cuz they have their fanbase. I would assume it would be the same with Helloween.

I'm done ranting.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on February 27, 2015, 04:33:25 AM
New Helloween - May 29

https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/helloween-to-release-my-god-given-right-album-in-may/

German power metallers HELLOWEEN will release their 15th studio album, "My God-Given Right", on May 29 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was recorded between October 2014 and February 2015 at the band's MiSueno Studio on the isle of Tenerife with producer Charlie Bauerfeind (GOTTHARD, HAMMERFALL).

The "My God-Given Right" artwork was once again created by graphic guru Martin Häusler (BON JOVI, QUEEN, GOTTHARD) and will also be available as a 3D lenticular print.

Says Häusler: "We tried to build a world of ideas, keeping the 'classic HELLOWEEN' elements, like the pumpkins on the one hand and a complete new look on the other, just like we did it the years before, working on a HELLOWEEN artwork.

"A first inspiration came from the album title, 'My God-Given Right', and some of the song titles, like 'Swing Of A Fallen World', 'Lost In America', 'Battle's Won', etc.

"During my research, I stumbled upon the blockbuster 'Day After Tomorrow' and the idea of just leaving the world to the 'pumpkins' was born.

"The most challenging part of this artwork was to have both the limited edition and the 11-inch earbook provided with a 3D lenticular cover (a full 3D cover, visible without 3D glasses). That's the reason the entire artwork was done 'in one piece,' using a 3D program…
We did not want one of those 'cheap' lenticular covers, done by converting a 2D version, but the best possible real 3D result. So don’t get any other versions — this will be a true collector's item!"

Adds HELLOWEEN frontman Andi Deris: "I never know how, but somehow we did it once again… The album really rocks and kicks some major asses!!! We had the best folks with us to make this possible: producer Charlie Bauerfeind and Martin Häusler, who made a massive 3D artwork this time WITHOUT stressing the whole color range."

States HELLOWEEN guitarist Michael Weikath: "This proves what a bit of snow not only is able to but really causes! I personally hate snow and the cover shows that too much of everything is never good. Just like Andi Deris, I'm very happy about the new album."

HELLOWEEN's last album, "Straight Out Of Hell", sold around 4,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 97 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD entered the Media Control chart in Germany at position No. 4 — the highest chart position in the band's history. It also landed at No. 4 in Finland and No. 2 on the international album chart in Japan.

"Straight Out Of Hell" was released in January 2013. The cover artwork for the CD was once again created by Martin Häusler, who previously worked with the band on the "7 Sinners" and "Gambling With The Devil" CDs.


(https://assets.blabbermouth.net.s3.amazonaws.com/media/helloweengodgivenrightcdbigger.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: Evermind on February 27, 2015, 05:31:29 AM
Yeah, saw the announcement on facebook yesterday. Will give it a try when it's out.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: Art on February 27, 2015, 06:14:16 AM
I hope the record keeps up with the "Straight out of hell-vibe", a record that i liked a lot.

Now, (as it was the case with straight out of hell) thats an UGLY cover  :lol it looks like it was made in 2001.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: jjrock88 on February 27, 2015, 09:59:44 AM
Helloween is one of the most consistent metal bands in the world. I have full confidence that this will be an excellent release

I like the cover
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on February 27, 2015, 04:12:18 PM
This Helloween lineup has been solid every single record.  I think we'll be in for another great album.  I don't care about the cover, it's fine.  The 3D version should be cool though.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: TAC on February 27, 2015, 06:14:58 PM
That cover is weird! :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: Evermind on March 20, 2015, 06:46:17 AM
From Helloween's Facebook:

Today we are proud to reveal the tracklist of »My God-Given Right«:
01. Heroes
02. Battle’s Won
03. My God-Given Right
04. Stay Crazy
05. Lost In America
06. Russian Roulé
07. The Swing Of A Fallen World
08. Like Everybody Else
09. Creatures In Heaven
10. If God Loves Rock ‘n’ Roll
11. Living On The Edge
12. Claws
13. You, Still Of War

The limited digipak (with special 3D lenticular cover) and the vinyl version will feature two bonus tracks:
14. I Wish I Were There
15. Wicked Game

The digital version contains three bonus tracks:
14. I Wish I Were There
15. Wicked Game
16. Free World

The limited Earbook will feature a bonus-CD with four bonus tracks:
01. I Wish I Were There
02. Wicked Game
03. Nightmare
04. More Than A Lifetime

On April 17th, we will release the first single out of »My God-Given Right«, which will be for the Speed Metal track 'Battle’s Won'. Besides the digital download, there will be a limited edition 2-track vinyl single, also featuring the album-track 'Lost In America'.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Andi Deris new solo album
Post by: wolfking on March 20, 2015, 07:32:37 AM
Lots of songs, good to see.  The one with the bonus cd looks like the go.  Interesting that there is a bonus track for the digital version too.

Some really cool song titles too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on March 20, 2015, 09:01:21 AM
Cool song titles and I'll pick up the bonus cd version
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Polarbear on March 23, 2015, 03:02:28 AM
These guys haven't released a bad album in over 20 years, i'm excited about this one!

Also, i always wanted to rank my top 3 Deris- era albums so here we go:

1. Keeper Of The Seven Keys - The Legacy
2. Gambling With The Devil
3. Better Than Raw
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on March 23, 2015, 05:33:28 AM
These guys haven't released a bad album in over 20 years, i'm excited about this one!

Yeah, they haven't released a bad album since Deris joined.  I don't think I could do a top 3, they are all so solid and my favs change all the time.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on March 23, 2015, 06:07:34 AM
I would still pick The Dark Ride from the Deris era as my fav
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Scorpion on March 23, 2015, 07:57:53 AM
I'm with jj, The Dark Ride is definitely the best from the Deris era. Actually, it's probably my favourite Helloween album, full stop.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on March 23, 2015, 09:34:23 AM
It's too bad the dark ride lineup couldn't have stuck together
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Scorpion on March 23, 2015, 10:48:33 AM
Well, we got Masterplan instead, and their first two albums are pretty good as well, so I'm not complaining much.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on March 23, 2015, 12:11:53 PM
Well, we got Masterplan instead, and their first two albums are pretty good as well, so I'm not complaining much.

Yup, those are two great releases
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on March 23, 2015, 03:20:18 PM
Dark Ride would make my 3 too I think.  Was my first Helloween album and it's still just as good.  That cd has aged really well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on March 23, 2015, 03:47:31 PM
Not wicked into the Deris era, but Dark Ride is indeed awesome.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on March 24, 2015, 03:13:50 AM
I've mentioned it before, but for me Helloween along with Saxon and Primal Fear have to be the most consistent bands in the metal genre. All three release albums on a very regular basis and all releases are very solid- excellent
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on March 24, 2015, 05:36:11 AM
I've mentioned it before, but for me Helloween along with Saxon and Primal Fear have to be the most consistent bands in the metal genre. All three release albums on a very regular basis and all releases are very solid- excellent

I'm happy with this statement.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on March 24, 2015, 03:28:01 PM
I've mentioned it before, but for me Helloween along with Saxon and Primal Fear have to be the most consistent bands in the metal genre. All three release albums on a very regular basis and all releases are very solid- excellent
I've been late to the party on Primal Fear, but what you say here makes a lot of sense.


I have full respect for Helloween's longevity even though I'm not nuts about the Deris era. Full props to them.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Mladen on March 24, 2015, 03:29:13 PM
Are you aware that the Deris ''era'' is basically two thirds of the band's career?  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on March 24, 2015, 03:31:05 PM
Are you aware that the Deris ''era'' is basically two thirds of the band's career?  ;)  ;D

 :lol
Yeah, I know, right!  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on March 24, 2015, 03:54:43 PM
That's the amazing thing, and the current lineup has been together for 10 years, more than a lot of bands these days.  I wish put would put the Kiske talk to bed.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on March 24, 2015, 11:06:27 PM
I don't see it getting put to bed ever since Kiske has somewhat embraced metal/hard rock again.  I would like to see maybe a special appearance on either a disc or a live show........that would be cool to see
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on March 25, 2015, 04:37:24 AM
I don't see it getting put to bed ever since Kiske has somewhat embraced metal/hard rock again. 
That's actually a good point.

  I would like to see maybe a special appearance on either a disc or a live show........that would be cool to see
I don't know about this. Now that he's with Kai, who he always seemed closer to, there's no reason for him to do anything with Weiki.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on March 25, 2015, 04:59:45 AM
It's probably a best of both worlds if the Unisonic stuff continues in the vein of the last album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on March 25, 2015, 05:27:23 AM
It's probably a best of both worlds if the Unisonic stuff continues in the vein of the last album.
Hell yes! That was a great album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on March 25, 2015, 05:34:02 AM
It's probably a best of both worlds if the Unisonic stuff continues in the vein of the last album.

Totally agree. With how the things are going now, I don't see a point of any reunions.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on March 25, 2015, 05:39:19 AM
I don't see it getting put to bed ever since Kiske has somewhat embraced metal/hard rock again.

You're a smart man.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on April 17, 2015, 06:56:52 AM
New song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-CyToN626E0

Not sure what I think after one listen.  The production sounds pretty bad too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on April 17, 2015, 08:13:40 AM
Pretty crappy -  and I wish bands who have shit lyrics would stop making lyric videos.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on April 17, 2015, 09:40:34 AM
I just thought it was ok. Definetely not craving to listen to it again
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Dittomist on April 17, 2015, 11:44:02 AM
Yeah, this was about as underwhelming as the "As Long as I Fall" single (one of the weakest songs on the mostly stellar Gambling with the Devil) and I seriously doubt it will ever grow on me. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Polarbear on April 18, 2015, 06:46:31 AM
"Lost in America" is much better in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on April 19, 2015, 03:57:32 AM
Yeah, this was about as underwhelming as the "As Long as I Fall" single (one of the weakest songs on the mostly stellar Gambling with the Devil) and I seriously doubt it will ever grow on me.

I always quite liked this one.  Definitely not the best on the album, but a good song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Mladen on April 19, 2015, 08:49:54 AM
I've loved that one from the day one. It's probably because I became a fan around the time Gambling came out. Back then, the rest of the album was equally fantastic in my opinion, but some of the songs didn't age that great. However, I still find As long as I fall beautiful.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on April 19, 2015, 08:54:09 AM
Yeah, finally listened to the new song and it was meh indeed. Pretty much any song on Straight Out of Hell is better than this one, except maybe Years.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Polarbear on April 19, 2015, 10:43:25 AM
I've loved that one from the day one. It's probably because I became a fan around the time Gambling came out. Back then, the rest of the album was equally fantastic in my opinion, but some of the songs didn't age that great. However, I still find As long as I fall beautiful.
Yeah, this was about as underwhelming as the "As Long as I Fall" single (one of the weakest songs on the mostly stellar Gambling with the Devil) and I seriously doubt it will ever grow on me.

I always quite liked this one.  Definitely not the best on the album, but a good song.

Gambling is a top: 3 Helloween album for me.
Also "As Long as I Fall" is, in my opinion one of their best singles of all time.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on April 19, 2015, 09:24:32 PM
I'm sure the new song will work better with the album.

Yeah, finally listened to the new song and it was meh indeed. Pretty much any song on Straight Out of Hell is better than this one, except maybe Years.

I like Years, but was one of the weakest at the start.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on April 19, 2015, 10:15:26 PM
I have full confidence that overall it will be a great album
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on April 20, 2015, 06:19:40 AM
I have full confidence that overall it will be a great album

Me too, no doubts at all.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: ZKX-2099 on May 01, 2015, 10:12:38 AM
Battle's Won and Lost In America are great tracks. Can't wait for the album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 01, 2015, 03:47:49 PM
Lost in America is good and Battle's Won has grown on me.  Looking forward to this album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: ZKX-2099 on May 20, 2015, 03:03:02 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7D7ynntNbg&list=PLB4brr7vf-P60k9XjF84hGF9MdByQZAIs&index=1

Title track song/video.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 20, 2015, 06:15:29 AM
I like it a lot actually, looking forward to this.  This Helloween lineup have yet to disappoint.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: ZKX-2099 on May 20, 2015, 10:35:01 AM
Has any?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Scorpion on May 20, 2015, 10:41:00 AM
Have you forgotten Chameleon? Not that I would blame you, but still.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: ZKX-2099 on May 20, 2015, 01:25:23 PM
I love Chameleon.

Might wanna take a look at my avatar.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 20, 2015, 04:13:18 PM
Has any?

Yes.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: ZKX-2099 on May 20, 2015, 07:20:37 PM
I'm glad we had this discussion.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on May 20, 2015, 07:29:12 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7D7ynntNbg&list=PLB4brr7vf-P60k9XjF84hGF9MdByQZAIs&index=1

Title track song/video.
Awesome tune!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on May 20, 2015, 07:29:22 PM
Helloween can do no wrong IMO
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 20, 2015, 08:35:13 PM
I'm glad we had this discussion.

I think Chameleon isn't great, but not as bad as some say it is.  I think they let us down because we had heard in the past what they were capable of.

Since Deris has joined though, no album has been a let down IMO.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on May 20, 2015, 09:04:17 PM
I must admit that I haven't properly kept up with every single song off the most recent couple of Helloween releases but after my latest listen to the last Unisonic (and another rating upgrade) I can't think of anything I've heard from Kiske or Helloween in recent times that would rate anywhere near it . All IMHO of course.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 20, 2015, 09:09:33 PM
I must admit that I haven't properly kept up with every single song off the most recent couple of Helloween releases but after my latest listen to the last Unisonic (and another rating upgrade) I can't think of anything I've heard from Kiske or Helloween in recent times that would rate anywhere near it . All IMHO of course.

The Helloween of today has taken on a completely different identity to early Helloween IMO.  You can't really compare Helloween and Unisonic IMO.  I'd probably still take Helloween though, but I've followed them since The Dark Ride so....

The last Unisonic was amazing though.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on May 20, 2015, 09:16:25 PM
I don't know what my first Helloween album was...........Bubbles I think   ;D And then Keepers Pt2.

I really enjoyed Master Of The Rings , felt Time of The Oath was a letdown and since then I've found them a bit hit and miss.  That's quite possibly meant that I have glossed over some of their better albums in recent times.

The Dark Ride is a funny one for me - aside from If I Could Fly I find the first half a chore and I love the last five tracks  :lol

7 Sinners only had a track or two I liked.  Better Than Raw and Straight Out Of Hell I have but haven't listened to.  Gambling and Rabbit ........I lost my ratings so should revisit. 

Most of what I've heard from the new album I'd call solid ,but not much more.   If I want to hear Deris at the moment I would tend to go for his earlier stuff with Helloween or PC 69 I think.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Scorpion on May 20, 2015, 11:52:49 PM
Both 7 Sinners and The Dark Ride are fantastic, but I agree that their recent stuff has been somewhat hit-and-miss, like Better Than Raw and Straight Out of Hell, which had fantastic and painfully mediocre songs next to each other.

But I don't think I'd call either of them a disappointment.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Polarbear on May 21, 2015, 01:40:49 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7D7ynntNbg&list=PLB4brr7vf-P60k9XjF84hGF9MdByQZAIs&index=1

Title track song/video.

I got some 90's Helloween vibes (Master of Rings, Time of the Oath) from that song.

That was a cool song, but i suspect there are much better songs in the new album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 21, 2015, 05:34:53 AM
I don't know what my first Helloween album was...........Bubbles I think   ;D And then Keepers Pt2.

I really enjoyed Master Of The Rings , felt Time of The Oath was a letdown and since then I've found them a bit hit and miss.  That's quite possibly meant that I have glossed over some of their better albums in recent times.

The Dark Ride is a funny one for me - aside from If I Could Fly I find the first half a chore and I love the last five tracks  :lol

7 Sinners only had a track or two I liked.  Better Than Raw and Straight Out Of Hell I have but haven't listened to.  Gambling and Rabbit ........I lost my ratings so should revisit. 

Most of what I've heard from the new album I'd call solid ,but not much more.   If I want to hear Deris at the moment I would tend to go for his earlier stuff with Helloween or PC 69 I think.

Sounds like you're just the casual fan which is fine.  SOOF is good if you are a fan, but nothing essential.  BTR IMO is an excellent album with great production.

The production is the only thing that has let the band down over the last few releases.  They just haven't been as powerful as say Raw or Dark Ride.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7D7ynntNbg&list=PLB4brr7vf-P60k9XjF84hGF9MdByQZAIs&index=1

Title track song/video.

I got some 90's Helloween vibes (Master of Rings, Time of the Oath) from that song.

That was a cool song, but i suspect there are much better songs in the new album.

Yeah, the verses reminded me a lot of Power.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on May 21, 2015, 05:53:46 AM
Yes, Power. You are 100% correct, Wolf.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on May 21, 2015, 06:12:49 AM

Sounds like you're just the casual fan which is fine.

 I'd class myself as a casual fan of 99% of bands I listen to.  It's very rare that a band consistently releases full albums that I love from start to finish .

Helloween has written some of my favourite metal songs but I can't think of an album where I wouldn't hit Skip.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on May 21, 2015, 07:18:02 AM
The Kiske Keeper albums and the first 4 with Deris are essential Helloween to me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on May 21, 2015, 01:33:21 PM
Unfortunately the two songs I've heard don't sound very exciting to me. Lost In America is catchy but at this point I want to hear them write more inventive songs. It also sounds like the production will sound too much like the last two, which I love but its getting stale. I think Gambling with The Devil is their best from recent years. Dreambound, Heaven Tells No Lies, The Saints - that's classic He!loween but with progression. That album was way more Keepers then Keepers The Legacy was!

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Mladen on May 21, 2015, 02:41:00 PM
Yeah, Gambling was really good but I was honestly stunned when 7 Sinners topped it. Whichever one you prefer, you can't deny those albums proved that the current day Helloween still has a lot in them. However, the two songs I heard from the upcoming album didn't excite me at all...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 21, 2015, 03:32:53 PM
I'd easily take 7 Sinners over Gambling too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on May 22, 2015, 04:54:10 AM
I liked My God-Given Right a lot more than Battle's Won, but it really has this Power vibe in the intro and verses, as Kade and Tim both said.

I also enjoyed the snippet of Stay Crazy from this Track by Track #1 video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRWwEXL8tTI).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 22, 2015, 06:30:22 AM
Weiki is a cracker, love him.  Does sound pretty standard and safe, but at least I know what I'm getting and it's probably gonna be enjoyable.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: gazinwales on May 27, 2015, 01:34:54 AM
Australian Tour Dates!

HELLOWEEN THE GOD-GIVEN RIGHT TOUR DATES
Wednesday, October 14 – 170 Russell, Melbourne Tickets
Friday, October 16 – Metro Theatre, Sydney Tickets
Saturday, October 17 – Max Watt’s, Brisbane Tickets
Monday, October 19 – The Gov, Adelaide Tickets
Tuesday, October 20 – Capitol, Perth Tickets
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: ariich on May 27, 2015, 02:17:16 AM
Have you forgotten Chameleon? Not that I would blame you, but still.
Chameleon is one of my favourites.

Pink Bubbles on the other hand, biggest meh apart from the debut.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on May 27, 2015, 07:03:06 AM
As disappointing as Pink Bubbles was when it came out, it has aged pretty well for me. At last it feels like one band made the album.

Chameleon feels like two different bands made it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 27, 2015, 07:07:42 AM
Australian Tour Dates!

HELLOWEEN THE GOD-GIVEN RIGHT TOUR DATES
Wednesday, October 14 – 170 Russell, Melbourne Tickets
Friday, October 16 – Metro Theatre, Sydney Tickets
Saturday, October 17 – Max Watt’s, Brisbane Tickets
Monday, October 19 – The Gov, Adelaide Tickets
Tuesday, October 20 – Capitol, Perth Tickets

I think I'm there.  Saw them when they came last time on the Gambling with the Devil tour and they were fantastic.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on May 27, 2015, 07:08:48 AM
Which show is closest to you?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 27, 2015, 07:12:55 AM
Which show is closest to you?

Brisbane.  Why you ask?

Saturday night too and it's a busy time at work, so works out really well.  I've missed quite a few mid week concerts around that time of year due to my work schedule.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on May 27, 2015, 07:22:16 AM
I haven't even heard of the Melbourne venue - shows you how much I get out these days.  ::)  I had a look at their site and Yngwie is playing there too.   His Platinum VIP package allows you to attend a Q&A session at which he will allow you to take a photo of HIM  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 27, 2015, 07:25:51 AM
If Yngwie plays Brisbane I'll probably see him too.

Speaking of Brisbane......QUEENSLANDER!!!!!!  Go the maroons!!!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on May 27, 2015, 07:51:18 AM
Which show is closest to you?

Brisbane.  Why you ask?
Just wondering what part of Australia that you're in, that's all. Not stalking!

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on May 27, 2015, 09:45:03 AM
They're playing at the festival in Moscow at the end of August, and I kind of don't know if I should go. They were a lot of fun on the previous tour with Gamma Ray; but I'm generally not a big fan of festivals, there's too many people and also a lot of bands I usually don't care about, and this one is also outdoor venue. Granted, this time there's also Amorphis, which I kind of enjoy despite growls, and Helloween is headlining, but I haven't decided yet. Will probably end up skipping this one.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: gazinwales on May 27, 2015, 02:19:32 PM
Yeah I'll prob see them in Sydney, if not Melbourne where I am working on and off for the rest of the year.
Never seen them live before either, I was living in the UK last time they toured here.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 27, 2015, 03:11:47 PM
Which show is closest to you?

Brisbane.  Why you ask?
Just wondering what part of Australia that you're in, that's all. Not stalking!

That's cool.  Yep, wonderful Brisbane, great state.

They're playing at the festival in Moscow at the end of August, and I kind of don't know if I should go. They were a lot of fun on the previous tour with Gamma Ray; but I'm generally not a big fan of festivals, there's too many people and also a lot of bands I usually don't care about, and this one is also outdoor venue. Granted, this time there's also Amorphis, which I kind of enjoy despite growls, and Helloween is headlining, but I haven't decided yet. Will probably end up skipping this one.

I was pissed when they didn't bring this tour to Brisbane.  Would love to see Gamma Ray.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on May 28, 2015, 12:33:04 PM
Based on Unisonic's two albums, I'm glad kiske and Hansn left Helloween.....its not bad music, just generic. And despite what they claim, Unisonic is very much a power metal band.

There are a lot of albums Helloween seem to ignore from their live shows. Albums like Rabbit Don't Come Easy, Dark Ride, Better Than Raw, Gambling. There are some real Gems on those albums. Falling Higher,  All Over The Nations,  The Tune, The Saints - those are classic Halloween style songs that are completely ignored. Theres so many I hate seeing go to waste.

Instead they let Debris butcher Keeper songs. He's great when he does his own stuff. And have they ever played My Life For One More Day? Probably not. They should add it to the end of the Keeper Trip!ogy they play. Hell, Halloween has nothing to do with the Keepers story anyways!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on May 28, 2015, 12:34:05 PM
They're playing at the festival in Moscow at the end of August, and I kind of don't know if I should go. They were a lot of fun on the previous tour with Gamma Ray; but I'm generally not a big fan of festivals, there's too many people and also a lot of bands I usually don't care about, and this one is also outdoor venue. Granted, this time there's also Amorphis, which I kind of enjoy despite growls, and Helloween is headlining, but I haven't decided yet. Will probably end up skipping this one.

I was pissed when they didn't bring this tour to Brisbane.  Would love to see Gamma Ray.

Oh shit, this festival has just announced its final band in the lineup and it's Primal Fear! I think I'm definitely going now. :metal

Also, NotePad, Falling Higher was played at the previous tour. Probably even at the show I attended, I don't remember.

Edit: I do remember I liked Gamma Ray live much more than Helloween though. Kai is just so much better as a frontman, in my opinion. And their Empire of the Undead tour show was a blast too. Loved it all the way through.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on May 28, 2015, 06:19:42 PM
Theres so many I hate seeing go to waste. Instead they let Debris butcher Keeper songs.

Maybe if he changed his name to something other than "Debris" then he would be less wasteful  ;D

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on May 28, 2015, 07:04:08 PM
Theres so many I hate seeing go to waste. Instead they let Debris butcher Keeper songs.

Maybe if he changed his name to something other than "Debris" then he would be less wasteful  ;D
:lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 28, 2015, 08:22:39 PM
Based on Unisonic's two albums, I'm glad kiske and Hansn left Helloween.....its not bad music, just generic. And despite what they claim, Unisonic is very much a power metal band.

There are a lot of albums Helloween seem to ignore from their live shows. Albums like Rabbit Don't Come Easy, Dark Ride, Better Than Raw, Gambling. There are some real Gems on those albums. Falling Higher,  All Over The Nations,  The Tune, The Saints - those are classic Halloween style songs that are completely ignored. Theres so many I hate seeing go to waste.

Instead they let Debris butcher Keeper songs. He's great when he does his own stuff. And have they ever played My Life For One More Day? Probably not. They should add it to the end of the Keeper Trip!ogy they play. Hell, Halloween has nothing to do with the Keepers story anyways!

The problem is, people want to hear Keeper songs.  Just playing Deris songs would hurt the band.  I never had an issue the way Andi sang those old songs tbh.

Also, the band have 14 coming on 15 albums.  The more albums the band has, the more it hurts their setlist diversity and ability to bring out rarities.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on May 28, 2015, 09:01:24 PM
I'll get a listen to the new one later today.

I think it was last time I was in the Helloween thread I thought to myself "I wonder what happened to Notepad" as in the past Helloween Thread = Notepad  :D   Good to have you back.

And now I think about it the ultimate power prog vocalist could well be 50% Labrie and 50% Deris.............Andy Debris  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Polarbear on May 29, 2015, 12:19:01 AM
I didn't have huge expectations for this new album, but i listened to it and it was really good!!

There are couple of tracks that could be straight from Dark Ride, and some tracks that could be from Master of Rings and Time of the Oath!
I would also skip the first 3 songs, Stay Crazy is where the album truly kicks into high gear.

Top.3 songs:
1. Creatures in Heaven
2. You, Still of War
3. The Swing of a Fallen World
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: gazinwales on May 29, 2015, 12:30:07 AM
I'm not buying the CD, got the picture vinyl pre-ordered from amazon, so hoping it's good.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: gazinwales on May 29, 2015, 12:31:35 AM
Based on Unisonic's two albums, I'm glad kiske and Hansn left Helloween.....its not bad music, just generic. And despite what they claim, Unisonic is very much a power metal band.

There are a lot of albums Helloween seem to ignore from their live shows. Albums like Rabbit Don't Come Easy, Dark Ride, Better Than Raw, Gambling. There are some real Gems on those albums. Falling Higher,  All Over The Nations,  The Tune, The Saints - those are classic Halloween style songs that are completely ignored. Theres so many I hate seeing go to waste.

Instead they let Debris butcher Keeper songs. He's great when he does his own stuff. And have they ever played My Life For One More Day? Probably not. They should add it to the end of the Keeper Trip!ogy they play. Hell, Halloween has nothing to do with the Keepers story anyways!

The problem is, people want to hear Keeper songs.  Just playing Deris songs would hurt the band.  I never had an issue the way Andi sang those old songs tbh.

Also, the band have 14 coming on 15 albums.  The more albums the band has, the more it hurts their setlist diversity and ability to bring out rarities.

Spot on, having never seen them live, I do want to hear the Keeper songs and lots of others of course.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 29, 2015, 06:39:41 AM
And now I think about it the ultimate power prog vocalist could well be 50% Labrie and 50% Deris.............Andy Debris  :metal

(https://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tim-and-eric-mind-blown.gif)


Based on Unisonic's two albums, I'm glad kiske and Hansn left Helloween.....its not bad music, just generic. And despite what they claim, Unisonic is very much a power metal band.

There are a lot of albums Helloween seem to ignore from their live shows. Albums like Rabbit Don't Come Easy, Dark Ride, Better Than Raw, Gambling. There are some real Gems on those albums. Falling Higher,  All Over The Nations,  The Tune, The Saints - those are classic Halloween style songs that are completely ignored. Theres so many I hate seeing go to waste.

Instead they let Debris butcher Keeper songs. He's great when he does his own stuff. And have they ever played My Life For One More Day? Probably not. They should add it to the end of the Keeper Trip!ogy they play. Hell, Halloween has nothing to do with the Keepers story anyways!

The problem is, people want to hear Keeper songs.  Just playing Deris songs would hurt the band.  I never had an issue the way Andi sang those old songs tbh.

Also, the band have 14 coming on 15 albums.  The more albums the band has, the more it hurts their setlist diversity and ability to bring out rarities.

Spot on, having never seen them live, I do want to hear the Keeper songs and lots of others of course.

I personally prefer the Deris era, but if I go and see them, I want Kiske songs.  When I saw them they played Halloween and it was fucking awesome.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: ZKX-2099 on May 29, 2015, 09:00:25 AM
And now I think about it the ultimate power prog vocalist could well be 50% Labrie and 50% Deris.............Andy Debris  :metal

I think there would be a bunch of stuff thrown about when he hits the stage.

Also the chorus of If God Loves Rock 'N' Roll is the same as Final Fortune.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 29, 2015, 04:27:32 PM
Final Fortune was probably my fav on that album, so good.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: ZKX-2099 on May 30, 2015, 07:15:39 AM
Yeah. And that's the only "bad" thing on the album. I'm loving all of it instantly.

I wanna say Like Everybody Else is the best Helloween ballad.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on May 30, 2015, 07:27:26 AM
I have just finished my first listen (across two sittings).  When I saw 16 tracks on my version I thought to myself "there goes any chance of a high rating" as I generally dislike a few tracks on most Helloween releases and with 16 the odds were even higher.

In the end I wouldn't say I was eating those words , but perhaps a nibble.  I've rated the album 80% based on the 13 regular album tracks - if the bonus were included the rating would be lower but I only alter scores for bonus tracks if they improve things.

I'd say maybe two tracks really got me seriously involved and made me feel like I was hearing something fresh in terms of melody/structure - the rest is very strong  , if unspectacular IMO.  Better than expected from my point of view and a good effort to put together a lengthy and consistent album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 31, 2015, 03:45:58 AM
80%, wow!  Good score from you Brent.  Haven't heard it yet but looks like it should be instores next weekend.  I'll wait until then.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on May 31, 2015, 04:23:40 AM
After my first listen I think it's quite a good, consistent album. I also think it would've been even better had they scrapped Heroes and Battle's Won and started the record with title track. Definitely want to spin it more times.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: ZKX-2099 on May 31, 2015, 06:43:56 AM
But those songs are awesome.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on May 31, 2015, 06:59:47 PM
What did you rate the last three releases from Helloween Brent?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on May 31, 2015, 07:04:02 PM
What did you rate the last three releases from Helloween Brent?

I haven't listened to the last few in detail jj - I do have them , but never got around to it.  I at least have some song ratings on 7 Sinners and that indicates I thought it was a strong first four songs and then a bit meh after that and a rating more around 70% maybe.  I think the new one is more consistent than that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on May 31, 2015, 07:07:52 PM
That would be a fair rating for that disc.  For me, the first four from Deris are essential.  All others are very solid but contain some filler.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on May 31, 2015, 07:08:06 PM
This is my glorious return ;)

I find it interesting how its like there's so many people who say they don't like the band after Kiske yet they continue to be the biggest German speed metal band....well, I guess 'power metal' band. They released two album's over twenty years ago that people obsess over  and say can't be equaled, even though they have released so many albums since that are equal to and actually better that people don't rate anywhere near as high and often seem to hate...

And from what I have heard of the new album I have to say it sounds really cool. It does have that same mechanical like "sound" of their last two albums, but I'd say is more like Master of the Rings because it's got the Hard rockish style of that album in a lot of the songs. Like an 80's rock style mixed with their classic power metal sound and the elements of pop rock and nu metal that seem to be in some of their newer music (usually songs Andi writes, I've noticed). And I realize I've compared Helloween to Edguy in the past, but this album does make me think of recent Edguy albums by the way they mix rock that you might hear during the 80s with that classic happy PM style Helloween pioneered. Listen to the title tracks of Rocket Ride and My God Given Right to see what I mean.
But yes, it definitely sounds like a great album. They really, truly never make the same album twice. If you are worried about the direction they took on a recent album, you can always take comfort in the fact that their next one will not be the same thing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on May 31, 2015, 07:10:19 PM
That sounds like a good description Notepad
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on May 31, 2015, 07:19:17 PM
I need to revisit the earlier Deris stuff but I know I really loved Master of the Rings and was disappointed with Time of the Oath.  Helloween were an auto buy for me then , but once I get an album I really don't like I tend to become a much more casual observer.  I really like the second half of Dark Ride too.......the first not so much.  So like Notepad said - in some ways it's refreshing to not know what's coming next but it also makes them a band that's not in "auto purchase" territory for me these days.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on May 31, 2015, 07:26:29 PM
I need to revisit the earlier Deris stuff but I know I really loved Master of the Rings and was disappointed with Time of the Oath.  Helloween were an auto buy for me then , but once I get an album I really don't like I tend to become a much more casual observer.  I really like the second half of Dark Ride too.......the first not so much.  So like Notepad said - in some ways it's refreshing to not know what's coming next but it also makes them a band that's not in "auto purchase" territory for me these days.

The production could have something to do with that, it's awful.

I was listening to 7 Sinners in the car too over the weekend and came to realise the production on this one is just awful too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: ZKX-2099 on June 01, 2015, 07:44:17 AM
Yeah I thought I had a defective copy of Time of the Oath at first. But the songs are all solid. I think it's much better than Master Of The Rings.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on June 01, 2015, 04:42:19 PM
Yeah I thought I had a defective copy of Time of the Oath at first. But the songs are all solid. I think it's much better than Master Of The Rings.

Yeah me too.  :lol  The songs are fantastic, just needs a complete overhaul.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on June 01, 2015, 06:50:32 PM
New album should be in my mailbox tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on June 02, 2015, 11:06:56 AM
ordering it today with new Armored Saint
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on June 02, 2015, 12:58:54 PM
I love Time of The Oath. They really captured the style they had on the Keepers, but much better in my opinion, and darker a lot of the time. In a way I see Gambling with the Devil as a continuation of what they did on TTOTO. I really really want to see them continue in that direction.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Mladen on June 03, 2015, 03:39:04 AM
The new album is very consistent, the previous one had a whole bunch of average tracks (even though it was still solid) so this is a bit of an improvement. Claws, Creatures in heaven and You still of war are the highlights. The first six songs sound generic at first but they grow on you and become fairly catchy.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on June 03, 2015, 04:00:29 AM
I also really like The Swing of a Fallen World, great song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on June 03, 2015, 04:03:28 AM
I also really like The Swing of a Fallen World, great song.

Yeah - that one and Russian Roule were my best. Claws and You, Still Of War my least.  Cut it off at Track 11 and my rating rises.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Cyclopssss on June 03, 2015, 04:37:58 AM
Musically I must say it's pretty damn good. I still have to go a way to getting used to Deris 's voice though.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on June 03, 2015, 06:13:37 AM
After just ONE listen, I can say that I really like it. Not a huge fan of Deris or the whole Deris era especially post Grapow, but this one feels different.

The production makes it easier on the ears. Definitely a problem they have had. And for the most part, this album doesn't feel like it's trying too hard, save for You Still Of War. Definitely 3 or 4 songs too long. I'm sure we can debate which ones should go, but for me, I'd cut Tracks 8,11,13,& 14.

Deris' voice doesn't seem to bother me as much here for some reason. Just feels like a fun album overall. Also, I love the melodic lead guitar work on this album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on June 03, 2015, 11:25:24 AM
will have to wait til Friday for my copy to arrive. 

sounds like its getting very positive reviews all around.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on June 03, 2015, 11:34:34 AM
I would've cut tracks 1 and 2, 14 (isn't this one a bonus?) and maybe 12 or 13 too, mostly because I don't remember anything about Claws and You, Still of War after two spins. I definitely need to pay more attention.

Cutting Like Everybody Else though? No way. ;)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on June 04, 2015, 08:12:22 AM
Creatures In Heaven  :metal

Love this song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on June 04, 2015, 10:01:20 AM
I haven't heard bonus tracks yet. In the past they have left some really great songs as bonus tracks. I love GWTD but it would have been even better if Find My Freedom  had been on the album, instead of a song like Can Do It. I think Can do It is a really catch song but throws off the albums vibe. If you haven't heard Find My Freedom yet, I highly recommend it.

It really bothers me the songs they choose to play live after a new album. When 7 Sinners came out the songs they played mostly were Where The Sinners Go and Are You Metal? Those are probably the songs I'd least like to hear live off that album. Im willing to bet they would convert way more fans at concerts if they played songs like Dreamspace and The Saints instead of fucking Are You Metal and Dr. Stein for the millionth goddamn time.

They should hire me as their manager :)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on June 04, 2015, 04:13:12 PM
Helloween do have amazing bonus tracks;

See the Night
A Game We Shouldn't Play
Far Away
Madness of the Crowds
Deliver Us From Temptation

plus many more, wow.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on June 04, 2015, 06:27:25 PM
The bonus track  Light in the Sky is a great ballad
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on June 04, 2015, 07:13:28 PM
Yeah, both Rings and Oath have great bonus tracks too. Still I Don't Know is a good one too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on June 06, 2015, 07:18:11 AM
great new album!!

just might be my favorite from them since Dark Ride.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on June 08, 2015, 06:14:26 AM
Got my copy and listening for the first time, but it's going by very fast.  Needs a few listens but sounding really solid indeed.  There's a lot of songs here.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 08, 2015, 06:35:21 AM
I have only listened to it once, so my opinion might (and probably will) change. There's definitely too much tracks. Make it a ten-track disc and things will be more concise. But it is good and solid, but for me nothing spectacular so far.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on June 08, 2015, 07:43:11 AM
I have only listened to it once, so my opinion might (and probably will) change. There's definitely too much tracks. Make it a ten-track disc and things will be more concise. But it is good and solid, but for me nothing spectacular so far.

I seem to enjoy albums that have around 10 tracks; its just easier to get into the album and focus on the songs.  Once you get 15-16 tracks, it always seems to be a blur, no matter the quality.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on June 08, 2015, 08:08:24 AM
I have only listened to it once, so my opinion might (and probably will) change. There's definitely too much tracks. Make it a ten-track disc and things will be more concise. But it is good and solid, but for me nothing spectacular so far.

I seem to enjoy albums that have around 10 tracks; its just easier to get into the album and focus on the songs.  Once you get 15-16 tracks, it always seems to be a blur, no matter the quality.

Spot on.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Dittomist on June 09, 2015, 03:15:59 AM
I bought My God Given Right the other day, and after four listens, feel about as underwhelmed as I did with Rabbit Don't Come Easy. They clearly took the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach, but with sixteen tracks, I would have preferred much more diversity.

In my opinion, the best songs are The Swing of a Fallen World, Creatures in Heaven, Claws, and My God Given Right, and these songs alone make the album worth purchasing.
The songs I'm most disappointed with are Heroes, Battle's Won, and Stay Crazy. I need to give the bonus tracks more attention but so far I didn't hear anything on the level of Madness of the Crowds, Silicone Dream, Can't Fight Your Desire, Light in the Sky, or Game We Shouldn't Play.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on June 09, 2015, 03:57:41 AM
I would say that Still Crazy and Swing of a Fallen World stood out to me on the new release
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on June 09, 2015, 05:20:05 AM
I bought My God Given Right the other day, and after four listens, feel about as underwhelmed as I did with Rabbit Don't Come Easy. They clearly took the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach, but with sixteen tracks, I would have preferred much more diversity.

In my opinion, the best songs are The Swing of a Fallen World, Creatures in Heaven, Claws, and My God Given Right, and these songs alone make the album worth purchasing.
The songs I'm most disappointed with are Heroes, Battle's Won, and Stay Crazy. I need to give the bonus tracks more attention but so far I didn't hear anything on the level of Madness of the Crowds, Silicone Dream, Can't Fight Your Desire, Light in the Sky, or Game We Shouldn't Play.

I got a Rabbit feel throughout the whole thing too.  It's the album you can compare this too the most. 

I like it quite a lot, I think the songs are very fresh and well written.  I would like a bit more diversity as you say though.  Still not sold on You, Still the War, that's a grower.

I love Stay Crazy.  That for some reason reminds me a lot of Never Be A Star which funnily enough is also track 4.  They are nothing alike, but it just reminds me of it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on June 09, 2015, 06:21:41 AM
I really like Stay Crazy, fun and catchy song.

I started to skip Heroes and Battle's Won though. One of the most underwhelming album starts from Helloween, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on June 09, 2015, 07:10:43 AM
I bought My God Given Right the other day, and after four listens, feel about as underwhelmed as I did with Rabbit Don't Come Easy. They clearly took the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach, but with sixteen tracks, I would have preferred much more diversity.

In my opinion, the best songs are The Swing of a Fallen World, Creatures in Heaven, Claws, and My God Given Right, and these songs alone make the album worth purchasing.
The songs I'm most disappointed with are Heroes, Battle's Won, and Stay Crazy. I need to give the bonus tracks more attention but so far I didn't hear anything on the level of Madness of the Crowds, Silicone Dream, Can't Fight Your Desire, Light in the Sky, or Game We Shouldn't Play.

I got a Rabbit feel throughout the whole thing too.  It's the album you can compare this too the most. 

I like it quite a lot, I think the songs are very fresh and well written.  I would like a bit more diversity as you say though.  Still not sold on You, Still the War, that's a grower.

I love Stay Crazy.  That for some reason reminds me a lot of Never Be A Star which funnily enough is also track 4.  They are nothing alike, but it just reminds me of it.

still crazy totally reminded me of never be a star as well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on June 09, 2015, 03:26:40 PM
I really like Stay Crazy, fun and catchy song.

I started to skip Heroes and Battle's Won though. One of the most underwhelming album starts from Helloween, in my opinion.

I have no problems with the first two songs, in fact, I really like Battle's Won.  Heroes could be buried later in the album though.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on June 09, 2015, 03:31:57 PM
I think Heroes is perfect where it is. It basically tells me to sit back, don't think too much, and have fun with this album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on June 09, 2015, 04:51:03 PM
I think Heroes is perfect where it is. It basically tells me to sit back, don't think too much, and have fun with this album.

That's a fair statement.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on June 11, 2015, 11:20:02 AM
Helloween do have amazing bonus tracks;

See the Night
A Game We Shouldn't Play
Far Away
Madness of the Crowds
Deliver Us From Temptation

plus many more, wow.

It's always pissed me off that Deliver Us wasn't on the album. As much as I love songs like All Over The Nations and Salvation, they really didn't fit the tone and atmosphere of the rest of the album and should have saved for Rabbit. Deliver Us was perfect for Dark Ride.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: gazinwales on October 09, 2015, 04:08:10 PM
Helloween are playing in Sydney next Friday night.
The same night as Megadeth/Children Of Bodom.
I was unsure which one to go to, but after playing MGGR, it's clearly no contest.

I was a little unsure but it only took a couple of songs and I knew who my choice was.
Helloween are a legendary band whom I have never seen play live.
While I have no interest in the past 20 years of Megadeth and Bodom I have seen many times before.

Looking forward to seeing them, the venue is a small theatre, with usually good sound.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on October 09, 2015, 04:32:08 PM
They are playing next Saturday night in Brisbane too.  I think I'll go.  Saw them on the Gambling with the Devil tour and they were fantastic.

I haven't been to a show for a while.  Is it easy enough to buy tickets at the door these days?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: gazinwales on October 09, 2015, 07:26:02 PM
Yeah it is, I never buy in advance anymore, always get them at the venue on the night.
I never saw them on the Gambling Tour, as I was living in the UK at that time.

Had a peek at their recent festival set lists and they look a very good mix of old and new.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on October 09, 2015, 08:08:50 PM
.  Is it easy enough to buy tickets at the door these days?

Not if it's a sell out :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on October 11, 2015, 03:57:32 AM
.  Is it easy enough to buy tickets at the door these days?

Not if it's a sell out :neverusethis:

I'd probably take that chance.  :lol


Had a peek at their recent festival set lists and they look a very good mix of old and new.

Me too, but I'm hoping the set is a lot longer.  It's hard with so many albums to cover everything, but the set is decent enough.  I'll wait and see the set for the first couple of shows and then make my decision.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: gazinwales on October 11, 2015, 12:20:23 PM
Given that all their recent gigs have been festivals and I'm thinking they didn't headline them, then I would reckon a full headlining set would be at least another 6 plus songs.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on October 12, 2015, 11:15:46 AM
While I had Photobucket open today and scanning pictures, I found these that I've never posted.
A couple pictures of Ingo taken on 9/24/87 in Providence.

(https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z246/TACPics/Ingo%20Store_zpsh3oqbrp8.jpg) (https://s195.photobucket.com/user/TACPics/media/Ingo%20Store_zpsh3oqbrp8.jpg.html)

(https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z246/TACPics/Ingo%20Live_zpstas7x1rc.jpeg) (https://s195.photobucket.com/user/TACPics/media/Ingo%20Live_zpstas7x1rc.jpeg.html)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on October 12, 2015, 02:23:34 PM
Where was that Meet & Greet Tim?  Was Kiske there too?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on October 12, 2015, 02:55:12 PM
Where was that Meet & Greet Tim?  Was Kiske there too?

It was at Strawberries (old chain) in downtown Providence. Kiske was there for sure. Maybe I should've scanned in one of him. I wanted to get the Ingo pics uploaded. Grim Reaper and Armored Saint were also all there as well. We were really there for Helloween. Completely ignored the other two bands. I wasn't the Armored Saint fan then that I am now. In fact after Helloween, we decided to stay for a few AS songs, and they BLEW me away!

I remember asking Kiske how old he was. He looked so young up close. He said he was 19. This day was two days after MY 19th birthday.

After the In Store, we were walking around, and noticed the Helloween guys outside of a Dunkin' Donuts. that is where this pic was taken. I've posted it many times, but it's one of my most treasured pics.

(https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z246/TACPics/MK.jpg) (https://s195.photobucket.com/user/TACPics/media/MK.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on October 12, 2015, 03:23:41 PM
who's the weirdo on the left?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on October 12, 2015, 03:27:24 PM
who's the weirdo on the left?

We ran into Kingshmegland! ;D

j/k

He might've been the Road Manager. That's what I assumed.

I just wished Markus and Kai had turned for the pic, but the shot of Kiske is all that really mattered.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on October 12, 2015, 04:26:17 PM
who's the weirdo on the left?

We ran into Kingshmegland! ;D


 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on October 13, 2015, 11:47:54 AM
I live in Vancouver, Canada. I would LOVE to see Helloween live. But I doubt they'll ever come here. I've seen Maiden play. It's too bad they couldn't hitch along a Maiden tour (wouldn't that be amazing?)

If I saw them play live, I'd be disappointed if they played mainly Kiske stuff. Looking at their setlists, seems like they mostly do. Have you seen their Wacken performance? its all Keepers songs, and Andi just can't do it. I wanna hear song from Gambling, Dark Ride, BTR etc. Not Doctor fucking Stein with no enthusiasm.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on October 13, 2015, 11:50:23 AM
I'd like to see them live too but it seems like their North America dates are few and far between. Not a huge market for Helloween in NA
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on October 13, 2015, 11:54:50 AM
It's too bad, because it seems like a few other Power metal bands have actually become quite popular around here lately, like Stratovarius, Blind Guardian, and of course DragonForce.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on October 15, 2015, 06:07:32 AM
Looking at the Melbourne setlist, I think it's quite weak actually.  Steel Tormentor and Where the Rain Grows are nice unique additions but that's about it.  Nothing from Gambling, and just a small snip from one song from 7 Sinners.  Poor newer songs choices too IMO.  Not enough heaviness in the set, which reflects the mood of the new album I guess.  Might go, I don't know, not fussed though.

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/helloween/2015/170-russell-melbourne-australia-6bf456be.html
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on October 15, 2015, 06:16:32 AM
That medley looks horrific.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on October 15, 2015, 06:40:34 AM
Yeah, I Can in there after Sole Survivor and before Are You Metal just seems weird.

Just not digging this at all.  Heroes and Russian Roule were two of the weaker tracks from the new one.  Waiting For the Thunder was a decent melodic rock song but would never expect it in a live setting.  Actually, Lost in America doesn't need to be played live either.  Power's been done before, as has Mr Torture.  As I said, Steel Tormentor and Where the Rain Grows the only exciting additions.  Nothing from Keeper 3 either.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Mladen on October 15, 2015, 07:55:58 AM
I saw a very similar set, most of the songs were a lot of fun live. The medley is quite messy, though.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on October 15, 2015, 09:47:53 AM
Looking at the Melbourne setlist, I think it's quite weak actually.  Steel Tormentor and Where the Rain Grows are nice unique additions but that's about it.  Nothing from Gambling, and just a small snip from one song from 7 Sinners.  Poor newer songs choices too IMO.  Not enough heaviness in the set, which reflects the mood of the new album I guess.  Might go, I don't know, not fussed though.

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/helloween/2015/170-russell-melbourne-australia-6bf456be.html

Yeah, all my favourite songs from the new one weren't played at my show. The title track works wonderfully — Deris lets people sing in the middle — but in the same setlist with Power it's a bit an overkill I think. Same for Waiting for the Thunder, it's like a weaker version of If I Could Fly for me. Also, I love Russian Roule, one of the stronger tracks from the new album, in my opinion — but they didn't play it in Russia. I don't get why, actually. It was a perfect opportunity to do that.

That medley looks horrific.

I've heard this medley live and the only thing that works is Halloween -> Sole Survivor transition. After that it's a real mess.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on October 15, 2015, 12:45:57 PM
Really cool that they're playing Steel Tormentor and Where the Rain Grows. I'd love to see them playing Falling Higher too. Apparently they rarely play anything from Gambling. That's what I've heard. Its one of their best albums. It was very much a power metal album.

From the new album, my two favorite songs are Creatures in Heaven and Claws. Anyone know if they play either of those live?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on October 15, 2015, 12:56:32 PM
Really cool that they're playing Steel Tormentor and Where the Rain Grows. I'd love to see them playing Falling Higher too. Apparently they rarely play anything from Gambling. That's what I've heard. Its one of their best albums. It was very much a power metal album.

From the new album, my two favorite songs are Creatures in Heaven and Claws. Anyone know if they play either of those live?

They don't, at least from what I know.

My two favourites are The Swing of a Fallen World and Stay Crazy, and they don't play those two either. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on October 15, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
Some of their best songs they never ever play. Its a shame. Look at Maiden, they play everything.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on October 15, 2015, 04:14:55 PM
Some of their best songs they never ever play. Its a shame. Look at Maiden, they play everything.

Huh?

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on October 15, 2015, 09:07:01 PM
Really cool that they're playing Steel Tormentor and Where the Rain Grows. I'd love to see them playing Falling Higher too. Apparently they rarely play anything from Gambling. That's what I've heard. Its one of their best albums. It was very much a power metal album.

From the new album, my two favorite songs are Creatures in Heaven and Claws. Anyone know if they play either of those live?

They don't, at least from what I know.

My two favourites are The Swing of a Fallen World and Stay Crazy, and they don't play those two either. :lol

Swing of a Fallen World and Stay Crazy are my two favorites as well.  Stay Crazy is catchy as hell.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on October 15, 2015, 10:39:53 PM
Those two would be up there for me also.  The two notepad listed are great too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on October 16, 2015, 11:33:21 AM
Some of their best songs they never ever play. Its a shame. Look at Maiden, they play everything.

Exactly what it sounds like. Maiden releases an album with a bunch of awesome songs and actually plays most of them live.

Helloween mainly play the more commercial sounding and mainstream songs off of their new albums mainly. But they have some really great slightly longer and more complicated songs they never play except maybe once or something. Like Dreambound, Salvation, The Tune..... I mean what's the deal Helloween?? Huh??
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Art on November 14, 2016, 05:50:39 AM
So, it´s official now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg9ZOyDfYIA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg9ZOyDfYIA)

Helloween will be touring with the current formation + Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske.

The first show is here in Brazil, i will be attending for sure!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on November 14, 2016, 06:11:36 AM
I would have been pissed if Deris was asked to step down. This is the best solution.

I wonder if both singers will sing their own songs or if they'll attempt to play some of the other one's songs, excluding the inevitable duets.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on November 14, 2016, 09:21:36 AM
This is awesome. I'm also glad Andi is included, because he is the current and IMO better vocalist for Helloween. It would be awesome if they did an album too.

Maybe they'll get Kiske to sing parts of King For Thousand Years, Occasion Avenue, and My Life For One More Day in order to create some real finality too the Keepers saga.

Hope they come to Canada. But it will be kind of sad to see such a glorious reunion playing in such a small venue, because in North America they certainly won't be playing stadiums.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on November 14, 2016, 09:41:59 AM
Wow, this is huge news.  I think this is the shot in the arm that the band needs; to me they have been coming across as going through the motions for a number of years.

I'm glad everyone is on board for this and I hope a new album with both singers.  Regardless of what happens, this is very cool

I can only imagine Tim needs to take the rest of the week off work after hearing this news. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on November 14, 2016, 09:44:36 AM
 :lol

Kiske!!!!!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Mladen on November 14, 2016, 10:14:33 AM
I never thought this day would come. Amazing news.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on November 14, 2016, 12:03:58 PM
A Helloween album with both Kiske and Deris singing would be legendary. Maybe like a Allen/Lande situation.

Or at the very least hopefully a couple of duets live
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on November 14, 2016, 01:40:48 PM
Wow, awesome. I wasn't going to see Helloween on tour again if they were doing their usual album cycle / tour routine, but I definitely want to see this lineup.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on November 14, 2016, 01:41:47 PM
A Helloween album with both Kiske and Deris singing would be legendary. Maybe like a Allen/Lande situation.

Or at the very least hopefully a couple of duets live

Legendary would be Kiske and Kiske singing!!!!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: ZKX-2099 on November 14, 2016, 01:56:11 PM
Okay so 2016 is now a lock for best year ever.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on November 14, 2016, 02:10:24 PM
So, it´s official now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg9ZOyDfYIA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg9ZOyDfYIA)
 

That literally gave me goosebumps!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on November 14, 2016, 03:10:00 PM
Maybe they'll get Kiske to sing parts of King For Thousand Years, Occasion Avenue, and My Life For One More Day in order to create some real finality too the Keepers saga.

I was thinking too about Kiske having a go with King for a Thousand Years! Even though the lyrics are entirely from the point of view of the devil from start to finish so it would be weird to have two different people singing it.

I wonder how they'll approach the show, the press release say it will be nearly three hours - will they do a mini-Avantasia with Kiske and Deris coming and going, or it's gonna be the Deris set, the Kiske set and then the inevitable duets in the encore? there are many combinations, and I hope both Halloween and Keeper of the Seven Keys will make the set. Also some love for the other Kiske albums would be nice, Kids of the Century and Giants could be two realistic choices.

EDIT: another thought... not even Iron Maiden announced one year before their reunion tour, they got back together in February 1999 and in spring they were already on tour, summer at the latest. They've announced NOW the first date in OCTOBER 2017, 11 months away, what are they gonna do until then? does Kai Hansen have a new Gamma Ray album and tour already planned? until October 2017 there's time for writing, recording and releasing with the proper promotion a new studio album, it feels anticlimatic however to have Helloween have just another studio album and then go on tour with Kiske... I hope for more details in the future!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on November 14, 2016, 03:13:49 PM
I wonder how they'll approach the show, the press release say it will be nearly three hours - will they do a mini-Avantasia with Kiske and Deris coming and going, or it's gonna be the Deris set, the Kiske set and then the inevitable duets in the encore? there are many combinations, and I hope both Halloween and Keeper of the Seven Keys will make the set. Also some love for the other Kiske albums would be nice, Kids of the Century and Giants could be two realistic choices.

All great tunes!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on November 14, 2016, 03:59:15 PM
I was surprised at the October 2017 start date for the tour as well.  I would like to think this means they are all heading into the studio early 2017 for a summer album release.  But I guess we will have to wait for more details.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on November 14, 2016, 04:00:43 PM
What happens if I have a heart attack before then??
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on November 14, 2016, 04:05:45 PM
What happens if I have a heart attack before then??

I will pay for any life support that is required.  You will see Helloween with Kiske again!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on November 14, 2016, 04:13:42 PM
I know I just posted this on the previous page albeit a year ago, but I'm posting it again. So happy! Brothers in arms!! Actually I wouldn't let him go! :lol

(https://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z246/TACPics/MK.jpg) (https://s195.photobucket.com/user/TACPics/media/MK.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on November 14, 2016, 04:19:30 PM
I know you said who he was before, but I can't remember.  Who is the heavy set million dollar man Ted Dibiase to your right?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on November 14, 2016, 04:33:57 PM
He paid me the ransom when I took Kiske hostage! ;D



Seriously, I think he may have been some sort of road manager.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on November 14, 2016, 04:36:11 PM
All Tim had to do was offer the manager some money to buy some donuts and Kiske was his for the day.  Who looks happier - Kiske or the guy with Tim's cash?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on November 14, 2016, 04:41:04 PM
I never noticed how small that cup looks next to that dude's stomach. ;D One gulp!

I wish I was 19 again.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on November 14, 2016, 04:45:54 PM
And somebody in the bottom right is trying desperately to photo bomb the picture, but they are too late
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on November 14, 2016, 04:49:11 PM
I'm a Deris era fan more than a Kiske era fan, but to me it feels a bit less epic with Deris there, and it only being a world tour too.  I'm happy Deris and Gertsner are still involved though, show the class of all involved.  Would have rathered Roland and Uli though, but that was never on the cards and never will.

An album though as j said like an Allen/Lande style however would be incredible.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on November 14, 2016, 04:50:17 PM


And somebody in the bottom right is trying desperately to photo bomb the picture, but they are too late

I just wish Kai and Markus were looking at the camera. Anyway, I got the money shot with Michael.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: devieira73 on November 14, 2016, 05:01:46 PM
I was surprised at the October 2017 start date for the tour as well.  I would like to think this means they are all heading into the studio early 2017 for a summer album release.  But I guess we will have to wait for more details.
Wow, this would be really awesome! And it would very interesting to see the diversity offered from both Deris and Kiske in the same album :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on November 14, 2016, 05:05:21 PM
I like that they paid homage to Ingo in the video.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Mladen on November 15, 2016, 11:09:59 AM
I wonder how they'll approach the show, the press release say it will be nearly three hours - will they do a mini-Avantasia with Kiske and Deris coming and going, or it's gonna be the Deris set, the Kiske set and then the inevitable duets in the encore? there are many combinations, and I hope both Halloween and Keeper of the Seven Keys will make the set. Also some love for the other Kiske albums would be nice, Kids of the Century and Giants could be two realistic choices.

All great tunes!
Yes. While Halloween and Keeper are classic tunes, Kids and Giants would absolutely floor me. Those songs are wonderful.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on November 15, 2016, 12:25:13 PM
Maybe they'll give in to the commercial temptation of doing a Greatest Hits, but spice it up with a couple of original songs, which sounds more realistic than Kiske taking part in the recording of a full album. One new song with Kiske, one new song with Deris, a duet and maybe a re-recorded version of a Walls of Jericho song.

Of course an entire new album would be wonderful, but I'm afraid it makes no sense to announce the tour and then a month later saying "oh, btw, we're also recording a new album!"
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Art on November 16, 2016, 05:53:26 AM
Just bought my ticket to the Sao Paulo show!  :metal

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on November 16, 2016, 09:34:11 AM
If they played anything from Pink bubbles it would be Kids of the Century.

It would be a dream come true if Kiske sang some Deris era songs that sound like they were written for Kiske or a Keepers album, like Salvation or All Over The Nation's.

I wouldn't be surprised if Kiske made an appearance on the next Helloween record. But I'd be disappointed if he replaced Deris since I much prefer him. Ill take Time of The Oath and Master Of The Rings over Keepers 1&2 anyway. Those and albums like Gambling do Keepers style power metal better then the Keepers themselves. I know a lot of Deris haters will be coming out of the shadows now, and I'll argue them to death!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on November 16, 2016, 09:55:51 AM
You'll have an ally in me, Deris fanboy here!  :metal

I always liked him, I think that coming after Kiske "ruined" his chances, but he's basically the most underrated singer in metal.

He has his own style without being anyone's clone, he's an accomplished songwriter, and, I cannot state this enough, he's an excellent frontman - one of the very best in heavy metal, he's an absolutely great entertainer and he's the main reason why I enjoy Helloween concerts.

Also, quality over quantity, and 10 St Angers don't make a Master of Puppets... bu Kiske in the end has been there for 6 years and four albums, two of them generally not liked. Deris he's there since 22 bloody years, he has surpassed Kiske in years of tenure and albums released more than once. Deris is the ultimate singer of Helloween, not Kiske, which of course doesn't take away from the fact that the Keepers always were and always will be the most important albums in the band's history.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on November 16, 2016, 10:03:05 AM
I'm not a Deris hater, in fact I like the man and Helloween put out some great albums with him as a frontman. I will be the first to admit it.

However, no album does "Keepers style power metal" better than those two Keeper albums, at least for me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on November 20, 2016, 09:52:03 AM
If they do record anything new with Kiske, Weiki should write it, because he's the member writing the most classic  Helloween style material. Or Marcus. Even though I'm a huge Deris fan and prefer his stuff, a classic sounding song with Kiske would be awesome.

I'm almost certain that on their next album we will at least get an appearance by Kiske. Even if they did replace him for Andi, that ship has sailed. 15 years ago it would have been big but Helloween is different now. This tour is the way to go.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on November 28, 2016, 01:15:52 PM
Bouncing a bit 'cause I had weird ideas about the show while in the shower  :biggrin:

As awesome the lineup is, there's still the issue of the god-like status that Kiske will have, coronating more than 20 years of dreams by both those those who have seen him back in the day, and those who didn't. He's by far and away the biggest attraction of the tour, if Kai Hansen skips because he needs to bring the metal to Mars or something, people would still go to see Kiske.

So this puts Deris in a bit of disadvantage, he's still the house keeper and "master of ceremonies" so to speak, but for once he will not be the main attraction with the spotlight on him.

If they split the sets, letting Kiske sing his songs and then Deris sing his own... case one, Kiske starts and then people will be bored through the Deris songs. Deris starts, people will anticipate Kiske all the time.

The best solution is to approach it the Avantasia way, with singers coming and going, and they should alternate between 2-3 songs each.

Still, who goes first? Kiske opens with the first song, and everyone forget that Deris will be there as well. Deris opens up, and still people will want Kiske to show up asap. So the best solution is a duet.

On which song? they should go for HALLOWEEN.

First of all, it's a kickass and bold opener. You come to the show to see the enlarged line-up, Walls of Jericho inevitable intro and them BAM..... 13 minutes of german power metal straight in your face!!! It was insanely awesome when they did it in 2007, and to see Kiske and Deris coming out together would make  the HD awesomeness of 2007 a 4K awesomeness ten years later.

I can also picture half the song duties in my head: Deris would just shout at the beginning "Masquerade, masquerade!" with Kiske having the first verse, he can have the second. Deris also is more suited for the more sinister parts of the song, like the "I am the one, doom's in my hands" section... and what comes after, "I'll show you passion and glory - he is the snake" begs for a duet.

Then after Halloween they can alternate two-three songs each, Deris for me is still the house singer so he should be the one, after this imaginary duet, to say "Ladies and gentlemen please welcome back Michael Kiske". It feels weird to think the other way around, Kiske introducing Deris as first dialogue with the audience. And then they can swap songs back and forth - Keeper of the Seven Keys would work well as a set closer - and I guess the very last song will be another duet with I Want Out, with Kiske holding out the looooooooooong note at the last chorus while Deris sings it.


...am I daydreaming too much?  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on November 28, 2016, 01:18:45 PM
He's by far and away the biggest attraction of the tour, if Kai Hansen skips because he needs to bring the metal to Mars or something, people would still go to see Kiske.

:lol

I wouldn't mind if they'd open with Halloween. In fact, I wouldn't mind this at all. It's going to be damn awesome if they would.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on November 28, 2016, 01:28:29 PM
Thinking about Kiske while in the shower. Nope. I have no issue with that at all! :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on December 07, 2016, 11:06:13 AM
Why don't they ever play songs from Gambling With The Devil? Weiki says the Saints is too hard to play live, and I assume it's the same with a lot of the other songs. But is he just being lazy? This You'd think they could at least play Paint a New World or Final Fortune.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on December 07, 2016, 03:24:04 PM
Paint a New World is a great tune, maybe the best off that album.  It would be cool to hear that one live but it's the same case with all bands with huge discographies, you just play the best of the best and/or whats in demand to hear live.

With next years reunion shows, it will be very interesting to see what songs make the set list.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Samsara on December 07, 2016, 03:25:43 PM
Yeah. Probably got to wait and see how they split it all up. I mean, I'm no fan of Pink Bubbles Go Ape or Chameleon, So I hope the Kiske material is Keeper 1 and 2 heavy. I'd imagine the rest would be a best of from the Deris years... Hopefully Dark Ride gets some love.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on December 07, 2016, 03:29:50 PM
Dark Ride just might be my favorite Helloween disc of them all, so I hope they include some material.

If they are heavy on the Keeper albums for Kiske, and lean towards Master, Oath, Better then Raw and Dark Ride for Deris, I would be content for sure!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Samsara on December 07, 2016, 03:31:09 PM
Dark Ride just might be my favorite Helloween disc of them all, so I hope they include some material.

If they are heavy on the Keeper albums for Kiske, and lean towards Master, Oath, Better then Raw and Dark Ride for Deris, I would be content for sure!

Agreed 1000 percent on all of those.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on December 07, 2016, 03:49:12 PM
Why don't they ever play songs from Gambling With The Devil? Weiki says the Saints is too hard to play live, and I assume it's the same with a lot of the other songs. But is he just being lazy? This You'd think they could at least play Paint a New World or Final Fortune.

They still haven't released an album since Gambling with the Devil that I like more than it. Straight out of Hell comes close but it's more inconsistent. Gambling is one of their best albums, their best since 10 years, and they've played 2-3 songs max in the proper tour off it, it's a shame!

I wholeheartedly agree that Paint a New World and Final Fortune would be awesome songs to play live. I'd also like Kill It but the song title would probably just describe what would happen to Deris' voice. Also Dreambound is a wonderful track.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Scorpion on December 07, 2016, 04:26:44 PM
Dreambound and The Saints would be my picks for live songs from Gambling. I never thought that The Saints would be substantially more difficult than other Helloween songs, but I'm no guitarist.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on December 07, 2016, 04:40:26 PM
Even though I have all of the Deris albums, I'm ashamed to say that other than a handful of tracks, I really cannot recognize references to the Deris material.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Samsara on December 07, 2016, 05:30:38 PM
Even though I have all of the Deris albums, I'm ashamed to say that other than a handful of tracks, I really cannot recognize references to the Deris material.

Im not big on em either, Tim. No shame. I have all the records, and like a few, but i dont know individual songs from the Deris catalog. Kiske, to me, will alwaya be Helloweens proper frontman, even if Deris has been in the band for 20+ years. Lol

And no disrespect to Andi. I just like Michael's voice more. It is more dynamic.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on December 07, 2016, 08:19:41 PM
Gambling has some strong tracks in the first half back the back half especially from IME is a bit hit or miss for me.  Never got the love for Dreambound.  The 2 bonus tracks however are 2 of the best IMO.  The first 5 songs however are amazing.

I'm a huge fan of 7 Sinners, really underrated that one.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on January 02, 2017, 12:21:08 PM
First picture of the reunited / enlarged band.

Deris is so happy to be there.
Kiske has that little smug smile with a "So, I heard you missed me, uh?" vibe.
Kai Hansen got the wrong reunion, he tought it was the Motley Crue one.

(https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/15732558_10154216105833907_3844612951346595483_o.jpg?oh=b6d02257152a134a12fe03ea3d1f7494&oe=591D8818)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on January 02, 2017, 12:25:46 PM

Kai Hansen got the wrong reunion, he tought it was the Motley Crue one.

 :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Mladen on January 03, 2017, 04:35:14 AM
Dear God, Kai...  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on January 03, 2017, 04:46:23 AM
Kai's wigs are just getting worse and worse.

Sascha is also saying to himself, "I don't think I'm suppose to be here."

I'd really like to know what Deris thinks of all this too.  He probably always knew it was going to happen one day.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on January 03, 2017, 05:45:13 AM
Just don't ask me the details but I remember reading an interview - or it was a youtube video, I swear I can remember Deris talking about it and making gestures - where he said that he wasn't opposing at least an encore reunion, he would step out of the stage to let Kiske sings 2-3 songs.

Of course a whole co-starring tour is on a whole another level, he never said a bad thing about Kiske and he always seemed confident about his role and status in the band, so if he survived 20 years with the Kiske-only "extremists", I think he will survive a tour with the spotlight entirely on Michi.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Mladen on January 03, 2017, 10:53:27 AM
Deris seems like a down-to-Earth guy to me. I would think he as a Helloween fan is very excited about this reunion and thinks of it as a great event.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on January 03, 2017, 05:27:35 PM
Just don't ask me the details but I remember reading an interview - or it was a youtube video, I swear I can remember Deris talking about it and making gestures - where he said that he wasn't opposing at least an encore reunion, he would step out of the stage to let Kiske sings 2-3 songs.

Of course a whole co-starring tour is on a whole another level, he never said a bad thing about Kiske and he always seemed confident about his role and status in the band, so if he survived 20 years with the Kiske-only "extremists", I think he will survive a tour with the spotlight entirely on Michi.

Yeah, I never thought his place in the band was under threat and if he is positive about this, then all seems cool.

I don't think Michael would ever join the band full time again anyway.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on January 03, 2017, 05:33:42 PM
I can't believe he is working with Weikath again.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Polarbear on January 04, 2017, 01:50:27 AM
Haven't seen Helloween live in ages, but i have to see them on this tour!

I'm secretly hoping that they don't divide the show into "Deris" and "Kiske" sets. I want them all to be on stage at the same time.

Imagine Kiske and Deris singing something like, If i Could Fly or Light the Universe together!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on January 04, 2017, 02:40:55 AM
All duets would be overkill, I think they should do a mini-Avantasia and have them rotating continously, Kiske sings 2 songs, Deris 2 others, then the occasional duet, and so on.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on January 04, 2017, 04:02:35 AM
All duets would be overkill, I think they should do a mini-Avantasia and have them rotating continously, Kiske sings 2 songs, Deris 2 others, then the occasional duet, and so on.

Great idea.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Polarbear on January 04, 2017, 06:33:19 AM
All duets would be overkill, I think they should do a mini-Avantasia and have them rotating continously, Kiske sings 2 songs, Deris 2 others, then the occasional duet, and so on.

Great idea.

That sounds pretty realistic. I'd love to see something like this.

1. Starlight (Kiske)
2. Eagle Fly Free (Kiske)
3. Open Your Life (Deris)
4. Sole Survivor (Deris)
5. Born on Judgement Day (Both)

6. A Little Time (Kiske)
7. Dr. Stein (Kiske)
8. A Handful of Pain (Deris)
9. As Long As i Fall (Deris)
10. The Dark Ride (Both)

11. Ride The Sky (Kiske)
12. I Want Out (Kiske)
13. Who is Mr. Madman? (Deris)
14. Wake Up the Mountain (Deris)
15. A King for a 1000 Years (Both)

Encore;
16. If i Could Fly (Both)
17. A Tale That Wasn't Right (Both)
18. Light The Universe (Both)
19. Keeper of the Seven Keys (Both)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Evermind on January 04, 2017, 06:47:15 AM
This looks fine to me on the first glance, I'd gladly hear this setlist. But I really wish they won't let Deris sing A Tale That Wasn't Right. If there is a song that should feature Kiske solo, that's the one for me. I really dislike Deris' interpretation of this song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Art on January 04, 2017, 07:16:33 AM
Hey, if Hansen is there, let him sing Starlight and Ride The Sky!

(ok, i know his voice is kinda ruined, but maybe it's enough to sing 2 songs live)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on January 04, 2017, 07:41:31 AM
On the last tour, Helloween opened up with two Kiske songs and closed with two Kiske songs. And that was it. Everything else in between was Deris material.

I would suppose that Deris, while maybe not being sick of Kiske's song, is well pleased to sing his own song and with Kiske himself in the tour, would step away from his song just as Kiske would not sing his ones.

As I said earlier, my wet dream is an opening duet on Halloween. The majesty of the song as opener would floor everyone, having both starting would solve the problem of "Where is Kiske on the first song" rather than "Deris is not there, who cares", and after all it suits a duet, I can already imagine Deris being all theatrical and menacing on "I'll show you passion and glory" with Kiske doing the "He's the snake" part, just to make an example.

Closing song will probably be I Want Out, another duet. And I'm all for Hansen singing one or two of his songs!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: NotePad on January 04, 2017, 10:44:29 AM
Three ta ton of stuff I'd love to see them play live. As much as I live and respect Weiki, I truly believe he doesn't have enough drive to play certain tougher songs live. I don't want to use the word lazy.... I'm basing this on things he's said in interviews. Maybe Kai will help bring some of these songs out on the live stage. There's a lot Pretty much everything from Gambling With The Devil and Rabbit Don't Come Easy. Why would they never play The Tune? It's basically this generation's Eagle Fly Free, without the popularity of course.

I'm disappointed that it will be a longer wait till their next album. It's usually every two years but I assume this reunion tour will push back any future release.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on January 04, 2017, 03:41:55 PM
All duets would be overkill, I think they should do a mini-Avantasia and have them rotating continously, Kiske sings 2 songs, Deris 2 others, then the occasional duet, and so on.

Great idea.

That sounds pretty realistic. I'd love to see something like this.

1. Starlight (Kiske)
2. Eagle Fly Free (Kiske)
3. Open Your Life (Deris)
4. Sole Survivor (Deris)
5. Born on Judgement Day (Both)

6. A Little Time (Kiske)
7. Dr. Stein (Kiske)
8. A Handful of Pain (Deris)
9. As Long As i Fall (Deris)
10. The Dark Ride (Both)

11. Ride The Sky (Kiske)
12. I Want Out (Kiske)
13. Who is Mr. Madman? (Deris)
14. Wake Up the Mountain (Deris)
15. A King for a 1000 Years (Both)

Encore;
16. If i Could Fly (Both)
17. A Tale That Wasn't Right (Both)
18. Light The Universe (Both)
19. Keeper of the Seven Keys (Both)

Take out Light the Universe and you have a pretty solid set there.  Love the obscure choices of Madman, Handful of Pain, Mountain and especially Open Your Life.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: TAC on January 04, 2017, 03:42:39 PM
I'd be cool if Deris does the soundcheck and Kiske does the concert. ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: bl5150 on January 04, 2017, 03:47:42 PM
I'd be cool if Deris does the soundcheck and Kiske does the concert. ;D

 :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on January 04, 2017, 04:02:55 PM
I'd be cool if Deris does the soundcheck and Kiske does the concert. ;D

(https://orig02.deviantart.net/6f60/f/2010/300/2/4/oh_you_by_doom1272-d31mb3c.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on January 04, 2017, 06:13:33 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Samsara on January 05, 2017, 09:04:42 AM
Personally, I don't think Kiske or Deris should be singing the material that the other recorded, unless it was in a shared role (which I would leave for the encore).

Whatever Kiske recorded, let him sing it. Whatever Deris recorded, let him sing it. I wouldn't do separate sets, I'd just bring each singer on and off the stage, and alternate, unifying at the encore to do something together.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on January 05, 2017, 04:15:22 PM
Personally, I don't think Kiske or Deris should be singing the material that the other recorded, unless it was in a shared role (which I would leave for the encore).

Whatever Kiske recorded, let him sing it. Whatever Deris recorded, let him sing it. I wouldn't do separate sets, I'd just bring each singer on and off the stage, and alternate, unifying at the encore to do something together.

I agree with all this.  I don't think Michael would want to come in and learn songs sung by Deris anyway.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on January 05, 2017, 05:52:34 PM
I think it will end up being a pretty safe set list with both Kiske and Deris singing songs from their own eras. But I'm sure there will be one or two duets and that song selection should be interesting
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on January 06, 2017, 04:16:37 AM
I'd be let down if at the very least there won't be one out of Keeper of the Seven Keys or Halloween.

I wonder if Kiske will sing songs from his other non-Keeper albums... Kids of the Century probably stands a chance, I don't think they will dig up Giants from Chameleon, even though I'd love it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on January 06, 2017, 04:21:09 AM
Do you think they will have Kai sing anything from Walls of Jericho and have three vocalists share the gig?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on January 06, 2017, 04:23:21 AM
When Gamma Ray supported Helloween for the second time they had a medley of Halloween (Deris singing), How Many Tears (duet) and Heavy Metal is the Law (Hansen singing), I hope that Kai gets to sing at least one song, Heavy Metal is the Law would be the perfect pick.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on January 06, 2017, 04:27:11 AM
Yeah Heavy Metal is the Law would definitely fit in perfectly
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Art on January 06, 2017, 04:28:07 AM
Kai has to sing something. And for non-Keepers Kiske albuns, i would like to see The Chance (maybe?) Giants (pls!!) or When The Sinner (impossible  :lol ) played live.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on January 06, 2017, 04:32:38 AM
For fun I try to come up with a realistic, greatest-hits-ey but still with a couple of rare songs promised setlist. All songs are meant to be sang by their original singers unless a duet is stated.

Intro (Walls of Jericho)
Halloween (duet)
Eagle Fly Free
Dr. Stein
Sole Survivor
Nabatea
March of Time
Twilight of the Gods
A Tale that wasn't Right (acoustic)
Forever and One (acoustic)
The King for a Thousand Years
Kids of the Century
I'm Alive
If I Could Fly
Waiting for the Thunder
Power
We Got the Right
Keeper of the Seven Keys
============
Heavy Metal is the Law
Future World
I Want Out (duet)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on January 06, 2017, 04:35:06 AM
I love Kai singing Ride the Sky.  Not sure he could do it anymore, but he just makes that song.  Maybe he could pull out something cool like Warrior, great song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: MirrorMask on January 06, 2017, 04:39:29 AM
Back in 2003 they played (obviously with Deris) Starlight and Murderer, but my wet dream is Victim of Fate. Fantastic song, and I mean the original one, Kiske is a vocal god but doesn't convey, in his version, the brutal and raw power of Kai's version. It's a shame it's not a "hit" song off the debut 'cause it's just wonderful.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on January 06, 2017, 04:42:14 AM
Back in 2003 they played (obviously with Deris) Starlight and Murderer, but my wet dream is Victim of Fate. Fantastic song, and I mean the original one, Kiske is a vocal god but doesn't convey, in his version, the brutal and raw power of Kai's version. It's a shame it's not a "hit" song off the debut 'cause it's just wonderful.

The version on Gamma Ray's Skeletons in the Closet is fucking brilliant.


For fun I try to come up with a realistic, greatest-hits-ey but still with a couple of rare songs promised setlist. All songs are meant to be sang by their original singers unless a duet is stated.

Intro (Walls of Jericho)
Halloween (duet)
Eagle Fly Free
Dr. Stein
Sole Survivor
Nabatea
March of Time
Twilight of the Gods
A Tale that wasn't Right (acoustic)
Forever and One (acoustic)
The King for a Thousand Years
Kids of the Century
I'm Alive
If I Could Fly
Waiting for the Thunder
Power
We Got the Right
Keeper of the Seven Keys
============
Heavy Metal is the Law
Future World
I Want Out (duet)

Pretty good, but I think it could use 1 or 2 more MOTR-Rabbit era songs.  Good call on the SOOH songs though.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on January 06, 2017, 04:47:33 AM
It's a shame they aren't spending the next few months and make a new studio album with everyone involved.  The start date of the tour gives them lots of time and this would give them an opportunity to play a couple new tunes.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Samsara on January 06, 2017, 08:05:16 AM
Perhaps the tour is a test for their ability to work together. If successful, i wouldnt rule out a record.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Polarbear on January 06, 2017, 08:55:08 AM
Perhaps the tour is a test for their ability to work together. If successful, i wouldnt rule out a record.

Agreed.

Also it isn't that far fetched to think, that they may have recorded something already. Maybe song or two for this new tour?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on January 06, 2017, 08:56:38 AM
Perhaps the tour is a test for their ability to work together. If successful, i wouldnt rule out a record.

Hopefully.  If not, it seems like a lost opportunity not to make an album. 

I can't see the egos in this band being that out of control at this point of their careers which would cause this reunion to derail.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: Samsara on January 06, 2017, 09:02:39 AM
Being part German (albeit a small part), I can say never underestimate the egos of Germans.  :lol

That said, yeah, I mean, too much time has passed for anyone in that group to hold grudges. Time is running out on all of them, and they know it. I think that spurred this united tour, and hopefully, if all goes well and smooth, it will mean a united record. I like Deris, but Kiske has such a unique voice that to me, signified Helloween. That balance of humor, heaviness, his soaring wail, it just made Helloween. Deris' contributions have been great as well, but not the same to my ear. But a united Helloween with two lead singers that compliment one another tonally (and they do)? I am ALL IN.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: wolfking on January 06, 2017, 12:57:22 PM
It's a shame they aren't spending the next few months and make a new studio album with everyone involved.  The start date of the tour gives them lots of time and this would give them an opportunity to play a couple new tunes.

Maybe they are in secret!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. My God Given Right - New album in May
Post by: jjrock88 on January 06, 2017, 01:26:19 PM
Whammy!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on January 08, 2017, 04:04:06 AM
Italian page but you don't need to know italian to look at pictures:

https://www.metal.it/note.aspx/52446/helloween-guarda-le-prime-foto-della-reunion-pumpkins-united/

Three more shots of the enlarged line-up, it's heartwarming to see Kiske and Deris smiling together  :hat
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on January 08, 2017, 02:24:26 PM
Really great pics.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on January 08, 2017, 02:31:16 PM
 :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on January 08, 2017, 04:29:10 PM
Italian page but you don't need to know italian to look at pictures:

https://www.metal.it/note.aspx/52446/helloween-guarda-le-prime-foto-della-reunion-pumpkins-united/

Three more shots of the enlarged line-up, it's heartwarming to see Kiske and Deris smiling together  :hat

OK, first of all, Deris isn't smiling.

In the Classic Lineup, Weikath's back is turned to the rest of the band and he is not smiling either.
I realize that this does not happen without Weiki signing off on it, but he looks less than happy in these photos.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: bl5150 on January 08, 2017, 04:35:45 PM
Weikath has actually looked quite sickly and frail to me in a few of the photos.  :-\
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on January 09, 2017, 04:34:25 AM
Italian page but you don't need to know italian to look at pictures:

https://www.metal.it/note.aspx/52446/helloween-guarda-le-prime-foto-della-reunion-pumpkins-united/

Three more shots of the enlarged line-up, it's heartwarming to see Kiske and Deris smiling together  :hat

OK, first of all, Deris isn't smiling.

In the Classic Lineup, Weikath's back is turned to the rest of the band and he is not smiling either.
I realize that this does not happen without Weiki signing off on it, but he looks less than happy in these photos.

But, when has he actually looked happy?

I don't get any negative vibes from Deris either, he looks fine.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on January 09, 2017, 04:49:30 AM
Speaking of Deris, I've been cranking his last solo album and I think it's fucking great.  Typical Deris written style tunes, but some brilliant melodies and some nice in your face heavy songs too. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: bl5150 on January 09, 2017, 05:03:36 AM
Speaking of Deris, I've been cranking his last solo album and I think it's fucking great.  Typical Deris written style tunes, but some brilliant melodies and some nice in your face heavy songs too.

The Bad Bankers one?   My memory is that it started off pretty awful , had a couple of killers in the middle and then was very solid to the end.   Not often that I really dislike the first few songs and then enjoy the rest on an album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on January 09, 2017, 11:33:51 AM
I've never checked out any of Deris' solo albums, but I enjoyed everything I heard that he released with Pink Cream 69.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on January 09, 2017, 11:40:18 AM
Well, seems our assumptions were wrong!

(https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15873116_10208052783785069_2085130190881856680_n.jpg?oh=9deb926ee466535ec382b44e1b200de0&oe=58E305E2)

I don't really like the idea. I'm a 100% Deris fanboy and I consider him the ultimate Helloween singer, but since Kiske is around, why force Deris to sing yet again Eagle Fly Free or Dr. Stein? duets are fine, but let Kiske sing his own songs without "robbing" Andi of one of his. All duets would be overkill.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on January 09, 2017, 11:42:33 AM
They might as well shake things up and go crazy splitting the vocals, it would be more interesting.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on January 09, 2017, 12:15:47 PM
I love Hansen's comments!

Have two singers sing all the time, with Hansen (and possibly Sascha) doing backing vocals.

Go crazy with the singing department!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on January 09, 2017, 01:21:30 PM
I will be happy regardless, but have a strong preference not to hear Deris do Kiske-era Helloween. Some fans, like myself, have been waiting decades for this, and as much as I respect Deris -- he's sang those songs fronting Helloween already. Let the guy whose voice put Helloween on the map sing the songs of his era.

Again, I'll be elated either way, but I'd prefer they stick to their eras, except for an encore.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on January 09, 2017, 01:49:43 PM
Right. I did not wait 30 f'n years to see Eagle Fly Free, only to have it sung by Andi Deris!


I don't get any negative vibes from Deris either, he looks fine.

I didn't either. I was just commenting on MirrorMask's comment that Deris was smiling, which he was not.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on January 09, 2017, 02:13:45 PM
It's too bad this tour isn't starting this spring!

We need some set list answers!! lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on January 09, 2017, 03:03:37 PM
Deris solely singing something like Dr Stein and Kiske singing one of Andi's songs shows the band are all in good spirits with this tour and fitting in well with each other, but really seems like a bit of a piss take to the fans really.  I think he might be meaning that some of the Kiske songs will be duets.  Would be hard to see Kiske out the back while Andi sings Eagle.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 08, 2017, 04:27:30 AM
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/michael-kiske-explains-decision-to-reunite-with-helloween-i-cant-really-be-angry-anymore/

New, really informative interview with Kiske.  Worht a read.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on February 08, 2017, 04:32:17 AM
I wanted to post that, when I saw this thread upped I figured it would be that link  :D

Interesting read indeed, I would have never guessed that Roland Grapow was actually approached. It's also cool what he says about the positive message of being all together without booting Deris or Gerstner.

In a sense it's like the Iron Maiden reunion, Gers was there for 10 years and he was a nice bloke and it would have been cruel to sack him just for Adrian, and it would have been equally nonsense to ask Deris to step down after 22 years.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on February 08, 2017, 04:40:04 AM
Kiske comes across as a real class act
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on February 08, 2017, 09:12:34 AM
Kiske comes across as a real class act

Agreed. I mean, that interview really shows that he just realized, after all this time, it wasn't worth holding grudges and embraced the opportunities in front of him. Remember when Kiske was anti-metal? Same thing - I think he realized that he was being ridiculous, and embraced who he is, and got comfortable in his own skin.

I really can't wait for the U.S. dates for this. I won't miss it, even if I have to travel a little.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 08, 2017, 02:42:18 PM
I find it hard to believe that Roland was approached for this.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on February 08, 2017, 02:58:52 PM
I find it hard to believe that Roland was approached for this.

Speaking of Roland, is Masterplan worth checking out, and if so, which record?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on February 08, 2017, 03:09:09 PM
Easily the debut with Jorn Lande.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on February 08, 2017, 03:13:18 PM
Yes the debut for sure. One song even has Kiske sharing the vocals
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on February 08, 2017, 03:16:16 PM
Thanks. I'll look at picking that one up then.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 08, 2017, 03:18:28 PM
Easily the debut with Jorn Lande.

Aeronautics is almost just as good IMO.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on February 09, 2017, 11:06:33 AM
yea the first two Masterplan records are golden. Rea!ly  great power metal with a unique sound. Havent heard MKII. Time To Be King was very disappointing and lackluster. and the !ast one was decent but have a problem with the production. possibly because Roland produced it himself....im sure theyre big enough to get a bigger name producer.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on February 09, 2017, 11:44:41 AM
I don't think they wanted a big name producer.
Roland has his own studio and does a lot of work for other bands.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 09, 2017, 04:04:50 PM
I don't think they wanted a big name producer.
Roland has his own studio and does a lot of work for other bands.

Yeah he does and he's normally pretty good, but Novum Initium was a great album but the production is some of the worst I've ever heard, it's horrid.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on February 09, 2017, 05:13:01 PM
  Novum Initium was a great album 

Yes!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on February 14, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
Not new apparently, but I just saw this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WvU7D08PPg

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on February 14, 2017, 07:28:55 PM
 :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 15, 2017, 04:27:35 AM
I remember seeing those vids when they came out, cool shit.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on February 15, 2017, 08:55:40 AM
So bad ass. Never saw that before.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 16, 2017, 04:29:56 AM
Andi is a cool ass motherfucker!

https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/andi-deris-says-he-is-relieved-michael-kiske-is-back-in-helloween/

He sort of talks in places like it's a permanent thing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on February 16, 2017, 04:45:53 AM
I like how he described their relationship as being that they don't dislike each other lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 16, 2017, 04:54:46 AM
I like he's looking forward the most too having a couple of songs off and going back having a smoke and some wine and watching the rest of the guys play.  Like, who says that, what a cool ass fucker!!  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on February 16, 2017, 04:56:25 AM
Andi is a cool ass motherfucker!

https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/andi-deris-says-he-is-relieved-michael-kiske-is-back-in-helloween/

He sort of talks in places like it's a permanent thing.

If the Pumpkins United touring lineup would become the official lineup of Helloween, that would be amazing!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 16, 2017, 04:58:59 AM
Andi is a cool ass motherfucker!

https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/andi-deris-says-he-is-relieved-michael-kiske-is-back-in-helloween/

He sort of talks in places like it's a permanent thing.

If the Pumpkins United touring lineup would become the official lineup of Helloween, that would be amazing!

I don't know how I'd feel about it.  It seems too much of a novelty to become as serious full time thing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on February 16, 2017, 05:10:15 AM
On the last tour, they opened with two Kiske songs and closed with two Kiske songs, everything in between was Deris', it comes as no surprise for me to read that the's happy to let Kiske sing his own songs again.

20 years of busting his ass off through records and album shows, after having saved a dead band back in 2004, and to listen everywhere how Kiske was better for those song... I can only imagine how annoying it must have been.

I don't know if the reunion is permanent, but where could they go from here? they've been around since forever, they're not old but they play a kind of music that requires a lot of intensity (can you imagine them at 65 playing Eagle Fly Free?), it would be kinda plain to go back to the regular lineup after that.

I think it will play out like the Dio reunion with Black Sabbath, they will do the tour and if they get along fine, they will consider a new album all together. But I assume that 2019 will be Gamma Ray's year as well, they will have a break and do something else in 2020.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 16, 2017, 05:25:57 AM
it would be kinda plain to go back to the regular lineup after that.

I find this comment interesting.  I love the Deris era more than the Kiske but am loving what they are doing with this tour.  Saying that, I would be more than happy for the five current members to continue after this and record another album and go back to doing what they have been for so many years. 

I don't think it would be plain going back, but more the fact as you say, afterwards, what now?  Can they possibly go back if all goes so well.  Only time will tell, but maybe they will make some coin out of this, go back and do it another in a few years or something, who knows.  And also, would having both singers and Kai together with Weiki and the rest of the band a sustainable and productive thing long term?  As I said, this feels more like a novelty kind of thing, but who knows.  Kiske is floating around doing his other stuff and Kai is still heavy into Gamma Ray also.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on February 16, 2017, 05:40:39 AM
Yeah, I basically meant the "What now" angle... I would be perfectly OK in seeing this and then in 2020 another tour with Deris only, as I've been doing anyway since I became a fan and walking away always happy and satisfied.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on February 16, 2017, 08:18:13 AM
From what Deris said, I would anticipate this being more of a permanent thing. As long as they can pull it off money-wise (having two singers on the payroll can get expensive), I see no reason why they couldn't. Deris' comment about not having to perform the high pitched Kiske songs is hysterical. I think Andi should stick to his own era, honestly. I never cared for him singing Kiske-era tunes anyway.

So if it works out that the tour is successful, and they all get along great, and they attempt writing something together, and that all goes great, then if the money issues get sorted, I'd be pretty happy if this was permanent.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 16, 2017, 03:13:16 PM
I thought Deris was always alright on the Kiske stuff, considering how different his voice is.  I guess time will tell and the developments of this will be interesting.

Being a permanent thing live would be cool, but I think might be more harder to sustain in a studio environment.  Do you make it as jj said earlier, a permanent Allen/Lande style affair, but every album from now on would be like that, which would be a bit weird IMO.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on February 16, 2017, 03:17:45 PM
I think Helloween has become a little stale the last few releases.  I've bought them all and like them, but I think the band needed to make a change.  I can't imagine any fan wanted Andi out of the band, but by adding Kai/Michael, I can't see them upsetting any of the fanbase, but rather just making more people happy.

I think this is a good final chapter/s for the band.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 16, 2017, 03:21:22 PM
Nicely said Jason.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on February 16, 2017, 03:32:49 PM
I liked what Mushroomhead did on their last album, so I am optimistic about them doing an album with both.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on March 15, 2017, 10:28:54 AM
I love the current Helloween line-up and would be disappointed if they booted Deris for Kiske. I love the more progressive songs like Dreambound and Heaven Tells No Lies, but they dont write them like that enough and NEVER play them live.

My ideal situation would be the current line-up with the addition of Kai, and do what Maiden did. He writes really great stuff like Rebellion In Dreamland and Avalon. which is a style I'd love to hear from the current Helloween. Hell, even older Helloween too. I'v always felt Land of The Free should have been the album Helloween did after Keeper 2. Had that been so, they would have Iron Maiden status, worldwide.

As for this reunion tour. we don't need to hear more of Deris singing Kiske era songs. But Kiske singing Deris material could be awesome.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 15, 2017, 10:53:26 AM
As for this reunion tour. we don't need to hear more of Deris singing Kiske era songs.

From the latest interviews, looks like Deris is the first looking forward to this  ;D

Which Deris songs would you all want to hear from Kiske? I'd say off the top off my head:

Power (but it's his most "classic" song in a sense so he should keep it)
Where the Rain Grows
I Can
Hell was Made in Heaven
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 04, 2017, 05:43:50 AM
Dunno if it's worth posting my thoughts here, but I've had a listen to the new Helloween cover album Roland and Masterplan have done.  This has to be one of the most pointless releases I've ever come across.  I don't understand this, and to me this is just a bitter Roland having a dummy spit and saying "fuck you guys, my bands better and I'll do my songs better than they were before to spite you."

Altzi is a fine singer and really enjoyable but he has no business singing these songs, and especially the Deris ones which is surprising.  Deris cops it for his vox compared to Kiske but when someone can't get anywhere near the quality of what he does, he must be pretty special.  The Dark Ride inparticular is really terrible vocal wise.

There is just no point to this.  Half the songs no one gives a shit about, nothing too drastic with these songs to give a fuck about and the production is shit just last the last studio album.  Also, if this came out a year after a studio album as a stop gap type of release, righto, but the last studio album was in 2013 and we get this shit 4 years later bar also a crap live release.  I really love Roland and this band but this feels like he's taking the piss here.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on September 04, 2017, 12:38:41 PM
https://youtu.be/vt3XmsVYEaI
Check this out, if You didn't yet. Andi is talking about rehearsals for upcoming Pumpkins United tour and in the background you can see the setlist. It's awesome! Starlight, dr stein, Dreambound !! , Kings Will Be Kings, Halloween!!!!!, The Invisible Man !!! And many others ! Now I'm very looking forward to November!!! We have Pumpkins United in Warsaw and my ticket is waiting :)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 04, 2017, 06:47:15 PM
   I really love Roland and this band but this feels like he's taking the piss here.

 :lol

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on September 05, 2017, 02:31:38 AM
I hoped I would avoid spoilers, but oh well. Dreambound? Holy Lord!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 05, 2017, 06:03:14 AM
https://youtu.be/vt3XmsVYEaI
Check this out, if You didn't yet. Andi is talking about rehearsals for upcoming Pumpkins United tour and in the background you can see the setlist. It's awesome! Starlight, dr stein, Dreambound !! , Kings Will Be Kings, Halloween!!!!!, The Invisible Man !!! And many others ! Now I'm very looking forward to November!!! We have Pumpkins United in Warsaw and my ticket is waiting :)

Don't see Dreambound on there man.

Don't want to give away any more, but tracks 3 and 6 are amazing, obscure selections.  Missing a hell of a lot of songs from the albums that come after that album with those tracks I mentioned for my liking, but I guess it's hard with the amount of material they have.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 05, 2017, 06:16:47 AM
What's the timestamp for the setlist? Or Kade, you could PM me the setlist!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 05, 2017, 06:17:58 AM
What's the timestamp for the setlist? Or Kade, you could PM me the setlist!

It's in the video on the whiteboard behind Andi.  The video poster has also posted it in the comments of the vid.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 05, 2017, 06:22:21 AM
*Spoiler below, kind of*











I actually think that setlist is really really disappointing. Some great ones in there like I said, but I'm sorry to spoil, but did the band not exist past Better Than Raw.  One song post Better Than Raw, seriously?!?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on September 05, 2017, 07:41:29 AM
I'm agree with You Wolf, for me it's not a problem because I saw them three times, after 7 Sinners, after Straight From Hell and after God so I had even too much of their new stuff ;) but I understand that for a fan who doesn't seen them it's not so cool. They could bring up something from The Dark Ride, or more tracks from Keeper 3, it is a great album. Anyway I'm happy I will see Helloween again. Sorry for the spoilers in my post about the video ;)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 05, 2017, 08:03:44 AM
Just for fun, I was listening to Helloween a lot this weekend and decided to rank their albums:

Nearly flawless:
1. Gambling With The Devil - one of the best power metal albums ever made
2. 7 Sinners
3. The Dark Ride

Awesome:
4. Walls of Jericho
5. Straight Out Of Hell
6. Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt. 2
7. Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt. 1

Pretty good:
8. Better Than Raw
9. Time of the Oath

Decent:
10. Rabbit Don't Come Easy
11. Master of the Rings

Should never be spoken of again:
12. Unarmed
13. Keeper of the Seven Keys - The Legacy
14. My God-Given Right
15. Pink Bubbles Go Ape
16. Chameleon

Basically, for me, they did some great stuff on their first 3 albums, took a massive nosedive with the next two, and spent the next 20 years making a steady climb back up, with the occasional embarrassing flop (My God-Given Right is the worst offender, god that album sucks).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on September 05, 2017, 08:50:32 AM
My God-Given Right is awesome.

Gambling With The Devil includes Can Do It. Helloweens worst song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on September 05, 2017, 08:58:37 AM
Huh, I think that Helloween is one of those bands which particular albums never will find the same fans. How many times I heard that Gambling is the worst, and then I heard fron others that Gambling is the best :) The same story is with My God Given Right. For me My God Given Right is very mehhhhh album, definitly the worst with Deris, sorry but that's my opinion. I love The Dark Ride and Better Than Raw, The Time Of The Oath is right behind them.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on September 05, 2017, 09:21:07 AM
I think i tried to rank Helloween albums once before, and couldn't get very far..

They have been very consistent during their career. Every album has it's highlights.

And what is up with Keeper Legacy being at n. 13? It has a bunch of awesome songs..

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 05, 2017, 09:23:55 AM
Yeah, I agree, Cody. I've never seen two Helloween fans with the same general opinions on their post-PBGA/Chameleon albums. On the plus side, that has made for some VERY fun discussions standing in lines outside venues.  :biggrin:

My God-Given Right is awesome.

Gambling With The Devil includes Can Do It. Helloweens worst song.

I'm not exaggerating, the only song that did not make me say "That sucked" at the end was Claws, and even that was a letdown even compared to some of the less than stellar tracks on Straight Out Of Hell. I can think of an album's worth of songs worse than Can Do It! Nothing To Say comes to mind immediately, Far From The Stars...

Plus Gambling's other tunes more than make up for Can Do It. The Saints are marching in, baby!  :metal  :biggrin:

I think i tried to rank Helloween albums once before, and couldn't get very far..

They have been very consistent during their career. Every album has it's highlights.

And what is up with Keeper Legacy being at n. 13? It has a bunch of awesome songs..

Personally, I think Helloween is one of the most inconsistent bands around, honestly. Seems like they have 2-3 album streaks where they kill it, then they dip in quality for a bit, then they bounce back. I personally can't stand Legacy, don't listen to any songs on it, and think it was unnecessary to even call it Keepers Legacy. But that's just me, I'm a Gambling fan, sooo...  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on September 05, 2017, 11:04:28 AM
I thought My God-Given right was consistenly good but only at several points great. It was still a fun release to rock out to. Straight out of hell hat more great songs but also its fair share of stinkers. Gambling is mostly amazing, but Can do it does drag it down. The 7 sinners, aside from the first two songs, is brilliant, and easily my favorite Helloween album in the last 10 years.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on September 05, 2017, 11:24:00 AM
If I had to rank Helloween albums it would be probably impossible. On every album there are songs that are my stand alone favourites. I could make my Best Of Helloween Konrad's CD easier than rank the albums.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 05, 2017, 03:40:06 PM
Should never be spoken of again:
12. Unarmed
13. Keeper of the Seven Keys - The Legacy
14. My God-Given Right
15. Pink Bubbles Go Ape
16. Chameleon

Basically, for me, they did some great stuff on their first 3 albums, took a massive nosedive with the next two, and spent the next 20 years making a steady climb back up, with the occasional embarrassing flop (My God-Given Right is the worst offender, god that album sucks).

Keeper 3 is a fantastic album.

My God Given Right is okay.  Not one of their strongest but a solid album that just could have used more heaviness.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 05, 2017, 03:52:08 PM
Pink Bubbles has so many great songs. A definite step down from the Keepers albums, but it has aged very well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Dittomist on September 05, 2017, 11:41:41 PM
OK, what the hell(oween), let's give it a try. Here is how I would rank their albums.

1. Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II
2. Better Than Raw
3. The Time of the Oath
4. Master of the Rings
5. Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I
6. Keeper of the Seven Keys: The Legacy
7. Chameleon
8. The Dark Ride
9. Gambling with the Devil
10. Straight Out of Hell
11. Pink Bubbles Go Ape
12. 7 Sinners
13. Walls of Jericho
14. Rabbit Don't Come Easy
15. My God Given Right
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on September 06, 2017, 12:07:17 AM
Bubbles is very underrated, I like it a lot.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 06, 2017, 06:00:01 AM
Having a listen to this new live Unisonic album and damn, Kiske sound fucking unreal!!  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on September 06, 2017, 06:17:57 AM
There's a new Unisonic album?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 06, 2017, 06:26:15 AM
There's a new Unisonic album?

A live one.  From Wacken.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on September 11, 2017, 04:12:38 PM
Guys,is there anybody here who is not participating in Helloween Survivor 2017? If yes, please help us break the tie!!

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=50833.0;topicseen

 :corn
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 11, 2017, 04:37:23 PM
Just voted, but made it a 3 way tie! :blush
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 11, 2017, 05:07:52 PM
Just voted. :)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on September 11, 2017, 05:27:19 PM
I'm surprised March of Time isn't in the top 3. That chorus is one of the catchiest things I've ever heard. The rest of the song is great too.

Voted for I Want Out. Hope the epic title track wins
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 11, 2017, 06:08:20 PM
I'm surprised March of Time isn't in the top 3. That chorus is one of the catchiest things I've ever heard. The rest of the song is great too.

Voted for I Want Out. Hope the epic title track wins


All of this!

Kiske!!! :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 11, 2017, 06:29:51 PM
I voted against the title track. Never have liked it. Far too long, far too boring imo - March of Time should totally be up there though, I agree. Has anyone heard Luca Turilli's Rhapsody cover of it? Man, Alessandro Conti's voice is INSANE.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on September 11, 2017, 09:21:07 PM
Totally agree about March Of Time ;) Should be higher, so as Dr Stein.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on September 30, 2017, 12:00:27 PM
I find it hard to imagine that Helloween would keep this as the permanent line-up. What i predict though is sometime in the future after the tour they do a studio album with all included. Deris, Kiske, Hansen, Sascha, etc etc. Maybe a fourth Keepers or something else, then doing another big tour together. In fact, it'd be awesome if it was another keepers cuz then they can do a Keeper based tour.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 11, 2017, 12:34:36 PM
https://www.helloween.org/

"The pumpkins are united and we have a gift for you - 13202017"

In two days we'll get... what? a secret new song wrote by the extended lineup maybe? *crosses fingers*
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on October 11, 2017, 12:42:58 PM
Hype hype hype!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on October 11, 2017, 01:32:06 PM
 :o
Next video from rehearsals ? :p Hope it's something bigger :D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on October 12, 2017, 03:54:07 AM
That would be very cool if it's a new song!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on October 12, 2017, 04:04:22 AM
Do You think that new album with Deris and Kiske together is possible? I don't know to be honest what's going on currently in Helloween's camp, only that They are preaparing for tour. Maybe I want too much but for ma, album with Kiske and Deris together, would be something bigggg. :)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 12, 2017, 04:21:27 AM
As much as they intend it to be a one-off thing, who knows what money and a good attitude in the band will do.

The tour is shaping up to be a success, let's say it sells out everywhere and Kiske and Weikath don't want to kill each other, if two years from now promoters offer them more money for a second round, why would they refuse? where Helloween do even go from here, back to "just another" album with Deris? they've always been strong in Italy, they always played the same venue in Milan where Avantasia, Alice Cooper and Blind Guardian play (just to give a comparison), and for this concer they've been upgradted to the place Iron Maiden play when they have an indoor show.

Maybe if they do like Dio back with Iommi back in 2006 and do one step by one, they might feel like doing an album together. But of course 2019 is meant to be for Gamma Ray and maybe Unisonic...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on October 12, 2017, 04:44:06 AM
Id love to hear an album with both Kiske and Deris on vocals. Allen/Lande style!

I remember reading a while back, that the other guys from Gamma Ray were about to launch a new band together. That would put Gamma Ray on indefinite hiatus. Maybe Kai is going to be busy with Helloween, far into the foreseeable future?

Anyway, that's just me speculating..
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 12, 2017, 05:00:00 AM
Id love to hear an album with both Kiske and Deris on vocals. Allen/Lande style!

I remember reading a while back, that the other guys from Gamma Ray were about to launch a new band together. That would put Gamma Ray on indefinite hiatus. Maybe Kai is going to be busy with Helloween, far into the foreseeable future?

Anyway, that's just me speculating..

Do you mean The Unity?  They released their album in May and it was quite poor.

I hope they do a full album or nothing.  I'm hoping it's not just a random couple of songs, that would just feel incomplete to me.

:o
Next video from rehearsals ? :p Hope it's something bigger :D

This is what I think it will be, just a full track in rehearsals at good quality.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 12, 2017, 05:38:53 AM
I hope they do a full album of nothing.

Strange wish, but well, one can only hope.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 12, 2017, 06:15:01 AM
I hope they do a full album of nothing.

Strange wish, but well, one can only hope.  :biggrin:

haha, fixed that.

Helloween - Keeper of the Seinfeld Keys.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on October 12, 2017, 07:09:24 AM
I think it'd be best for all parties if all three singers just played in Helloween from now on and alternated on songs.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 12, 2017, 01:30:45 PM
OH MY PUMPKIN IT'S A NEW SONG

https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/pumpkins-united/id1293060459?i=1293060460
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on October 12, 2017, 01:45:57 PM
 :o :o
That littlr piece of music from Itunes sounds.... not promising :p vocals sound weird when Andi and Micheal singing together, separate is ok. But Hey, it's only one minute ;) and maybe there is more new songs out there :) and I'm sure that I will hear it in November live ;)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 12, 2017, 02:03:41 PM
It's actually Kai singing along with Andi, Kiske comes in for the chorus, AKA the moment they suddenly cut the clip.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on October 12, 2017, 02:33:35 PM
It's actually Kai singing along with Andi, Kiske comes in for the chorus, AKA the moment they suddenly cut the clip.
True! I was thinking at the beginning that this low voice is Micheal, but You are right. Kiske can sing anything and anywhere I fucking love his voice....
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 12, 2017, 02:50:16 PM
It's actually Kai singing along with Andi, Kiske comes in for the chorus, AKA the moment they suddenly cut the clip.

Yup, that's how I hear it. Can't wait. I'll buy the track for sure. Hopefully they put out an EP or something physical at some point. Maybe a live show with a few new studio tracks tagged on.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 12, 2017, 02:57:37 PM
Yeah, can't get the link to work but let's see how this goes.  The track being called Pumpkins United seems pretty cheesy to me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 12, 2017, 02:59:06 PM
Yeah, can't get the link to work but let's see how this goes.  The track being called Pumpkins United seems pretty cheesy to me.

Honestly, wolfking, I find it a perfect title. Helloween always had a humorous element to them, particularly on the Keeper records. I don't know, I find the title to be really fitting.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 12, 2017, 03:02:05 PM
Yeah, can't get the link to work but let's see how this goes.  The track being called Pumpkins United seems pretty cheesy to me.

Honestly, wolfking, I find it a perfect title. Helloween always had a humorous element to them, particularly on the Keeper records. I don't know, I find the title to be really fitting.

Yes, I definitely see what you are saying.  I guess I just like the more heavy serious side the band have been going lately, minus the last album.  If the song is good then it shouldn't matter.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 12, 2017, 03:09:58 PM
From the little we can hear of the song, it's more of an anthem than anything else. Not cheesy, not dark, just a power metal uplifting tune celebrating the band.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on October 12, 2017, 03:12:25 PM
From the little we can hear of the song, it's more of an anthem than anything else. Not cheesy, not dark, just a power metal uplifting tune celebrating the band.
That's how I predict too. Hoping for at least an EP, I have really mixed feelings after My God Given Right and I want more, but better ;) 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on October 12, 2017, 03:29:59 PM
It's on Spotify!

Great tune! The lyrics are so cheesy, i love it. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 13, 2017, 05:38:02 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh8zPuB03_c

Not bad, but sounds more like Unisonic to me.  Not much Deris either from what I can hear.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 13, 2017, 05:46:56 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh8zPuB03_c

Not bad, but sounds more like Unisonic to me.  Not much Deris either from what I can hear.

So awesome right?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on October 13, 2017, 05:48:44 AM
I didn't heard it yet, is it better than My God? :p
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 13, 2017, 05:53:42 AM
As the other guys said, it's a strong anthem type song will cool relevant lyrics.  Kai surprisingly sings a lot on this, I actually find him the focal pont after first listen.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on October 13, 2017, 06:20:28 AM
I'm just happy as hell to hear a song with all three of them on it. Hell. Yes.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on October 13, 2017, 06:42:25 AM
A really good song! No doubt, I liked it more than what I've heard from Unisonic. Also the quality of the recording and mixing is far better than the last Helloween albuns.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: McNugg on October 13, 2017, 08:41:08 AM
I like it!  Light hearted, fun and not taking themselves too seriously.  Get some "Kill the King" vibes at a few points in the song too, and enjoying how it sounds more like Unisonic than modern Helloween :P  God I want to go see this tour so badly but means travelling to London..
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on October 13, 2017, 08:45:43 AM
I heard it and I love it! Marcus shines as always with his basslines, I love the  drum sound, reminds me of I Want Out ;) and the vocals of course, great to hear those three together. I like Andis voice, it's more harsh than on the previous records, Kiske is great as usual and that Hansen scream at the end... ;) great track!  :metal 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 13, 2017, 11:52:16 AM
Heard the song too.

It's... awesome. Brilliant. It's everything it needed to be: catchy, old school, anthemic, and full of cheesy references to the older songs. Christmas can't be topped by H(e)lloween this year!!!!  :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: w_marano on October 13, 2017, 12:24:38 PM
Fantastic track!!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on October 14, 2017, 07:35:18 AM
I like the name Pumpkins United. As great as they are when they play it straight, ie Dark Ride, they've always had that quirky german humour.

I like the song. But i kinda wish it was just Andi and Kiske on vocals. I am not a fan of Kai's vocals. Although if there is a new album with the whole United crew, his songwriting would definitely be welcomed.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 14, 2017, 08:03:22 AM
Nerd stuff: when you register for the free download of the song on their site, you can see the legalities on the Impressum section of the site, and among other things it says:

Quote
LEGAL DISCLOsure
 
INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 5 TMG

HELLOWEEN GBR
KAISERALLEE 62
76185 KARLSRUHE
GERMANY

REPRESENTED BY

ANDREAS DERIS
MICHAEL WEIKATH
MARKUS GROSSKOPF

So the Helloween name / brand is located formally in Karlsruhe and it's owned by the two original members who never left and Andi Deris?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on October 14, 2017, 08:07:06 AM
Weiki once said the name Helloween was owned by Ingo's brother. Perhaps that has changed since then.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 14, 2017, 02:19:14 PM
I will obviously have to listen to it again. First listen was goid but didn't blow me away.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Enigmachine on October 15, 2017, 03:25:23 AM
Song is really cool, classic power metal with a nice bit of heaviness in the post-chorus (the "red hot" thing). I think the three vocalist thing was a little muddled though. I think that it should've been one verse = one vocalist rather that switching every few lines. It was all just a bit "oh look there's Kai Hansen, now there's Michael Kiske!" in the space of a few seconds.

I hope all of this Pumpkins United stuff doesn't get in the way of the band producing another album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 15, 2017, 04:04:56 AM
Nerd stuff: when you register for the free download of the song on their site, you can see the legalities on the Impressum section of the site, and among other things it says:

Quote
LEGAL DISCLOsure
 
INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 5 TMG

HELLOWEEN GBR
KAISERALLEE 62
76185 KARLSRUHE
GERMANY

REPRESENTED BY

ANDREAS DERIS
MICHAEL WEIKATH
MARKUS GROSSKOPF

So the Helloween name / brand is located formally in Karlsruhe and it's owned by the two original members who never left and Andi Deris?

Interesting that Deris has ownership of the name too.  I wonder when that actually happened.

I hope all of this Pumpkins United stuff doesn't get in the way of the band producing another album.

This is my fear too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 15, 2017, 04:10:37 AM
The suffix GbR is the name of a legal form of a company in Germany. And the three members listed are the representatives of that company. Not sure if that means they own the band name too. Probably only when the company owns the band name and not one single person.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on October 15, 2017, 10:57:33 AM
I have listened the new song a few times now, and really grown to love it!

This song to me is also further proof, that they could absolutely pull this off as a full time thing.

At first listen, hearing them sing together was weird and pretty distracting. Second and third time, their vocal harmonies felt like a second nature. This setup also allows them to utilize the different voices of Andi and Michael more effectively.

Let Kiske do the high-pitched choruses, since Andi is clearly not comfortable with that. Let Deris do the lower register singing, with the occasional scream like in the new song. Throw in some backing vocals from Kai!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 15, 2017, 11:05:26 AM
Let Kiske do the high-pitched choruses, since Andi is clearly not comfortable with that. Let Deris do the lower register singing, with the occasional scream like in the new song. Throw in some backing vocals from Kai!

Indeed! It's great how the song seems perfectly tailored to all singers - Kiske's parts are so, well, Kiske-ish, and Andi's "red hot!" harsh screams are something typical from his songs. This is a brilliant combination that works better than we could hope for!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on October 15, 2017, 03:03:42 PM
It would be a dream come true to have a full album, at least, of Kiske-Kai-Deris, but then on the other hand I feel like it's just diminishing Andi's role in the band and all the music they've put out with him over the years. Not like they've ever really gotten out of filling their sets with Kiske material instead of just moving on and playing only-Deris sets...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 15, 2017, 03:05:57 PM
, but then on the other hand I feel like it's just diminishing Andi's role in the band 

Isn't that the point? :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 15, 2017, 03:10:52 PM
It would be a dream come true to have a full album, at least, of Kiske-Kai-Deris, but then on the other hand I feel like it's just diminishing Andi's role in the band and all the music they've put out with him over the years. Not like they've ever really gotten out of filling their sets with Kiske material instead of just moving on and playing only-Deris sets...

Well, last tour they opened with 2 Kiske songs, and closed with 2 Kiske songs. Everything in between was from the Deris era
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on October 15, 2017, 06:22:56 PM
It would be a dream come true to have a full album, at least, of Kiske-Kai-Deris, but then on the other hand I feel like it's just diminishing Andi's role in the band and all the music they've put out with him over the years. Not like they've ever really gotten out of filling their sets with Kiske material instead of just moving on and playing only-Deris sets...

Well, last tour they opened with 2 Kiske songs, and closed with 2 Kiske songs. Everything in between was from the Deris era

And then Kiske and Kai show up  :lol But that's good, I didn't follow their tour for the last album, strongly disliked it.

, but then on the other hand I feel like it's just diminishing Andi's role in the band 

Isn't that the point? :neverusethis:

 :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 16, 2017, 08:06:49 AM
Re: ownership of Helloween brand

It would not surprise me in the slightest if Deris was an official owner of the brand. He's been with them for what now, 27 years? Makes sense that they would have worked him into the corporate ownership by now. I can't think of other examples at the moment off the top of my head, but it has been done before. :)

Re: Pumpkins United (the song)

I like it. It sounds like Helloween, and hearing all the singers is cool. I have always preferred Kiske to Deris. And Hansen is obviously a throwback to the band's first couple of releases, which are more thrash than anything. I appreciate the token track from this whole Pumpkins United "era" of the band, and hope it is a permanent thing. I enjoy post-Kiske Helloween to a degree, but as I said, to me, Kiske is the band's classic singer. Having all of them together (if it works both ego-wise and money-wise) would be a treat. Still fingers crossed for 2018 U.S. dates.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on October 16, 2017, 08:10:51 AM
Still fingers crossed for 2018 U.S. dates.

On every email from enterthevault.com I've received the last several months at the very bottom it reads "Stay tuned for..." followed by several bands, one of which is Helloween. I fully expect a Pumpkins United tour, however small, to come to the USA next year.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 16, 2017, 08:26:24 AM
Still fingers crossed for 2018 U.S. dates.

On every email from enterthevault.com I've received the last several months at the very bottom it reads "Stay tuned for..." followed by several bands, one of which is Helloween. I fully expect a Pumpkins United tour, however small, to come to the USA next year.

 :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on October 19, 2017, 10:07:58 AM
A brazilian rock site reported that the 2 shows in Brazil will be filmed for a bluray release:
https://whiplash.net/materias/news_774/271880-helloween.html
I found interesting that these are the second and third shows of the tour, right?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 19, 2017, 10:11:45 AM
They're probably picking the crowd, rather than the show. They'll know the south american fans will go nuts, and the singers will all be fresh and rested anyway. And delaying too late the recording may avoid also that Kiske and Weikath suddenly turn on each other again  :lol

Anyway, tour's starting tonight, so now my quest to arrive at my own concert in an exact month without knowing the setlist begins. So long, thread!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on October 19, 2017, 10:20:40 AM
Yes, good points!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on October 19, 2017, 10:25:23 AM
I'm seeing the band in about a month, so there's no chance to avoid the set list until then. I'll stick around and discuss it with you guys.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 19, 2017, 10:27:43 AM
I'm seeing the band in about a month, so there's no chance to avoid the set list until then.

Don't read this thread.
Don't watch on YouTube Helloween videos, 'cause the newest ones will be shown as suggestion.
Don't follow on Facebook groups or pages about Helloween.

That's what I did with Iron Maiden last year, and I was able to know next to nothing of the setlist; I stumbled only on clips of Fear of the Dark (uuuuuh who would have guessed) and Death or Glory (which I thought they'd play, but I didn't want proper confirmation until the show).

Yeah, I'm kinda an extremist when it comes to avoid setlist spoilers :D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on October 19, 2017, 10:30:07 AM
Don't read this thread.
Don't watch on YouTube Helloween videos, 'cause the newest ones will be shown as suggestion.
Don't follow on Facebook groups or pages about Helloween.
Not reading this thread isn't impossible, but what might be a problem is that suggestions would pop up on YouTube all the time, and I would immediately have to unfollow dozens and dozens of friends on Facebook that could spoil the set list for me. That's quite difficult.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 19, 2017, 10:36:34 AM
Yeah, FB friends are the real wild card. Luckily, even though I have many metalheads on FB, no one miracolously posted YouTube videos of Maiden concerts in the months before the concert, I was lucky  :D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 19, 2017, 10:52:35 AM
A brazilian rock site reported that the 2 shows in Brazil will be filmed for a bluray release:
https://whiplash.net/materias/news_774/271880-helloween.html
I found interesting that these are the second and third shows of the tour, right?

HELL YES.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on October 19, 2017, 11:29:55 AM
I'll see this in April 2018, there's no way I'm going to hold on. I'll search the setlist and look at it as soon as it appears anywhere.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Eldomm on October 20, 2017, 03:57:46 AM
There is indeed a setlist of Mexico show in their Facebook site! Some surprises I'd say...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 20, 2017, 05:32:45 AM
The setlist is actually totally different to the one we thought might have been from that video with Andi and the songs on the whiteboard.  I think they've put together a very good set, and fans can't really be disappointed IMO.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on October 20, 2017, 05:57:31 AM
The set list is tremendous.  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Art on October 20, 2017, 07:01:57 AM
Love the setlist, excited for the show next week!!!!  :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 20, 2017, 08:38:10 AM
My Lord that setlist is absolutely amazing. Fingers and toes crossed for a west coast date or two of the U.S. next year. Man...incredible setlist.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on October 20, 2017, 10:07:56 AM
Ok I'm ready for the live album today!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on October 20, 2017, 12:03:29 PM
Love the setlist, excited for the show next week!!!!  :metal :metal :metal
Mine is 28th od November, can't wait too, and I don't want to see the setlist before the show ;)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Art on October 20, 2017, 12:08:18 PM
Love the setlist, excited for the show next week!!!!  :metal :metal :metal
Mine is 28th od November, can't wait too, and I don't want to see the setlist before the show ;)

Have a great show! 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 20, 2017, 12:42:49 PM
Link to the setlist or a PM please.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Art on October 20, 2017, 01:17:07 PM
Link to the setlist or a PM please.

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/helloween/2017/escena-monterrey-mexico-be3c13a.html (https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/helloween/2017/escena-monterrey-mexico-be3c13a.html)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 20, 2017, 01:54:26 PM
Damn!! :metal

Very Kiske heavy. Nice!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Art on October 23, 2017, 08:06:01 AM
The tour started and with it some problems...

There were acounts (video) of possible playbacks from Kiske on the shows in Mexico, followed yesterday by an official anouncement from the Helloween FB page, saying that Kiske had some health issues and they were considering canceling or altering the set list for the show in San jose, Costa Rica, that will happen tonight.

Today they posted that he was felling better and would be on stage.

What the hell? I hope it was just a case of too much chili in Mexico and that he's felling better now.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on October 23, 2017, 08:09:13 AM
The tour started and with it some problems...

There were acounts (video) of possible playbacks from Kiske on the shows in Mexico, followed yesterday by an official anouncement from the Helloween FB page, saying that Kiske had some health issues and they were considering canceling or altering the set list for the show in San jose, Costa Rica, that will happen tonight.

Today they posted that he was felling better and would be on stage.

What the hell? I hope it was just a case of too much chili in Mexico and that he's felling better now.
I read about this in the morning, I hope that Kiske will get better very soon. IMO Helloween should postpone the shows, they shouldn't perform without Micheal. People mostly buy tickets too see Him, I would prefer to postpone my show Warsaw if it would be no Kiske on vocals....
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Art on October 23, 2017, 08:14:09 AM
Yeah, i agree. If the line-up is not complete, they should postpone it...

But i hope they play normally here this saturday, and Kiske is feeling fine  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 23, 2017, 03:27:56 PM
Going ahead without Kiske defeats the whole purpose of the whole tour and reunion.  People would be pissed.  And playbacks on the first night, come on.  Should have postponed.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on October 25, 2017, 11:56:41 AM
TICKETS ON SALE NOW. GET 'EM WHILE THEY'RE HOT! 5 US dates and 1 Canada.

https://enterthevault.com/artist.php?id=408

Got my Chicago ticket. 2 days after ProgPower. I'm going to be exhausted but it'll be worth it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 25, 2017, 12:48:34 PM
Definitely catching the show in Worcester. It's a Friday so that's huge. Probably not getting tickets right away though.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on October 29, 2017, 12:14:48 PM
https://whiplash.net/materias/news_774/272576-helloween.html
Site in portuguese, talking about the first night in São Paulo, which apparently was filmed for the DVD.
All went well, setlist almost complete ( kids of the century was replaced) and Kiske's voice very good!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on October 29, 2017, 12:53:05 PM
Unfortunately, Kids of the century was the song I was looking forward to the most.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Art on October 30, 2017, 06:33:20 AM
I saw them saturday, what a show!  :metal

It's a shame that the venue suffered with some technical dificulties (the mais screen behind the stage went dead after the 4th song, there were some minor microphone problems, too) and that may have compromised the recording of the show for the DVD, because everything else was just perfect.

First of all, everybody was worried about Kiske's shape, but right on the 1st song (Halloween), he showed that he was in great form, singing with incredible power!
The whole band seemed to be having a great time, smiling and interacting with the fans at all times, well except for Weikath, obviously. :lol

Kai Hansen had a smile from ear to ear the whole show, he was having a blast.

The whole band performed very well, it was a shame that, because of the screen problem they couldn't do the homage ro Ingo.

Deris was the most active of the two frontmen, he interacted with the audience more than Kiske, who seemed more focused on singing.

Deris also gave his best live performance that i saw, since the Better Than Raw tour. He benefited A LOT from having no need to sing the Kiske-era songs (though he did provided some very cool backings on some songs).

A very cool moment was when they shared the vocals to "Why?", a very nice performance.

If you are a Helloween fan, you cannot miss this tour.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on October 30, 2017, 11:18:02 AM
I saw them saturday, what a show!  :metal

It's a shame that the venue suffered with some technical dificulties (the mais screen behind the stage went dead after the 4th song, there were some minor microphone problems, too) and that may have compromised the recording of the show for the DVD, because everything else was just perfect.

First of all, everybody was worried about Kiske's shape, but right on the 1st song (Halloween), he showed that he was in great form, singing with incredible power!
The whole band seemed to be having a great time, smiling and interacting with the fans at all times, well except for Weikath, obviously. :lol

Kai Hansen had a smile from ear to ear the whole show, he was having a blast.

The whole band performed very well, it was a shame that, because of the screen problem they couldn't do the homage ro Ingo.

Deris was the most active of the two frontmen, he interacted with the audience more than Kiske, who seemed more focused on singing.

Deris also gave his best live performance that i saw, since the Better Than Raw tour. He benefited A LOT from having no need to sing the Kiske-era songs (though he did provided some very cool backings on some songs).

A very cool moment was when they shared the vocals to "Why?", a very nice performance.

If you are a Helloween fan, you cannot miss this tour.
Thank You for not writing more about the setlist :p I already knew that Halloween is the first song and I saw They were rehearsing Why?so I doesn't any damage in my brain :p I'm waiting for 28th November !
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on October 31, 2017, 07:57:16 AM
On Facebook, the DVD producers said that the DVD will include footage from both nights. I hope that they don't mix images from one night (or both) with audio from another...
https://www.facebook.com/noturnallband/posts/10156202940417668
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 31, 2017, 04:12:32 PM
On Facebook, the DVD producers said that the DVD will include footage from both nights. I hope that they don't mix images from one night (or both) with audio from another...
https://www.facebook.com/noturnallband/posts/10156202940417668

Overdubs galore.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Big Hath on October 31, 2017, 04:38:39 PM
It's Halloweeeen!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 31, 2017, 05:22:47 PM
It's Halloweeeen!

Pfft...that was so yesterday for me mate.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on November 11, 2017, 02:24:51 PM
Complete Santiago show!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKyBvyRV2zA&t=841s


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on November 11, 2017, 07:49:47 PM
Holy shit the Walls Of Jericho portion is SICK! :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on November 13, 2017, 01:15:40 AM
Mother of god. Next September can't come soon enough.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on November 19, 2017, 03:21:47 AM
Back to this thread after having seen the show!!!  :metal

People may not be bothered to read it all, so let me say it loud and clear for all to see:

If you're an Helloween fan, you can't miss this tour for the world. Go see it. It's ABSOFRIGGINLUTELY WORTHY. Buy a ticket NOW!!!

Now, the show... Best Helloween concert EVER. One of the best concerts EVER, period, out of all the ones I've attended. It's right there with Maiden's and Dream Theater's best shows, with the gorgeous Metallica setlist I've seen at the Big 4, with the Iced Earth 3 hours show... this show belongs to the olympus of all the concerts I've seen in 19 years of concert life.

The setlist (you can find it here at Setlist.fm (https://"https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/helloween/2017/mediolanum-forum-di-assago-assago-italy-13e0e9d5.html")) was as perfect as it might have been. Sure, with so many albums one can always say that a specific song could have been replaced by another, but come on, in the grand scheme of things this was an absolute and wonderful "best of" of 30 years of power metal. I've actually wrote on their page how they should start the show, for all I know, they got the idea from me, haha!  ;D

No, really, 2 songs in I was already happy and satisfied. And classic after classic they delivered an uninterrupted string of metal masterpieces, with never a dull moment.

The nicest thing was the chemistry on stage. This was not an half-assed "Kiske sings and then Deris sings sone more" attempt of a cash grab, it was a well rehearsed and constructed show with all the singers blending in very nicely. Deris was absolutely a beast, singing well all of his songs (For absurd Kiske had more little difficulties here and there than Deris did), mantaining the stage like the badass frontman he was, and with Kiske fitting in just nicely.

As said above, the Walls of Jericho part of the show was a treat within the treat, and what a pleasure to see Kiske and Deris hugging each other, hell, even Kiske standing in the middle of Hansen and Weikath soloing was something I never thought I'd seen!!!

I've seen all the classics of the Keeper era worth hearing, and Deris songs I've never heard or at best, heard in medleys or 20 years ago. And it's worth to mention how Kai Hansen at the end, waving goodbye to all the others as they were leaving one by one the stage, remembered Malcom Young and all the other figures in music who passed way.

By the final song with all the balloons flying around I wasn't even listening to it, I was just trying to get a hold of them, hahaha  ;D

Really, as I said: Best Helloween concert ever, and one of the best concerts of my entire life period. A night I will dearly remember and that will probably keep me happy for a week straight! Last night was Halloween AND Christmas both in a single, historical night!!!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on November 19, 2017, 05:01:23 AM
Wow,now I can't wait even more than I was before! My show is in next Tuesday in Warsaw, and to see all of them together is something very very special... They picked not so big venue for the show, but very well sounding so I hope that this show will be a beast!!
MirrorMask, You're from Italy don't You? Your country is beautiful, I spent two great weeks in Italy in May/June this year, great momemts!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on November 19, 2017, 05:14:43 AM
MirrorMask, that's awesome. I posted the Santiago show above and I've watched it all the way through twice. The WOJ section looks amazing.

Can't wait for my show.......next September.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on November 19, 2017, 01:13:54 PM
I've also made some pics between a singalong and the other, here they are:

https://www.facebook.com/612493155488167/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1667386113332194
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on November 19, 2017, 01:36:37 PM
Awesome shots, Andy!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on November 19, 2017, 02:19:20 PM
That looks fantastic. Seven more days for me.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on November 19, 2017, 03:21:13 PM
Thanks TAC! And Mladen, seven days is probably what is gonna take for me for the excitement and the happiness to wear off, yesterday night coming out of the show I found out my football team had lost an important match and I didn't even care, since I was still in awe of the concert  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on November 19, 2017, 03:30:07 PM
Thanks TAC! And Mladen, seven days is probably what is gonna take for me for the excitement and the happiness to wear off, yesterday night coming out of the show I found out my football team had lost an important match and I didn't even care, since I was still in awe of the concert  :biggrin:

I have 10 months to wait!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on November 20, 2017, 03:59:15 AM
 :'(
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on November 29, 2017, 10:34:12 PM
Sooooo, my wait has come to an end and I can say without doubt that I've have seen the best concert since 10 years easily ! Guys were great, setlist was great, sounding was great and the audience too of course ! I literally cried during two songs seeing Micheal Kiske reaching that high notes that I knew only from from albums! He was in a great form and nailed almost every song! But, Hansen was great too, and Andi of course which definitly sounds better than couple years ago when I saw Helloween during Straight From Hell tour. I  cannot speak here about the setlist but I can only say that I managed to didn't checked it before the show which was not so easy because it was tempting like hell ;) And it was a good choice ;) I never thought that I see Kiske, Hansen, Weikath and Grosskopf on one stage but my dream has come true and I can die now ;)
(https://www.rockmetal.pl/image/4/0/233204.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on November 30, 2017, 12:14:44 AM
Great review, Cody!

I forgot to post here, but they also blew me away several days ago in Bratislava. I couldn't hold back the tears during the first two songs. Kiske was slightly sick but still gave his best, the crowd loved him. The others were great as well. The only thing about the set list I didn't like is that we got Where the sinners go (my least favorite song from an otherwise spectacular album), and we also missed Kids of the century, one of my absolute favorites that actually got played the previous night in Prague. But still, a marvelous night. Three hours of beautiful music, great performance and entertaining visuals. Also, the Ingo part was touching.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on November 30, 2017, 01:26:29 AM
Kids of the Century didn't really go down that well at my show, probably Kiske wasn't on top form and they decided to drop it.

I'm glad I got to hear it, first and probably last time I hear anything from Pink Bubbles Go Ape.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on November 30, 2017, 01:28:45 AM
Great review, Cody!

I forgot to post here, but they also blew me away several days ago in Bratislava. I couldn't hold back the tears during the first two songs. Kiske was slightly sick but still gave his best, the crowd loved him. The others were great as well. The only thing about the set list I didn't like is that we got Where the sinners go (my least favorite song from an otherwise spectacular album), and we also missed Kids of the century, one of my absolute favorites that actually got played the previous night in Prague. But still, a marvelous night. Three hours of beautiful music, great performance and entertaining visuals. Also, the Ingo part was touching.
In Warsaw there were no Where The Sinners Go or Kids Of The Century ;) There were no songs from Bubbles, from 7 Sinners only Are You Metal? :(
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on November 30, 2017, 01:35:51 AM
Speaking of albums ignored... so far most of their discography was represented, except:

- Chameleon (I get it)
- Rabbit Don't Come Easy (Good choice, very average album)
- Keeper of the Seven Keys - The Legacy (On a three hour show I figured there was room for King for a 1000 Years, pity they decided to ignore the record)
- Gambling with the Devil (Booooh!!!! It's the best Sasha album! A shame they didn't believe in the songs, since they played only 2 on the tour, 3 when they felt to include Paint a New World, and that therefore no song became "classic" enough to get represented)
- My God Given Right (Once again I get it, another average album, and probably done just to get it over with and move on to the reunion)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on November 30, 2017, 02:29:26 AM
Speaking of albums ignored... so far most of their discography was represented, except:

- Chameleon (I get it)
- Rabbit Don't Come Easy (Good choice, very average album)
- Keeper of the Seven Keys - The Legacy (On a three hour show I figured there was room for King for a 1000 Years, pity they decided to ignore the record)
- Gambling with the Devil (Booooh!!!! It's the best Sasha album! A shame they didn't believe in the songs, since they played only 2 on the tour, 3 when they felt to include Paint a New World, and that therefore no song became "classic" enough to get represented)
- My God Given Right (Once again I get it, another average album, and probably done just to get it over with and move on to the reunion)
Totally agreed with one exception, maybe two ;) I was hoping for something from Chameleon, I was expecting something from every album to be honest ;) But, I think that the biggest shame is that they dropped Gambling totally - Paint A New World or Dreambound are totally killer tracks for me, the same goes with Hell Was Made In Heaven from Rabbit. I don't care about songs from My God Given Right, it's my least favourite album... But the setlist was awesome as it was and I'm happy ;) 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on November 30, 2017, 02:35:34 AM
Hell was Made in Heaven was definitively the song to go to for Rabbit, they could have even let Kiske handle it (or maybe just the chorus).

But yeah, all things considered, I could never complain about the setlist, majestic show  :tup :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on November 30, 2017, 06:37:03 AM
I'm glad I got to hear it, first and probably last time I hear anything from Pink Bubbles Go Ape.
I would have been thrilled since I really like that album. I ran into a footage of Kids of the century being performed live this year and the very moment I saw the album cover on the screen was enough to get me excited, I can only imagine how blown away I would be had it happened in my concert.

It must be extremely difficult to construct a set list for this tour so it's no wonder some albums weren't represented. Good call  to leave out the previous one, they just toured with it. It would have been fantastic to get a track from Gambling with the devil, but honestly, are there any enormous hits on that album? The Dark ride has If I could fly, Sinners has Are you metal, and the 90s Deris albums are filled with classics. Gambling, while a brilliant album overall, doesn't have a song that's truly famous.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on November 30, 2017, 06:45:42 AM
I agree with you about Gambling, and the blame is on the band - they played just two regular songs on the tour (As Long as I Fall and The Bell of the Seven Hells) and probably Paint a New World just some few times. They didn't give a chance to the many great songs of the album to be loved, therefore no song got to the "famous enough" status that warranted them a place in the setlist.

So while the reasoning to leave the album out of the setlist makes sense, the reasons that brought the album to be ignored are the ones I regret. Still, as I said, I can't really complain about a 3 hour, 2 singers, 24-or-so songs setlist!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on December 01, 2017, 09:06:48 AM
https://youtu.be/_YBgX6SmpPk

New interview with Kai and Weiki!

They also speak about a possibility of a new album, with the Pumpkins United lineup.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on February 23, 2018, 03:07:17 AM
So I've been going through the Helloween discography lately & since I'm a little behind the survivor, I'll post my random thoughts about them here.

I'm currently on Pink Bubbles Go Ape, & it's a very "just good" album to me. Not quite a worthy follow-up to Keeper 2 (which I LOVE  :hefdaddy), but there's certainly some great tunes & decent pacing.

One thing I'm confused about though is why "You Run With The Pack" was cut from the album. It's honestly a lot better than a lot of the album & since it's already pretty short as is, I don't see why it wasn't included. Is it just me or does anyone share this opinion?

Also, I really dig Heavy Metal Hamsters, despite the weird lyrics. That solo section is probably the best on the album.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on February 23, 2018, 03:17:47 AM
It's Heavy Metal Hamsters that was actually intended as a B-Side, it was put on the album by the label to Weikath's supreme annoyance. So that probably also answers why some songs made the album and some others didn't, the band itself probably didn't decide for them all. Also Shit and Lobster was a better choice.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on February 23, 2018, 03:19:00 AM
It's Heavy Metal Hamsters that was actually intended as a B-Side, it was put on the album by the label to Weikath's supreme annoyance. So that probably also answers why some songs made the album and some others didn't, the band itself probably didn't decide for them all. Also Shit and Lobster was a better choice.

STRONGLY disagree :puke:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on February 23, 2018, 07:08:16 AM
I just want to know what is up with that albums cover...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on February 23, 2018, 07:33:50 AM
I refuse to acknowledge PBGA and Chameleon as Helloween albums
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on February 23, 2018, 07:51:52 AM
You're missing out on 2 great albums, bro.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on February 23, 2018, 08:24:24 AM
If those two albums are "great", then all of the others are timeless and perfect masterpieces.

But yeah, there are many good songs on those, especially Pink Bubbles. An album entirely on the level of Kids of the Century, The Chance, Someone's Crying, Mankind and Your Turn would have been stellar.

Chameleon works better if you pretend it's a collection of three solo EPs by Weikath, Kiske and Grapow. Interesting album per se, but definitively absymal Helloween album. Giants and I Believe are wonderful however.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on February 23, 2018, 08:31:44 AM
Pink Bubbles has really aged well. Many great songs on that.

Yeah, Mask, I agree. Chameleon is like a compilation of solo albums. It’s actually the perfect title for that album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on February 23, 2018, 09:43:25 AM
Pink Bubbles has really aged well. Many great songs on that.

Yeah, Mask, I agree. Chameleon is like a compilation of solo albums. It’s actually the perfect title for that album.

I have to admit my man, I haven't listened to either of those records in ages. But I distinctly remember not liking them at all. particularly Chameleon. I don't always listen to Helloween. But when I do, I listen to Keeper I and Keeper II, back-to-back. Stay German Power Metal my friends...  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on February 23, 2018, 10:03:36 AM
You're missing out on 2 great albums, bro.

They're fucking dreadful, sorry. I only own them to complete my Helloween collection. They aren't good by any measure.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on February 23, 2018, 11:23:50 AM
But yeah, there are many good songs on those, especially Pink Bubbles. An album entirely on the level of Kids of the Century, The Chance, Someone's Crying and Back On The Streets would have been stellar.
Fixed.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on February 23, 2018, 07:22:08 PM
Just listened to Chameleon. It's a pretty awesome record but holy god it's an exhausting listen. Individual songs are great, but it goes on for so goddamn long it feels like it never ends. Most Helloween B-Sides I think are good enough to go on the main album, but with this one I'm glad they weren't included because if they were, it'd make the album near-impossible to get through.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on February 23, 2018, 07:30:46 PM
The songs "Giants" and "The Chance" are so awesome, it makes up for any filler or lesser tracks on those two albums.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on February 24, 2018, 05:37:33 PM
Okay, I've listened to Chameleon a few more times &...


...please tell me I'm not the only one that really loved Crazy Cat.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on February 25, 2018, 03:34:42 AM
I for one adore that song, it's so much fun and one of their more original ones.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Dittomist on February 25, 2018, 05:09:24 AM
I adore every song on Chameleon, Crazy Cat included
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: SleeperAwake on February 26, 2018, 03:15:37 PM
Chameleon is a good record. I enjoy the hell out of it, but it indeed comes across more like a collection of solo songs than a band album.

Pink Bubbles Go Ape is more spotty, but some good songs on there - the last two in particular. Kiske soars on "Your Turn".
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on February 26, 2018, 11:37:52 PM
I personally blame Chameleon's poor reception on the choice of "When The Sinner" as the lead single. It's not a bad song, but having that be the first impression of the album, I can see why a lot of power metal fans steered clear of it. & it's not even like they appealed to the easy-listening pop crowd either, since the song is album 7 minutes. Honestly, I think First Time would've been a way better choice for a single, & maybe more Helloween fans would've given this album a chance had that been the case.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on February 28, 2018, 05:14:36 AM
Okay, after a few days, I think I (finally) have my own definitive version of Chameleon. I also sorted them by writer because I like the idea of separating the album into sections based on the colours on the cover. This includes every song on the deluxe version except Revolution Now, In The Night (which I find to be bad songs), the instrumentals (because they messed with the pacing), & Introduction (because obviously).

Yellow (Weikath)
1. First Time
2. Get Me Out Of Here
3. I Don't Care You Don't Care
4. Giants
5. Windmill

Red (Grosskopf)
6. Cut In The Middle
7. Ain't Got Nothing Better

Blue (Grapow)
8. Step Out Of Hell
9. Crazy Cat
10. I Don't Wanna Cry No More
11. Music

Green (Kiske)
12. When The Sinner
13. I Believe
14. Longing

Total Length: 73:00 (exactly)

Feel free to listen (or don't).  :)

Also I'll be listening to Master of the Rings tomorrow. :corn
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on February 28, 2018, 12:51:56 PM
How about making an EP out of the entire Chameleon album?  ;D

1. First time
2. Crazy cat
3. Step out of hell
4. Giants

There. Now it looks great.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on February 28, 2018, 12:53:34 PM
That's pretty cool, IDontNotDoThings.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on February 28, 2018, 12:55:11 PM
How about making an EP out of the entire Chameleon album?  ;D

1. First time
2. Crazy cat
3. Step out of hell
4. Giants

There. Now it looks great.  :metal

There are two great songs on the album and you leave out one?

(I'm talking about I Believe)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on February 28, 2018, 10:37:29 PM
Just listened to Master of the Rings.

It's okay I guess, but it's not striking me as all that memorable. It hasn't really left an impression on me...  :\
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on February 28, 2018, 11:22:20 PM
Just listened to Master of the Rings.

It's okay I guess, but it's not striking me as all that memorable. It hasn't really left an impression on me...  :\

The run of Master of the Rings, Time of the Oath, and Better Than Raw is pretty good to me although the production leaves a lot to be desired. I think Andi Deris sounds pretty good. They're all a few songs too long, I think - the 2000s are where the band really got good, with most of my favorite albums spanning that decade.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: bl5150 on March 01, 2018, 05:30:12 AM
I haven't got around to listening to all the Deris era albums - but of those I have I'm very up and down with them.   I love about half of Master of the Rings , not much of Oath ,  really like half of The Dark Ride and don't mind the rest of it.   Listened to Better Than Raw for the first time today (one of the highest rated albums of theirs around the traps) and I struggled with all but 3 (very good) tracks. 

Except for Keeper era I find most of their albums have plenty of filler - love a few tracks each album though.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on March 01, 2018, 07:25:05 AM
They are wildly inconsistent, and opinions vary greatly amongst fans. It's pretty fascinating. For example I think Dark Ride, Gambling, and 7 Sinners are excellent. Rabbit, Keepers Legacy, My God-Given Right are terrible, and Straight Out of Hell falls somewhere around the Master-Oath-Raw trilogy, comfortably in the middle.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 01, 2018, 07:42:19 AM
I consider the Master / Oath / Raw period the "second" classic period of the band, with the Deris / Weikath / Grapow / Grosskopf / Kusch lineup being equally the "other classic" one after the Keeper one.

Those are classics, then I think Dark Ride is equally awesome, Rabbit is very meh, Legacy is saved by the majestic opener and a handful of good songs, Gambling is kickass and awesome, 7 Sinners has good songs and meh songs, Straight to Hell has very highs and very lows, and God Given Right is meh.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on March 01, 2018, 08:33:39 AM
I haven't got around to listening to all the Deris era albums - but of those I have I'm very up and down with them.   I love about half of Master of the Rings , not much of Oath ,  really like half of The Dark Ride and don't mind the rest of it.   Listened to Better Than Raw for the first time today (one of the highest rated albums of theirs around the traps) and I struggled with all but 3 (very good) tracks. 

Except for Keeper era I find most of their albums have plenty of filler - love a few tracks each album though.

Pretty much how I feel. I bought the entire catalog at one point, and sold it after a few years. The only physical discs I kept were Keeper 1 and 2, and the I Want Out Live disc. I do regret that purge to a degree (although I retain digital copies), but I just don't see the point in re-buying the physical discs, because the Deris era is very spotty to my ears. I just never really connected with his voice.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on April 02, 2018, 03:13:06 AM
I consider the Master / Oath / Raw period the "second" classic period of the band, with the Deris / Weikath / Grapow / Grosskopf / Kusch lineup being equally the "other classic" one after the Keeper one.

Those are classics, then I think Dark Ride is equally awesome, Rabbit is very meh, Legacy is saved by the majestic opener and a handful of good songs, Gambling is kickass and awesome, 7 Sinners has good songs and meh songs, Straight to Hell has very highs and very lows, and God Given Right is meh.
It's definitly how I feel. Keepers, Better Than Raw and The Dark Ride are my favourites. Then comes Gambling and Chameleon.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on April 02, 2018, 03:34:07 AM
Well, now that I don't have to be the one to necro the thread, I guess I can update everyone that after a month of trying, I just cannot get into Master Of The Rings. It's just way too generic & mediocre for me. I guess I'll still listen to Time Of The Oath, but my hopes aren't really that high.

Also, I think listening to Andy Deris has just made me realise how amazing Michael Kiske was. No joke, MK might actually be my favourite metal vocalist ever, so I guess it's unreasonably to expect Deris to be able to follow up strongly, but yeah, he hasn't made too much of an impression on me either.  :-\

Uli Kusch is really good though. I'd say it was a good choice getting him in. :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on April 02, 2018, 03:55:37 AM
Master of Rings is one of the weaker Deris albums, it was more of prelude for greater things to come. Better than Raw is the best album of 90's lineup with Kush & Grapow imo.

I liked that Weiki and Markus didn't go with a Kiske clone, and chose a singer with a distinctly different sound. But Deris isn't as good as Kiske, and Deris himself would likely admit that as well.

Have been listening a lot of Halloween recently, after a long break! Maybe it's the Pumpkins United lineup/tour, that has brought some new energy into the band. Crossing my fingers for a new album with this lineup, like they have been subtly hinting!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on April 02, 2018, 08:50:43 AM
Oath is much better than Master. Before the war, Kings will be kings and Power are essential Deris tracks.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on April 07, 2018, 07:32:41 AM
Seeing this lineup in just a few hours, holy shit! Never thought I will actually see Helloween with Kiske on board. I saw Kiske a few times with Avantasia, but this just isn't the same. Sooo excited now.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 07, 2018, 05:56:15 PM
Seeing this lineup in just a few hours, holy shit! Never thought I will actually see Helloween with Kiske on board. I saw Kiske a few times with Avantasia, but this just isn't the same. Sooo excited now.

 :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on April 08, 2018, 02:19:39 AM
Holy shit, the place was packed.

Great gig, except setlist could've been better. They took out both ballads from the set (which I was really looking forward to, never saw Tale That Wasn't Right with Kiske live) and included the new Pumpkins United song (which I don't really like). It was awesome to see other classics from Keepers and even some older songs with Kai. :metal Two epics were the absolute highlight of the night.

But yeah, fantastic gig overall.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on April 08, 2018, 02:55:39 AM
I remember my comments at the show two songs in: "I'm already happy this way"  :lol everything else was just a bonus. Indeed a glorious concerts, glad that you're all having fan those of you who are seeing it now!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on August 21, 2018, 06:53:55 AM
US tour is coming up.  Sad that I'm going to miss it, but at least we will be getting a....

NEW ALBUM WITH KISKE AND KAI!   :metal

Quote
UNBEATABLE! 💥

Among the massive PUMPKINS UNITED WORLD TOUR’s absolute open air highlights were, of course, the headliner slots at Wacken, Barcelona’s Rock Fest and Masters of Rock – but also the mega gigs with Iron Maiden at Sweden Rock Festival and Florence’s Firenze Rocks in June definitely were shows for all eternity.

For those, who mysteriously missed the tour, goosebumps footage of the PUMPKINS UNITED WORLD TOUR, will be released as a live CD as well as on DVD and Blu-ray beginning of 2019!!! As of now, the wait until the release can be shortened with a stream of the full Wacken show at Magenta Music 360 right here:

https://www.magenta-musik-360.de/helloween-pumpkins-united-…

BUT HERE IT COMES!

As we are still indulging in the Wacken encore or preparing for the show in Las Vegas/ USA, those maniacs are already launching the next sensation: For starters, Nuclear Blast has insisted to keep the band on their roster for a few more years, and – double bass drum roll – there’ll actually be a brand-new STUDIO ALBUM with KISKE AND HANSEN. When the band around songwriting trio Weikath, Hansen and Deris will be retreating to the studio together with these two exceptional singers in 2019, it’s clear that the album scheduled for 2020 will be no less than EPIC. If this news doesn’t make you go all dewy, your proper rock baptism might not have happened yet – the rest of us are way over the moon as of now, because:

THE PUMPKINS UNITED DREAM CONTINUES!

Thanks to everyone who has been with us until now!

Photo: Patricia Patah

FINAL SHOWS IN 2018

07. Sep USA / Las Vegas, NV House Of Blues
 08. Sep USA / Los Angeles, CA The Palladium
 10. Sep USA / Chicago, IL Concord Music Hall
 12. Sep CAN / Montreal, QUE Metropolis
 14. Sep USA / Worcester, MA Palladium
 15. Sep USA / New York City Irving Plaza
 16. Sep USA / New York City Irving Plaza

26. Okt COL/ Bogota Knot Fest
 28. Okt SVL/ San Salvador CIFCO
 31. Okt CHI / Santiago Movistar Arena **
 02. Nov MEX / Mexico City Arena CDMX **
 04. Nov MEX / Guadalajara Foro Alterno
 08. Nov ARG / Buenos Aires Luna Park **

** special guests: KREATOR & ARCH ENEMY

06. Dez POR / Lissabon Sala TEJO
 08. Dez ESP / Sant. de Compostela Fontes do Sar B.E.C
 14. Dez GER / Ravensburg Oberschwabenhalle
 15. Dez GER / Karlsruhe Knockout Festival
 18. Dez SWE / Stockholm Arenan
 21. Dez GER / Bamberg Brose Arena
 22. Dez GER / Hamburg Sporthalle

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 21, 2018, 07:17:45 AM
Oh, another live album. That's wonderf-

(https://www.reactiongifs.com/r/zbe.gif)

DREAMS DO COME TRUE
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Indiscipline on August 21, 2018, 07:20:51 AM
NEW ALBUM WITH KISKE AND KAI!   :metal

(https://i.imgur.com/laZkNWl.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on August 21, 2018, 08:04:34 AM
Absolutely killer. Can't wait for the show in LA, and now a new record with this lineup. Great, great news!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on August 21, 2018, 10:24:22 AM
That's some good news right there.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mister Gold on August 21, 2018, 11:04:16 AM
US tour is coming up.  Sad that I'm going to miss it, but at least we will be getting a....

NEW ALBUM WITH KISKE AND KAI!   :metal

Quote
UNBEATABLE! 💥

Among the massive PUMPKINS UNITED WORLD TOUR’s absolute open air highlights were, of course, the headliner slots at Wacken, Barcelona’s Rock Fest and Masters of Rock – but also the mega gigs with Iron Maiden at Sweden Rock Festival and Florence’s Firenze Rocks in June definitely were shows for all eternity.

For those, who mysteriously missed the tour, goosebumps footage of the PUMPKINS UNITED WORLD TOUR, will be released as a live CD as well as on DVD and Blu-ray beginning of 2019!!! As of now, the wait until the release can be shortened with a stream of the full Wacken show at Magenta Music 360 right here:

https://www.magenta-musik-360.de/helloween-pumpkins-united-…

BUT HERE IT COMES!

As we are still indulging in the Wacken encore or preparing for the show in Las Vegas/ USA, those maniacs are already launching the next sensation: For starters, Nuclear Blast has insisted to keep the band on their roster for a few more years, and – double bass drum roll – there’ll actually be a brand-new STUDIO ALBUM with KISKE AND HANSEN. When the band around songwriting trio Weikath, Hansen and Deris will be retreating to the studio together with these two exceptional singers in 2019, it’s clear that the album scheduled for 2020 will be no less than EPIC. If this news doesn’t make you go all dewy, your proper rock baptism might not have happened yet – the rest of us are way over the moon as of now, because:

THE PUMPKINS UNITED DREAM CONTINUES!

Thanks to everyone who has been with us until now!

Photo: Patricia Patah

FINAL SHOWS IN 2018

07. Sep USA / Las Vegas, NV House Of Blues
 08. Sep USA / Los Angeles, CA The Palladium
 10. Sep USA / Chicago, IL Concord Music Hall
 12. Sep CAN / Montreal, QUE Metropolis
 14. Sep USA / Worcester, MA Palladium
 15. Sep USA / New York City Irving Plaza
 16. Sep USA / New York City Irving Plaza

26. Okt COL/ Bogota Knot Fest
 28. Okt SVL/ San Salvador CIFCO
 31. Okt CHI / Santiago Movistar Arena **
 02. Nov MEX / Mexico City Arena CDMX **
 04. Nov MEX / Guadalajara Foro Alterno
 08. Nov ARG / Buenos Aires Luna Park **

** special guests: KREATOR & ARCH ENEMY

06. Dez POR / Lissabon Sala TEJO
 08. Dez ESP / Sant. de Compostela Fontes do Sar B.E.C
 14. Dez GER / Ravensburg Oberschwabenhalle
 15. Dez GER / Karlsruhe Knockout Festival
 18. Dez SWE / Stockholm Arenan
 21. Dez GER / Bamberg Brose Arena
 22. Dez GER / Hamburg Sporthalle

If ever there was a sign of a loving, benevolent God... :lol

I am PUMPED for this! :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on August 21, 2018, 01:15:19 PM
Man, it's going to be a long wait for 2020! :corn

I always wondered if this lineup could also work in a studio environment. I guess we are about to find out..
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 21, 2018, 04:18:51 PM
Wow, a full album.  That's wicked.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 22, 2018, 04:35:22 PM


Quote
FINAL SHOWS IN 2018

07. Sep USA / Las Vegas, NV House Of Blues
 08. Sep USA / Los Angeles, CA The Palladium
 10. Sep USA / Chicago, IL Concord Music Hall
 12. Sep CAN / Montreal, QUE Metropolis
14. Sep USA / Worcester, MA Palladium
 15. Sep USA / New York City Irving Plaza
 16. Sep USA / New York City Irving Plaza


Finally got around to buying my tickets :metal :metal

Been waiting 30 years for this show.
Actually it'll 31 years almost to the day that I saw the original Keeprs Pt.1 tour.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 22, 2018, 05:55:35 PM
TAC, has anyone told you you're old?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on August 23, 2018, 08:02:33 AM


Quote
FINAL SHOWS IN 2018

07. Sep USA / Las Vegas, NV House Of Blues
 08. Sep USA / Los Angeles, CA The Palladium
 10. Sep USA / Chicago, IL Concord Music Hall
 12. Sep CAN / Montreal, QUE Metropolis
14. Sep USA / Worcester, MA Palladium
 15. Sep USA / New York City Irving Plaza
 16. Sep USA / New York City Irving Plaza


Finally got around to buying my tickets :metal :metal

Been waiting 30 years for this show.
Actually it'll 31 years almost to the day that I saw the original Keeprs Pt.1 tour.

I am with you buddy. 31 years since I became a fan -- FINALLY going to see Kiske/Hansen and Helloween do those songs I loved from Keepers 1 and 2. Just a couple of weeks of waiting left!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 25, 2018, 09:23:16 AM
So Kiske's and especially Sacha's songwriting is not required? anyway, MORE THAN EXCELLENT NEWS :metal

It was also the only logical step forward. Where do you go from a massively successful reunion tour? to another standard album with people complaining at shows about how Deris sings Eagle Fry Free? unless they all hated each other, this was the only way to go forward, let's hope they'll all ride into the sunset together.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 26, 2018, 11:40:07 PM
So Kiske's and especially Sacha's songwriting is not required? anyway, MORE THAN EXCELLENT NEWS :metal

I wonder how much involvement Sascha will actually have.  He probably still will have some ideas, they probably worded it that way in the press conference to make it sound more vintage and impressive.  Marcus would obvioulsy have ideas also.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on August 27, 2018, 01:40:46 AM
So Kiske's and especially Sacha's songwriting is not required? anyway, MORE THAN EXCELLENT NEWS :metal

I wonder how much involvement Sascha will actually have.  He probably still will have some ideas, they probably worded it that way in the press conference to make it sound more vintage and impressive.  Marcus would obvioulsy have ideas also.

In the past I believe Sascha has penned a couple of songs per album, and Markus generally has penned one per album. Andi, Kai and Weiki were behind the "Pumpkins United" single, so it makes sense for them to be the main songwriters going forward. Andi and Weiki have been the most active songwriters in the post Kiske era of the band.

So "The band around the songwriting trio.." probably means: Andi, Kai and Weiki will be the driving force, with Sascha, Markus and possibly even Kiske throwing in some ideas for good measure.

I just can't wait to hear what a Helloween album with two lead singers and four backing vocalists will sound like. That is going to be friggin' huge!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 27, 2018, 05:30:06 AM
So Kiske's and especially Sacha's songwriting is not required? anyway, MORE THAN EXCELLENT NEWS :metal

I wonder how much involvement Sascha will actually have.  He probably still will have some ideas, they probably worded it that way in the press conference to make it sound more vintage and impressive.  Marcus would obvioulsy have ideas also.

In the past I believe Sascha has penned a couple of songs per album, and Markus generally has penned one per album. Andi, Kai and Weiki were behind the "Pumpkins United" single, so it makes sense for them to be the main songwriters going forward. Andi and Weiki have been the most active songwriters in the post Kiske era of the band.

So "The band around the songwriting trio.." probably means: Andi, Kai and Weiki will be the driving force, with Sascha, Markus and possibly even Kiske throwing in some ideas for good measure.

I just can't wait to hear what a Helloween album with two lead singers and four backing vocalists will sound like. That is going to be friggin' huge!

That's pretty much what I was alluding too, and probably very accurate.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 01, 2018, 07:30:32 PM
Just watched this video:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0rrbCnHIQ3XzeN5m159yVl?si=6oWkjVFvSSq-OQSmv2qxYg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZBGtjvWybU

There's literally tears in my eyes. My wife was like WTF are you watching? I say.....Helloween. Which of course was met with an eyeroll.  :lol

Two weeks! I cannot wait.


And I have to say this....I have mad respect for Andi Deris.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 01, 2018, 07:36:23 PM
You were watching a still image of a song by an unrelated band? Fetch the hearing aid and the reading glasses!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 01, 2018, 07:41:13 PM
You were watching a still image of a song by an unrelated band? Fetch the hearing aid and the reading glasses!

 :lol :facepalm:

Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V....what's the difference?


(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/26/21/c6/2621c6a5c082e4a66c2b6f5728bf0f3b.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 02, 2018, 04:02:17 AM
Just watched this video:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0rrbCnHIQ3XzeN5m159yVl?si=6oWkjVFvSSq-OQSmv2qxYg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZBGtjvWybU

There's literally tears in my eyes. My wife was like WTF are you watching? I say.....Helloween. Which of course was met with an eyeroll.  :lol

Two weeks! I cannot wait.


And I have to say this....I have mad respect for Andi Deris.  :metal

What does Andi have to do with that vid?  Because he wasn't in it?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 02, 2018, 06:58:31 AM
What does Andi have to do with that vid?  Because he wasn't in it?

That's why I respect him! :P

Seriously though, he sings quite a bit in the second half of the song. But It's not vocally that I respect him. I've always been lukewarm on him vocally.

But I meant in general, the interplay between him and Kiske is fantastic. I've watched a ton of vids from this tour, and their interaction feels so genuine. I like that. I mean, when do these kinds of things look like this? VH's tour with Sammy and DLR was a clusterfuck.

I just think that Deris comes off as a really cool guy, who is secure in his own thing, when obviously the draw here is Kiske and Kai. Deris stepped in for Kiske and has lead Helloween to a really successful career.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on September 02, 2018, 07:23:28 AM
Also, he's probably happy that he doesn't have to sing Eagle Fly Free (and be criticized for it) anymore. Which is basically all the thanks he gets for having, as you said, helped to recover Helloween which were basically done in 1993 and helming them to 20 years of sometimes good, sometimes great albums, to which he provided his songwriting skills, while being one of the very best frontmen of the entire genre. He was never afraid of the reunion (I remember a video interview of some years ago where he said that he wouldn't mind to let Kiske join in the encore and be backstage for 3 songs or stuff like that) and, as the true "master of the house" since 1994, welcomed Kiske back without ego or insecurities and eased him back into the fold.

He also looks like being actually a very cool and chill dude, maybe it helps that he lives on Tenerife. Think of it, the dude lives all the time on an island. He has his studio there, so when it's time to write an album, he works from home. And then whe he leaves home, he does it to tour the world and have concerts with screaming fans all around. No wonder he always seem happy and uplifted.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 02, 2018, 08:07:37 AM
Dead on, Mask. Totally agree.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 03, 2018, 05:32:17 AM
What does Andi have to do with that vid?  Because he wasn't in it?

That's why I respect him! :P

Seriously though, he sings quite a bit in the second half of the song. But It's not vocally that I respect him. I've always been lukewarm on him vocally.

But I meant in general, the interplay between him and Kiske is fantastic. I've watched a ton of vids from this tour, and their interaction feels so genuine. I like that. I mean, when do these kinds of things look like this? VH's tour with Sammy and DLR was a clusterfuck.

I just think that Deris comes off as a really cool guy, who is secure in his own thing, when obviously the draw here is Kiske and Kai. Deris stepped in for Kiske and has lead Helloween to a really successful career.

I skipped through the vid to be honest.  I got into Helloween via Deris, I love him.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on September 04, 2018, 11:13:27 AM
This sucks. I can't go this weekend in LA. Still waiting to hear from EnterTheVault about transferring my ticket. If I can, anyone near LA that wants to go? I'd let it go for $30 (it cost me $62.25, total). Hopefully ETV gets back to me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 04, 2018, 11:14:02 AM
This sucks. I can't go this weekend in LA. Still waiting to hear from EnterTheVault about transferring my ticket. If I can, anyone near LA that wants to go? I'd let it go for $30 (it cost me $62.25, total). Hopefully ETV gets back to me.

Sam, THAT BLOWS!!!!!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on September 04, 2018, 11:17:13 AM
I am not happy. But it is what it is. Other priorities. Thankfully, they are doing a Blu-ray/CD set, so I won't go without the experience completely. This is just a bad time of year. I knew when I booked it, there could be issues, so it is not a total surprise. Everything was refundable...except the ticket. So hoping to get SOMETHING back for it, or at least make sure it is used.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 12, 2018, 10:05:29 AM
Saw them on Monday night. Extraordinary show, easily top 5 I've ever seen. Playing stuff from their whole career but there was a big emphasis on the early years and Kai, Kiske, and Deris all slayed their material. Sometimes they'd have two or all three on the same part and scream the high notes together which gave me chills a few times. Never thought this show would happen in my life.

Kiske fell off the stage at the end of How Many Tears, the last song before the encores started. He took a step back and his heel hit the edge of a section of the stage that was 'cut out' (don't know how else to describe it) and fumbled, took another step back and went straight down. Thankfully he got right back up and was okay. Here are some pics, click here for more. (https://imgur.com/a/NmRf11Z)

(https://i.imgur.com/Qf7RCz7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EXAcCuj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HzoZ8ia.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 12, 2018, 10:09:24 AM
Great shots K-lox. Seeing them on Friday.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 12, 2018, 10:10:01 AM
Great shots K-lox. Seeing them on Friday.

Thanks! You're going to have such a great time. It's a show for the ages, no doubt.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on September 12, 2018, 01:15:35 PM
Great shots K-lox. Seeing them on Friday.

Considering how much you love the Keeper albums, this upcoming concert will be huge for you!

The new live album should be awesome whenever it comes out.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 12, 2018, 03:44:09 PM
You know it Jason. I am so psyched to see Kiske live. And Kai Hansen. I think Kai Hansen is an all timer.

Saw the original Keepers Pt.1 tour in 1987. I can't believe 31 years of waiting is down to 48 hours.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 12, 2018, 03:49:38 PM
Tim is gonna nut when he hears all three singers hit high notes at the same time  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 12, 2018, 03:53:21 PM
Honestly, I think what I'm looking forward to the most is the Kai/Walls Of Jericho part of the show.

 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 12, 2018, 04:09:54 PM
Honestly, I think what I'm looking forward to the most is the Kai/Walls Of Jericho part of the show.

Since I was fresh out of ProgPower I was afraid I was going to break my neck during Ride the Sky. The WoJ session was soooo much fun.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on September 13, 2018, 01:58:51 AM
Honestly, I think what I'm looking forward to the most is the Kai/Walls Of Jericho part of the show.

Since I was fresh out of ProgPower I was afraid I was going to break my neck during Ride the Sky. The WoJ session was soooo much fun.

That's an issue I always have when listening to WoJ.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 13, 2018, 05:07:04 AM
Such an amazing power thrash album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on September 13, 2018, 01:02:15 PM
That's the album where Chris Jericho got his name from
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 13, 2018, 06:30:41 PM
That's the album where Chris Jericho got his name from

 :lol


I heard it was either that or Gorgar.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 14, 2018, 07:34:43 PM
 :omg:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 16, 2018, 03:35:17 PM
So, I saw Helloween Friday night in Worcester.
Let me just say how lucky and thankful I am to have done so. I consider Keepers Pts 1&2 to be fourth best albums I have ever heard. They were as influential in what I like musically as anything else.

With 7 North American dates (6 in the US), and Worcester's proximity to the 2 NYC shows, I still can't believe that Worcester made the list.

I'm a fogey, so I saw the original Keepers tour in 1987. I've spent the last 30 years basically accepting that I would never see Mickael Kiske live again. He is the best vocalist these ears have ever heard. Ever.

While I have all of the post Kiske Helloween albums, I am not all that fond of Andi Deris' voice. It's not that he's not Kiske. I just don't find him all that pleasurable to listen to. But he has commanded Helloween to a fantastic career over the last 25 years. I totally respect that.
The reunion also brings back Kai Hansen. Helloween was never the same after he left. I think Kai is one of the most underrated and brilliant musicians of our time.

Anyway, I have been watching videos of the band's performances since the tour started. What jumped out at me was the chemistry within the band, especially between Kiske and Deris. Kiske has said that they did not know each other beforehand, but they seem to get along great, something else that Kiske has stated. Watching them live, this was really evident. And it wasn't just the chemistry, but their voices really play off each other. Throw Kai in, and on a track like How Many Tears, where they all sing lead, it's really amazing.

Also, speaking of chemistry, I was watching Kai as he was playing the Deris Era material. He couldn't have been more gracious and endearing. He played those songs with pride and it really added to my enjoyment.


Anyway, the show. AMAZING! Beyond my hopes and extectations. The band seemed so joyful, and that made for a great experience. The place was packed and the crowd was INTO IT!
Halloween is such an amazing opening song. Loved the interplay between Kiske and Deris. Kiske sounded great. I was very happy to hear that.

Oddly, the part of the show I was most looking forward to didn't involve Kiske, it was the WOJ part with Kai singing. Holy shit, was that amazing. Such a memorable concert moment.

Also what was cool was the inclusion of the Ingo video during Dani Loble's solo. What an awesome thing. It was like Dani and Ingo were doing a drum duet. I'm glad they included Ingo in the "Pumpkins United" show. Classy.
And speaking of Dani Loble, man is that guy rock steady. He held the entire show together and for playing an 2:45 hour show, I thought he was incredible. I was really impressed.

It would be nice if Michael Weikath would smile once in a while. He's a wet fart. (just thought I'd throw that in there)

Two of my favorite Deris Era tracks are Power and Waiting For The Thunder. I'm glad they included them. And Perfect Gentleman was great. The entire band was so engaged during the song.

Lastly, the video screen was fantastic. the graphics were amazing. I could do without the Seth and Doc nonsense, but the video presentation was outstanding.

Anyway, I could ramble forever about this show.
Here are a few shots..

(https://i.imgur.com/kHmSwdv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QtilJpo.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/swRgivF.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JusBSk9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AYaL9PF.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mg6NiSt.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/yrG6rtQ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lz2OvMz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OS195jb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OKDqHMn.jpg)


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 16, 2018, 03:38:49 PM
I'm so glad you had a blast TAC, and to see them all these years later after having seen them back in the 80s must have been totally surreal. Wasn't it awesome seeing how Kai fit into the band like a glove, even when not playing the Walls stuff? And that little medley spot of Walls of Jericho material - how cool was that?! Would've liked to hear Ride the Sky in full but that was still amazing.

I loved how genuinely kind and friendly Kiske, Deris, and Kai all were to each other, there seems to be real chemistry there. I was also very happy to hear Power and Waiting For The Thunder, and Perfect Gentleman was fun as heck. Sounds like you had a great time.  :metal

Oh, that Ingo tribute was beautiful, too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 16, 2018, 03:47:34 PM
I hope they continue to let Kai sing on upcoming tours, provided they tour for the album they are planning. Maybe next time it could be Victim Of Fate. But what we got of Ride The Sky, and especially Starlight, was phenomenal.

And I was watching Kai during the Deris tracks, and he performed those tracks as if he wrote them.

Oh, you know what song was amazing...Pumpkins United. If that is representative of what could come on the upcoming album, that'll be great.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on September 16, 2018, 05:51:56 PM
Awesome pics and looks like you had great seats  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 16, 2018, 07:43:58 PM
TAC, you should totally buy this. I would (because last time I looked it was $45!) but I am one broke motherfucker  :lol It would look so cool next to my Keepers one though. Droooool. Might actually snag it this Friday if it's still there!

https://www.ebay.com/i/112970637587?ul_noapp=true
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 16, 2018, 07:45:47 PM
 :lol

The Lovely Mrs TAC would love that!  My flag buying days ended when I moved out of my college dorm! :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 16, 2018, 07:49:29 PM
 :rollin

I forget not everyone is a flag junkie like I am. I count 7 right here in my living room, and 3 I haven't hung up yet!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 16, 2018, 07:51:56 PM
I think if I had a room to hang a bunch of stuff, I'd blow up some of my concert pics. I have the pic of my avatar blown up poster size hanging in my basement behind my drums.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on September 17, 2018, 01:09:21 AM
Aside from the comment about Andi Deris (I'm a great fan of him), I totally relate with everything you said TAC. I'm glad that you had a blast just like I did over here!!!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Indiscipline on September 17, 2018, 01:19:09 AM
Those pics look and feel marvellous, Tim. If there's someone I know who deserves that reward for thirty years of love, that's you.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on September 17, 2018, 01:00:30 PM
I've been avoiding this thread. I had a ticket to go see this in LA, and it ended up falling at a time that just did not work out for me to do it. And then one of my best friends lets me know this weekend that the two New York shows were some of the best live shows he's ever seen (and like me, he's been to upwards of 300 concerts, if not more). Just heartbreaking. My only solace is that I know they are doing the Blu-Ray and live CD. But I'm still really bummed about it. It was necessary to miss it (some family concerns), but after 30 years of being a fan, this was my chance to see Kiske front Helloween, and it probably won't happen again.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on October 07, 2018, 04:39:12 AM
Good news: Master Of The Rings finally clicked for me. I can't get enough of it now. :metal

Bad news: The Time Of The Oath fucking sucks.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 07, 2018, 04:48:00 AM
Good news: Master Of The Rings finally clicked for me. I can't get enough of it now. :metal

Bad news: The Time Of The Oath fucking sucks.

Worse news: you totally don't get The Time of the Oath :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on October 07, 2018, 05:09:04 AM
Eh, maybe, but I honestly found it difficult to get through. There's so many songs that sound alike (FA1/IIK, ST/Power/MM), , some songs feel aggressive with no other real appeal other than pure adrenaline (We Burn, BTW, KWBK), the epics feel like they never end, the track order makes absolutely no sense, & overall I just found it a difficult experience from beginning to end. I don't think it's that I don't "feel" the songs so well like I did with Rings, or that I think they're mediocre. I just find them straight up difficult to listen to.

I also cheated & listened to a few other albums while I was waiting for MOTR to click. Better Than Raw I found really unmemorable & formulaic (though who knows, that one may click eventually), The Dark Ride mostly kicks ass but has pretty noticeable filler (that title track though :hefdaddy), & I just couldn't finish Rabbit Don't Come Easy no matter how hard I tried.

So, those are my actual thoughts.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on November 29, 2018, 04:42:20 PM
Good news: Master Of The Rings finally clicked for me. I can't get enough of it now. :metal

Bad news: The Time Of The Oath fucking sucks.

Worse news: you totally don't get The Time of the Oath :metal

Better news: You were right. It just clicked for me  :metal

I need to stop posting first impressions, it seems I'm not very good at it. :\

Anyway, I've finished the discography now. Maybe I'll post a ranking when I let them all sink in a little more.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on November 29, 2018, 05:41:24 PM
I always dug Master of the Rings. And I was a big fan of The Dark Ride. As a whole though, the Deris-fronted discography felt weak in comparison to the first two Keeper records. I am hoping that with both Kiske and Deris, this next one will become the perfect balance.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on November 29, 2018, 05:56:16 PM
I am hoping that with both Kiske and Deris, this next one will become the perfect balance.

Yeah, 9 Kiske tunes and 1 Deris tune. Sounds pretty balanced to me! :D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on November 29, 2018, 06:04:45 PM
I am hoping that with both Kiske and Deris, this next one will become the perfect balance.

Yeah, 9 Kiske tunes and 1 Deris tune. Sounds pretty balanced to me! :D

Surprised you'd let him have 1 tune Tim.

I always dug Master of the Rings. And I was a big fan of The Dark Ride. As a whole though, the Deris-fronted discography felt weak in comparison to the first two Keeper records. I am hoping that with both Kiske and Deris, this next one will become the perfect balance.

The argument comes up so much and has done for years now.  I think this one really comes down to a matter of taste.  I prefer the Deris era but however, I don't think any of the Deris albums have the classic status that Keepers 1 has.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on November 29, 2018, 06:14:21 PM
I was originally thinking 9 Kiske tunes and an instrumental. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on November 29, 2018, 06:29:46 PM
Actually, fuck it.

A-tier (albums I absolutely love :hefdaddy)
#1. Keeper Of The Seven Keys 2
#2. Keeper Of The Seven Keys: The Legacy
(2.5. Helloween EP)
#3. The Dark Ride
#4. Chameleon
#5. Gambling With The Devil

B-tier (albums I really enjoy :metal)
#6. Master Of The Rings
#7. Walls Of Jericho
#8. Keeper Of The Seven Keys 1
#9. The Time Of The Oath
10. My God Given Right

C-tier (albums I think are just okay :\)
11. 7 Sinners
12. Pink Bubbles Go Ape
13. Straight Out Of Hell
14. Better Than Raw
15. Rabbit Don't Come Easy

(this is VERY subject to change, as I only just finished the discography)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on November 29, 2018, 06:39:04 PM
I was originally thinking 9 Kiske tunes and an instrumental. :lol

The band could be called;

Helloween featuring Andi Deris on distant faint background vocals and Sasha Gertsner because we would feel bad booting him. (Yes, we know this looks like what Iron Maiden did.)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on November 29, 2018, 06:40:21 PM
Actually, fuck it.

A-tier (albums I absolutely love :hefdaddy)
#1. Keeper Of The Seven Keys 2
#2. Keeper Of The Seven Keys: The Legacy
(2.5. Helloween EP)
#3. The Dark Ride
#4. Chameleon
#5. Gambling With The Devil

B-tier (albums I really enjoy :metal)
#6. Master Of The Rings
#7. Walls Of Jericho
#8. Keeper Of The Seven Keys 1
#9. The Time Of The Oath
10. My God Given Right

C-tier (albums I think are just okay :\)
11. 7 Sinners
12. Pink Bubbles Go Ape
13. Straight Out Of Hell
14. Better Than Raw
15. Rabbit Don't Come Easy

(this is VERY subject to change, as I only just finished the discography)

I still to this day don't understand why no one likes Rabbit Don't Come Easy.  It's my go to album, it's filled with great tunes IMO, and covers all aspects of Helloween's sound.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on November 29, 2018, 06:51:35 PM
Actually, fuck it.

A-tier (albums I absolutely love :hefdaddy)
#1. Keeper Of The Seven Keys 2
#2. Keeper Of The Seven Keys: The Legacy
(2.5. Helloween EP)
#3. The Dark Ride
#4. Chameleon
#5. Gambling With The Devil

B-tier (albums I really enjoy :metal)
#6. Master Of The Rings
#7. Walls Of Jericho
#8. Keeper Of The Seven Keys 1
#9. The Time Of The Oath
10. My God Given Right

C-tier (albums I think are just okay :\)
11. 7 Sinners
12. Pink Bubbles Go Ape
13. Straight Out Of Hell
14. Better Than Raw
15. Rabbit Don't Come Easy

(this is VERY subject to change, as I only just finished the discography)

I still to this day don't understand why no one likes Rabbit Don't Come Easy.

Indeed. I love it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on November 29, 2018, 07:10:10 PM
Better Than Raw never seems to get a lot of mentions but that was one of, if not the first, Helloween album I bought.  I was very impressed.  I didn't know a lot about the band before BTR, but I went and bought pretty much everything right after that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on November 29, 2018, 07:26:59 PM
Actually, fuck it.

A-tier (albums I absolutely love :hefdaddy)
#1. Keeper Of The Seven Keys 2
#2. Keeper Of The Seven Keys: The Legacy
(2.5. Helloween EP)
#3. The Dark Ride
#4. Chameleon
#5. Gambling With The Devil

B-tier (albums I really enjoy :metal)
#6. Master Of The Rings
#7. Walls Of Jericho
#8. Keeper Of The Seven Keys 1
#9. The Time Of The Oath
10. My God Given Right

C-tier (albums I think are just okay :\)
11. 7 Sinners
12. Pink Bubbles Go Ape
13. Straight Out Of Hell
14. Better Than Raw
15. Rabbit Don't Come Easy

(this is VERY subject to change, as I only just finished the discography)

I still to this day don't understand why no one likes Rabbit Don't Come Easy.

Indeed. I love it.

Honestly I just find it aggressive to the point of being exhausting to listen to. The production is so in-your-face that it honestly gives me a headache after a few songs, let alone a full hour.

Though I don't any production could stop me from liking Nothing To Say. That's one great song.

But then again, I don't think any good production choices could make me like Do You Feel Good, that's probably my least favourite song they've ever done.

Basically, the album is a mixed bag with a bad mix. :P
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 02, 2019, 07:20:34 AM
Aaaaand we're gonna get a live DVD and album - UNITED ALIVE!

 :metal

Coming out October 4th.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 02, 2019, 07:34:18 AM
Aaaaand we're gonna get a live DVD and album - UNITED ALIVE!

 :metal

Coming out October 4th.


 :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal


I've been thinking about Helloween lately. I wonder how their next album is progressing. Haven't heard anything about it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 02, 2019, 07:42:14 AM
That's because they haven't said anything about it, except a short message I've noticed on the fly some days ago, about how the work on the new album is going well.

They're keeping it quiet, most likely they're chilling out with no pressure at Tenerife, and I like it this way after all. They're working in secret and with headlights shut, when it will be done, it will be done.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 02, 2019, 08:16:24 AM
Hopefully that means they’re taking it very seriously and that makes me hopeful for a great album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on July 02, 2019, 09:32:49 AM
Can't wait for the live album and of course, the new studio release.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 02, 2019, 10:32:50 AM
No tracklist in the release, but here's the setlist:
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/helloween/2017/wizink-center-madrid-spain-be051c2.html
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on July 02, 2019, 10:53:47 AM
No tracklist in the release, but here's the setlist:
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/helloween/2017/wizink-center-madrid-spain-be051c2.html

That's a hell of a show!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 02, 2019, 11:38:25 AM
Yeah, let's hope they don't cut anything!

From memory it's the same of the show I've seen - only Kids of the Century was in place of Rise and Fall.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on July 02, 2019, 11:47:51 AM
I think that set list is identical to what I saw on that tour. As much as it was a privilege to see such a show and I did spend most of it watching it through tears, I was bummed not to get Kids of a century. Such a shame it won't be on the DVD either.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 02, 2019, 11:48:33 AM
Yeah, I love Kids Of The Century.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on July 02, 2019, 12:20:13 PM
I like that entire album, actually. I defend it so often among Helloween fans that I end up repeating myself.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 02, 2019, 12:33:51 PM
I'm with you, M. I feel that it has really aged well. I don't love every song on it, but man, there are some great tracks.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on July 02, 2019, 12:48:47 PM
The Pumpkins United show was one of the best concerts I've ever seen in my life. However, as fun as the set was, I still would've liked there to be some Gambling with the Devil representation. That's the best Helloween album imo and although it was cool to see surprises in the set (for me, someone who's never seen them live before), there were a bunch of songs that still make me go... "Huh?!" Like Waiting for the Thunder and Perfect Gentleman but not The Saints or Dreambound or Heaven Tells No Lies or Final Fortune or Paint A New World? Helloween's live sets have always baffled me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 02, 2019, 12:54:15 PM
I wonder how they'll construct their next tour's setlist.

Even though I have all of the albums, I honestly can't recognize a lot of the Deris material by song title. In fact, I can't really listen to Gambling because the production is putrid.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on July 02, 2019, 12:56:41 PM
I wonder how they'll construct their next tour's setlist.

Even though I have all of the albums, I honestly can't recognize a lot of the Deris material by song title. In fact, I can't really listen to Gambling because the production is putrid.

I just barely had to cut it off my top 50 of all time and I'm almost considering throwing it back in there just for you  :lol

Gambling is one of the few Helloween albums with good production imo, or at least songwriting that benefits from the production. It's not as heavy as 7 Sinners but it's way more consistent and has stronger songs to my ears. Some of their best hooks ever are on Gambling.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 02, 2019, 01:09:19 PM
Glad to see I'm not the only one in love with Gambling with the Devil, which I still consider their best album since its release with no one of the following ones topping it!

The mistake was made back in the day, when they toured for the album and played only TWO songs off the record. They could and should have found room for more songs. Since they didn't believe in the album, when it was time for the big reunion it was only a direct consequence to skip that album.

And come on, Waiting for the Thunder is awesome  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on July 02, 2019, 01:11:35 PM
I remember them playing three songs from it when I saw it - As long as I fall, Paint and new world and The Bells of 7 hells. However, they certainly could have done more. I would love to see Falling to pieces or IME at some point.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 02, 2019, 01:14:21 PM
Paint a New World was a later and I believe rare addition, I didn't get it at my concert. Basically any song of the album would have done, Dreambound is fantastic for example! and The Final Fortune if sung by Kiske on the new album would be acclaimed as a new classic.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on July 02, 2019, 01:18:24 PM
You can do it! There's nothing to it! So come on, come on, come on! Come on, come on, come OoOoOoOoN! :footloose:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 02, 2019, 01:38:41 PM
I wonder how they'll construct their next tour's setlist.

Even though I have all of the albums, I honestly can't recognize a lot of the Deris material by song title. In fact, I can't really listen to Gambling because the production is putrid.

I just barely had to cut it off my top 50 of all time and I'm almost considering throwing it back in there just for you  :lol

Gambling is one of the few Helloween albums with good production imo, or at least songwriting that benefits from the production. It's not as heavy as 7 Sinners but it's way more consistent and has stronger songs to my ears. Some of their best hooks ever are on Gambling.

From what I remember there's some good stuff on it, but it's so loud, it's practically unlistenable. that's what I remember anyway. I didn't not like it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on July 02, 2019, 09:07:04 PM
Gambling With The Devil is probably their best album since The Dark Ride. There's so many standout tracks and not one that I dislike (even including the bonus tracks). I even love I Am Me and You Can Do It despite their lyrical cliches.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on July 03, 2019, 02:19:38 AM
Gambling With The Devil is probably their best album since The Dark Ride. There's so many standout tracks and not one that I dislike (even including the bonus tracks). I even love I Am Me and You Can Do It despite their lyrical cliches.
Twelve years later, I get the song title.  :facepalm:  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on July 03, 2019, 03:59:03 AM
Considering how well they managed to arrange some of the older songs for dual vocalist setup, I'm excited to see what songs get the same treatment in the following tours!

How Many Tears and for example Halloween were rearranged beautifully! Something like King For a 1000 Years is a no brainer, but I'd love to hear something like Paint a New World rearranged for both Kiske and Deris!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on July 03, 2019, 04:32:11 AM
Dude, imagine them playing Light The Universe with a Deris/Kiske duet. I'm getting chills just thinking about it. :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 03, 2019, 04:35:18 AM
The only downside for The King for a 1000 Years is that it's sung entirely from the point of view of the devil, so I can't imagine how to split properly the parts aside from giving Kiske the happy chorus (not for nothing Deris got a minimal part in Keeper of the Seven Keys).

Still the possibilites for other songs are exciting and they've shown to be quite good at creating duets, so I'm all up to see what they come up to next!

Also, we need Kai to sing VICTIM OF FATE  :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 03, 2019, 05:31:10 AM
Aaaaand we're gonna get a live DVD and album - UNITED ALIVE!

 :metal

Coming out October 4th.

Lovely.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on July 03, 2019, 09:36:11 AM
Aaaaand we're gonna get a live DVD and album - UNITED ALIVE!

 :metal

Coming out October 4th.

Lovely.


 :metal :metal :metal :metal

If that is the complete set list for the album, that will be awesome.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on July 03, 2019, 09:54:57 AM
Not patiently waiting to pre-order. Where is the amazon link!?  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on July 03, 2019, 10:07:21 AM
Here's a Helloween question 30 years in the making:

In the song "Halloween," right before the guitar solo, there's sort of a devil/angel back-and-forth section (right after the line, "redeemed or enslaved").  According to the lyrics sheet, the "devil's" first line is "I'll show you passion and glory," but I'll be damned if he's actually saying "glory."  Anyone know what is really being said?  Or is it actually "glory" that is completely unintelligible because of the effects?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on July 03, 2019, 11:07:52 AM
Here's a Helloween question 30 years in the making:

In the song "Halloween," right before the guitar solo, there's sort of a devil/angel back-and-forth section (right after the line, "redeemed or enslaved").  According to the lyrics sheet, the "devil's" first line is "I'll show you passion and glory," but I'll be damned if he's actually saying "glory."  Anyone know what is really being said?  Or is it actually "glory" that is completely unintelligible because of the effects?

At the 8:51 mark, right. Yep, there is no way that's "glory," unless its in German. I can sorta make out "I'll show passion and..." but the rest is unintelligible.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on July 03, 2019, 11:18:45 AM
Gambling With The Devil is probably their best album since The Dark Ride. There's so many standout tracks and not one that I dislike (even including the bonus tracks). I even love I Am Me and You Can Do It despite their lyrical cliches.
Twelve years later, I get the song title.  :facepalm:  :rollin

You didn't get it when the lyrics are about being your own person and the chorus yells out I AM ME??  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on July 03, 2019, 11:36:46 AM
I shit you not, I didn't get it. I always thought he was addressing some group of people named IME, whatever that abbreviation stands for.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 03, 2019, 12:28:23 PM
Here's a Helloween question 30 years in the making:

In the song "Halloween," right before the guitar solo, there's sort of a devil/angel back-and-forth section (right after the line, "redeemed or enslaved").  According to the lyrics sheet, the "devil's" first line is "I'll show you passion and glory," but I'll be damned if he's actually saying "glory."  Anyone know what is really being said?  Or is it actually "glory" that is completely unintelligible because of the effects?

At the 8:51 mark, right. Yep, there is no way that's "glory," unless its in German. I can sorta make out "I'll show passion and..." but the rest is unintelligible.

*shrug*

I've always understood "glory" just fine.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on July 03, 2019, 12:39:08 PM
Here's a Helloween question 30 years in the making:

In the song "Halloween," right before the guitar solo, there's sort of a devil/angel back-and-forth section (right after the line, "redeemed or enslaved").  According to the lyrics sheet, the "devil's" first line is "I'll show you passion and glory," but I'll be damned if he's actually saying "glory."  Anyone know what is really being said?  Or is it actually "glory" that is completely unintelligible because of the effects?

At the 8:51 mark, right. Yep, there is no way that's "glory," unless its in German. I can sorta make out "I'll show passion and..." but the rest is unintelligible.

It sounds sort of like "I'll show you passion and evil pain."

And the German word for glory is Ruhm, so that doesn't explain it.

By the way, if there was a better song released in 1987, I don't know what it was.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on July 03, 2019, 12:53:09 PM
Here's a Helloween question 30 years in the making:

In the song "Halloween," right before the guitar solo, there's sort of a devil/angel back-and-forth section (right after the line, "redeemed or enslaved").  According to the lyrics sheet, the "devil's" first line is "I'll show you passion and glory," but I'll be damned if he's actually saying "glory."  Anyone know what is really being said?  Or is it actually "glory" that is completely unintelligible because of the effects?

At the 8:51 mark, right. Yep, there is no way that's "glory," unless its in German. I can sorta make out "I'll show passion and..." but the rest is unintelligible.

It sounds sort of like "I'll show you passion and evil pain."

And the German word for glory is Ruhm, so that doesn't explain it.

By the way, if there was a better song released in 1987, I don't know what it was.

Yeah, I always sang along with it as "even pain." But yeah, evil works too. GREAT song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 03, 2019, 01:02:25 PM
You made me doubt it, so I went to listen to it again.

Dunno guys, I still hear glory clearly.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on July 03, 2019, 01:12:18 PM
I was always sure it was

I'll show you passion and in a way
He is the snake

Never read the actual lyrics.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 21, 2019, 04:35:32 PM
Here's a Helloween question 30 years in the making:

In the song "Halloween," right before the guitar solo, there's sort of a devil/angel back-and-forth section (right after the line, "redeemed or enslaved").  According to the lyrics sheet, the "devil's" first line is "I'll show you passion and glory," but I'll be damned if he's actually saying "glory."  Anyone know what is really being said?  Or is it actually "glory" that is completely unintelligible because of the effects?

Just watched the 87 Minneapolis show on YouTube, and Weiki clearly says "glory".
It's true on the album it's pretty much indecipherable.


By the way, if there was a better song released in 1987, I don't know what it was.

Not sure there was one.

Although Whitesnake's Still Of The Night was pretty strong too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on July 21, 2019, 04:41:49 PM
That just has to be the song of the year.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 21, 2019, 06:09:55 PM
So last night I was watching Helloween on youtube. I was watching clips of the Pumpkins United tour. This show was one of my all time favorite concerts I have ever seen. In terms of anticipation, performance, and on stage camaraderie, it was amazing.

It's always tricky when a band brings back an old singer (VH, Anthrax). There's always bruised egos and such. But what was amazing was the respect that Kiske really gave to Deris and Kai gave to Sasha. It was a truly incredible experience.

I'm so stoked that they are ALL making the next Helloween album.

So that all led me to this...Even though I do own all of the Deris albums, I am really not all that versed in them. I've bought them all, listened a couple of times, and put them down, grabbing one very occasionally for a one and done listen. If you were to ask me what my Top 10 Deris Era tracks were, embarrassingly, I couldn't say.

I've never been crazy about his voice. It's not a Kiske thing. I ordered the two advance CD singles of Mr Ego and Perfect Gentleman as soon as they were available. Frankly, it wasn't Helloween.


Anyway, I am doing a "deep dive" on the Deris albums this week. Going through the 4 Grapow/Kusch albums tonight. I think The Time Of The Oath is the standout of the four.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 21, 2019, 10:07:17 PM
Good post Tim.

For me, if you asked what my Top 10 Seris tracks would be, I couldn't tell you because there are just too many that could make the cut.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on July 22, 2019, 01:24:56 AM
Good post Tim.

For me, if you asked what my Top 10 Seris tracks would be, I couldn't tell you because there are just too many that could make the cut.

Same for me!

But if you asked me, then i'd say the strongest Grapow/Kush era album is Better Than Raw. Best album of the pre-reunion Gerstner/Löble era for me is either Keeper Legacy, or Gambling With The Devil.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 22, 2019, 01:35:31 AM
Of course tastes are tastes and anyone can dislike Deris' voice or the songs written with him as much as they like, but I feel that more than anyone else Deris has a thankless job and is a very underrated singer.

First of all, he saved Helloween in 1994, if he hadn't joined, the band probably wouldn't have gone on. Yeah, call it PR but the band was really in a down mode at the end of 1993 and their mindset was "If we can't get someone we can trust in the band there's no point in going on".
Then he's a singer with a specific voice, like it or hate it but he's no Kiske clone or anyone's clone, he has his own voice and style and - for better or worse - you can't find anyone else like him in the scene.
Another important factor is that he's a damn good songwriter, so he brings definitively a lot to the table creatively.
And finally, and this can't be stressed enough, he's a great frontman. Always entertaining and able to work up a crowd. I'd daresay that, if you don't consider the gods of the genre like Bruce Dickinson, he's actually THE best frontman in metal.

So, as I said like it or hate it, but Deris saved Helloween and contributed strongly to the band ever since he joined. And what does he get for his troubles? complaints for the way he sings song written for a teenager with an inhuman voice.

I bet he's the first one out of all the fans who's glad that Kiske's back, so he can finally stop to sing Eagle Fly Free and get shit for it  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on July 22, 2019, 02:20:29 AM
Deris is great. Although I am a younger fan, I have also started with the Kiske albums and struggled a bit at first to get into Andi's voice. But once I did, boy, did I fall in love with it. Every time I saw him live, he delivered in every way. Of course, his contributions in terms of songwriting have also been amazing.

If I tried to pick my ten favorite songs from the Deris era, I think these would be the ones, chronologically:

Where the rain grows
Forever and one (Neverland)
A Handful of pain
Midnight sun
The Departed (Sun is going down)
The King for 1000 years
Occasion avenue
As long as I fall
Fallen to pieces
The Sage, the fool, the sinner
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 22, 2019, 05:04:54 AM
Not a bad list MIaden.  A few I'd probably have and a few different ones like the last 3 there that wouldn't make my cut but great songs.  I might have a crack.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on July 22, 2019, 06:37:00 AM
I always liked Derisween more than Kiskeween. But I even liked Kaiween more than Kiskeween.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MoraWintersoul on July 22, 2019, 08:30:23 AM
Then he's a singer with a specific voice, like it or hate it but he's no Kiske clone or anyone's clone, he has his own voice and style and - for better or worse - you can't find anyone else like him in the scene.
I always thought of him as the LaBrie of the power metal scene. Not just because of the superficial similarities, but because I genuinely feel sorry for the people who feel turned off by their voices in the same way that I feel sorry for the people whose tastebuds turn the taste of some greens into the taste of soap  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on July 22, 2019, 10:11:23 AM
Here's a Helloween question 30 years in the making:

In the song "Halloween," right before the guitar solo, there's sort of a devil/angel back-and-forth section (right after the line, "redeemed or enslaved").  According to the lyrics sheet, the "devil's" first line is "I'll show you passion and glory," but I'll be damned if he's actually saying "glory."  Anyone know what is really being said?  Or is it actually "glory" that is completely unintelligible because of the effects?

Just watched the 87 Minneapolis show on YouTube, and Weiki clearly says "glory".
It's true on the album it's pretty much indecipherable.


By the way, if there was a better song released in 1987, I don't know what it was.

Not sure there was one.

Although Whitesnake's Still Of The Night was pretty strong too.

Live is, of course, a different story.

Still of the Night is a really good song, but it can't hold a candle to Halloween.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 22, 2019, 10:46:15 AM
I agree.

I used to drive around with a mix tape that had both songs on it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on July 22, 2019, 10:56:44 AM
I think Deris hit his stride in the 00s. To me 90s Helloween was them floundering around, and although the 00s weren't exactly consistent, I think it had Deris's best material by a country mile: The Dark Ride, Gambling With The Devil, even Straight Out Of Hell and Rabbit Don't Come Easy had some great songs.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on July 22, 2019, 01:46:56 PM
I like the Deris versions of The Chance, Dr. Stein and Future World off of the High Live album.  That's a really cool live album but I think it could have been a bit longer, maybe 3-4 extra Kiske era songs thrown in.

I personally found a drop off in quality in the Deris albums after The Dark Ride.  The first four with him are awesome; after that, I found there to be a bit more filler on the albums with him.

But a new album with everyone involved just has to be epic.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 22, 2019, 04:16:14 PM
For me, if you asked what my Top 10 Deris tracks would be, I couldn't tell you because there are just too many that could make the cut.

I've created a document to help me keep a list of the best songs from each album as I get through them. I'm on Day 2 of the Grapow albums, and I've listed 5-7 songs I really like off of each album. Some great tunes on these first 4 albums.



Of course tastes are tastes and anyone can dislike Deris' voice or the songs written with him as much as they like, but I feel that more than anyone else Deris has a thankless job and is a very underrated singer.

First of all, he saved Helloween in 1994, if he hadn't joined, the band probably wouldn't have gone on. Yeah, call it PR but the band was really in a down mode at the end of 1993 and their mindset was "If we can't get someone we can trust in the band there's no point in going on".
Then he's a singer with a specific voice, like it or hate it but he's no Kiske clone or anyone's clone, he has his own voice and style and - for better or worse - you can't find anyone else like him in the scene.
Another important factor is that he's a damn good songwriter, so he brings definitively a lot to the table creatively.
And finally, and this can't be stressed enough, he's a great frontman. Always entertaining and able to work up a crowd. I'd daresay that, if you don't consider the gods of the genre like Bruce Dickinson, he's actually THE best frontman in metal.

So, as I said like it or hate it, but Deris saved Helloween and contributed strongly to the band ever since he joined. And what does he get for his troubles? complaints for the way he sings song written for a teenager with an inhuman voice.

Yeah, and just so we're all clear, I wasn't in love with Deris' voice because he was not NOT Kiske. I mean, no one is. Like I mentioned, when I saw the Mr Ego and Perfect Gentleman singles available I JUMPED at them. I was so pumped for new Helloween, even with e new singer. But I just didn't like his voice, nothing against him.

But he is amazingly versatile and very strong vocally. The more I truly familiarize myself with him, the more accepting I am. Deris Era Helloween isn't new to me, but I've been really casual about it.


I have actually said a number of times before that I have enormous respect for Andi Deris. He has given Helloween a remarkable second half of a career. Even calling it a "second half" is disrespectful. He really seems like a great guy too.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 22, 2019, 04:28:00 PM
Where the rain grows
Forever and one (Neverland)
A Handful of pain
Midnight sun
The Departed (Sun is going down)

Of these 5 Grapow Era songs, only Midnight Sun made my first cut. But it is an amazing track, and likely a Top 5 of that era for me as well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 22, 2019, 08:37:58 PM
So after listening to the Grapow Era, these are the tracks that make the cut.

Master Of The Rings seems to be the weakest. Perhaps as a band, they just didn't quite gel yet. But damn, all of these songs are freaking excellent.


Master Of The Rings
Sole Survivor
Still We Go

The Time Of The Oath
We Burn
Steel Tormentor
Power
Before The War
Kings Will Be Kings
Mission Motherland
The Time Of The Oath

Better Than Raw
Falling Higher
Hey Lord
Don't Spit On My Mind
Revelation
Time
Midnight Sun
Back On The Ground

The Dark Ride
All Over The Nations
Salvation
We Damn The Night
Immortal
The Dark Ride

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 23, 2019, 01:37:26 AM
I have actually said a number of times before that I have enormous respect for Andi Deris. He has given Helloween a remarkable second half of a career. Even calling it a "second half" is disrespectful. He really seems like a great guy too.

Yeah, I never met him but from interviews and DVDs he really gives the idea of being nice, polite and all around a great guy.

Also, the weirdest thing, he's the only singer that seems to me a totally different person when he speaks. I just can't reconcile his speaking voice during interviews with his singing voice, or even when he's speaking from the stage. Everyone else more or less you realize, when you hear them speak, how it's related to their voice, but speaking Deris and singing Deris (or, as I said, talking-on-stage Deris) seem to me two different persons.

I'd also like to point out that the guy lives in Tenerife, so his life basically is:
- When there's nothing to do, chilling in Tenerife
- When there's a new album to record, still chilling in Tenerife because he owns a studio there
- When it's time to leave, it's to tour the world and play concerts in front of cheering fans

So, as a big fan of him I'm unhappy at reading around (not here, I'm speaking in general) negative comments about him, but I'm sure that a bad comment from RandomYouTuber666 "really" gets under his skin when he's sitting with his balls on the ocean sipping on a drink  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Art on July 23, 2019, 06:05:25 AM
I love the Deris Era, esecially the Grapow/Kusch albums. A great b-side is A Game We Shouldn't Play, from BTR.

BTR is my favorite Deris-era album, and top 3 Helloween career-wise for me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on July 23, 2019, 11:41:31 AM
My favorite Deris songs/moments are the ones where he leans into the Halford-style screaming. World of War, Burning Sun, We Damn The Night, Kill it - some of the absolute best moments in Helloween's discography are the ones when Deris is screaming like a banshee.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on July 23, 2019, 12:36:19 PM
I have to add Push to that already awesome list. That screaming on the verses is out of this world, I've never heard anything like it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Art on July 23, 2019, 01:23:20 PM
Push is badass!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 23, 2019, 03:45:25 PM
I have to add Push to that already awesome list. That screaming on the verses is out of this world, I've never heard anything like it.

This is a top 3 Deris song at least.  Fucking brilliant.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on July 23, 2019, 04:20:15 PM
I forgot all about Push. Playing it now. Yup, this is a fucking banger for sure. Good call.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 23, 2019, 04:20:58 PM
I actually don't like Push at all. That chorus is brutal.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on July 23, 2019, 04:23:50 PM
I actually don't like Push at all. That chorus is brutal.

I think the production is the bigger criminal here! I still can't understand a fucking word Deris is singing. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 23, 2019, 04:32:20 PM
I actually don't like Push at all. That chorus is brutal.

Brutal!  :metal

What do you mean exactly by brutal Tim?  I'm guessing brutally painful? Why is that?

I love the lyrics.  Way more relevant now than 20 years ago when released.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 23, 2019, 07:55:06 PM
Got Better Than Raw on in the car this morning on the way to work.   :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 23, 2019, 08:01:26 PM
I actually don't like Push at all. That chorus is brutal.

Brutal!  :metal

What do you mean exactly by brutal Tim?  I'm guessing brutally painful? Why is that?

I love the lyrics.  Way more relevant now than 20 years ago when released.

Brutal as in unpleasant to listen to. I don't have a problem with the verses, but that chorus is so jarring.

I'm listening to The Dark Ride again tonight. I want to hit these for another day before moving on.

Better Than Raw is excellent. Including Back On the Ground, it had 7 tracks make "the cut".

I have it in the van as well. :metal I'll be listening on my way to work in the morning!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 23, 2019, 08:32:36 PM
I actually don't like Push at all. That chorus is brutal.

Brutal!  :metal

What do you mean exactly by brutal Tim?  I'm guessing brutally painful? Why is that?

I love the lyrics.  Way more relevant now than 20 years ago when released.

Brutal as in unpleasant to listen to. I don't have a problem with the verses, but that chorus is so jarring.

I'm listening to The Dark Ride again tonight. I want to hit these for another day before moving on.

Better Than Raw is excellent. Including Back On the Ground, it had 7 tracks make "the cut".

I have it in the van as well. :metal I'll be listening on my way to work in the morning!

Back on the Ground is a wonderful bonus track.  Helloween have some of the strongest bonus tracks I know from any band.

Not sure Tim but while you're listening to The Dark Ride, try and get the bonus tracks, Madness of the Crowds and Deliver Us From Temptation.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 23, 2019, 08:33:58 PM
Thanks Kade. My CD doesn't have those. I will hunt them down tomorrow!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on July 23, 2019, 08:39:18 PM
Oh man, how did I forget Deliver Us From Temptation? That song is just :2metal: Another Deris belter. Pure metal. BODY CRYYY
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 24, 2019, 02:02:04 AM
And what about Madness of the Crowds? that really deserves the definition of brutal  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 24, 2019, 05:24:18 AM
Yep, that's why I mentioned both.  Both fucking rip.  :metal

Oh, and Time is a wonderful, moody underrated tune from the band.  What a great track.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 24, 2019, 08:10:07 AM
Time made my cut!!


I freaking love Hey Lord!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ShadowWalker on July 24, 2019, 08:56:34 AM
So after listening to the Grapow Era, these are the tracks that make the cut.

Master Of The Rings seems to be the weakest. Perhaps as a band, they just didn't quite gel yet. But damn, all of these songs are freaking excellent.


Interesting. Master of the Rings is my second favorite Helloween album after Keeper Part 2
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 24, 2019, 09:08:41 AM
Sole Survivor and Where the Rain Grows are classics and among the best of Deris.
Why is a great tune and it's good that they brought it back for the tour.
Secret Alibi is such a forgotten and underrated gem.
The Game is On is silly  :D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on July 24, 2019, 02:00:41 PM
The Game is on is hilarious and so much fun, I love those odd vocal harmonies on the chorus. Helloween is the only band that can pull of happy metal and that song is a perfect example.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on July 24, 2019, 02:01:47 PM
The Game is on is hilarious and so much fun, I love those odd vocal harmonies on the chorus. Helloween is the only band that can pull of happy metal and that song is a perfect example.

Someone hold me back, I'm about to type a dissertation for Mladen.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on July 24, 2019, 02:38:10 PM
I understand that I was a bit generous with that comment. Maybe what I tried to say was that Helloween can sometimes step over the line with the happiness and joy, yet make it work and not sound corny. I don't know if other bands can compete with that, even if they succeed with happy metal. Gamma Ray, Stratovarius and Freedom Call might be fine examples, but I think Helloween surpasses them.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 24, 2019, 04:27:43 PM
Madness of the Crowds and Deliver Us From Temptation.

Got the tracks! Yes awesome!! Made the cut!


Tonight I am moving on to Rabbit and Keeper:Legacy.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on July 24, 2019, 07:48:54 PM
This is only semi-related, but Helloween have some of the most baffling bonus track choices I've ever seen. I understand cutting the filler, but most of the time, the b-sides are way better than some of the album tracks, and the albums are considerably worse without them. :lol

Then again, I guess I don't agree with most fans on which tracks "deserve" to be cut, so maybe I'm not one to judge. :\
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 24, 2019, 08:38:51 PM
So after two listens to Rabbit Don't Come Easy tonight, I've determined that these are the 5 songs that make the cut from this album:

Just A Little Sign
Open Your Life
Sun 4 The World
Hell Was Made In Heaven
Listen To The Flies

But honestly, the only one that has a chance of moving on is Listen To the Flies, which is easily the best track here.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 24, 2019, 11:05:19 PM
So after two listens to Rabbit Don't Come Easy tonight, I've determined that these are the 5 songs that make the cut from this album:

Just A Little Sign
Open Your Life
Sun 4 The World
Hell Was Made In Heaven
Listen To The Flies

But honestly, the only one that has a chance of moving on is Listen To the Flies, which is easily the best track here.

This was actually my fav Helloween album for the longest time.  I never understood the hate for it, I think it's classic Helloween done Deris style.  I can see why people wouldn't rate it I suppose, but I freaking love it to bits.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on July 25, 2019, 11:58:05 PM
Rabbits Don't Come Easy is not one of my absolute favorites from Helloween, but it does have some forgotten gems like; "Open Your Life", "Listen To The Flies" and "Hell Was Made In Heaven". I even like "Never Be a Star" and "Just a Little Sign" despite the silly lyrics in both. :lol

Excited to see your reaction to Keeper Legacy and Gambling With The Devil TAC! Be sure to check out the bonus tracks for those as well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 26, 2019, 06:03:11 AM
Rabbits Don't Come Easy is not one of my absolute favorites from Helloween, but it does have some forgotten gems like; "Open Your Life", "Listen To The Flies" and "Hell Was Made In Heaven". I even like "Never Be a Star" and "Just a Little Sign" despite the silly lyrics in both. :lol

Excited to see your reaction to Keeper Legacy and Gambling With The Devil TAC! Be sure to check out the bonus tracks for those as well.

The two Gambling bonus tracks are better than quite a lot of the songs on the album.  So good.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 26, 2019, 06:09:20 AM
Maybe someone could compile a list of Deris Era bonus tracks. I have all the CDs but not the bonus tracks.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 26, 2019, 06:23:36 AM
With a little help from Wiki, here's the list, I leave out live songs and alternate versions:

MASTER OF THE RINGS

Can't Fight Your Desire
Star Invasion
Cold Sweat (cover)
Silicon Dreams
Grapowski's Malmsuite 1001 (In D Doll) (instrumental)
I Stole Your Love (cover)
Closer to Home (cover)

THE TIME OF THE OATH

Still I Don't Know
Take It to the Limit
Electric Eye (cover)
Magnetic Fields (cover)
Rain (cover)
Walk Your Way
Light in the Sky
Time Goes By

BETTER THAN RAW

Back on the Ground
A Game We Shouldn't Play

THE DARK RIDE

The Madness of the Crowds
Deliver Us From Temptation

RABBIT DON'T COME EASY

Far Away
Fast as a Shark (cover)
Sheer Heart Attack (cover)

KEEPER OF THE SEVEN KEYS - THE LEGACY

Revolution
Run (The Name of Your Enemy)

GAMBLING WITH THE DEVIL

We Unite
Find My Freedom
See the Night
Never Surrender

7 SINNERS

I'm Free
Faster We Fall
Aiming High

STRAIGHT OUT OF HELL

Another Shot of Life
No Eternity

MY GOD GIVEN RIGHT

I Wish I Were There
Wicked Game
Free World
Nightmare
More Than a Lifetime
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on July 26, 2019, 06:56:05 AM
You forgot "Run (The Name of Your Enemy)" from Keeper Legacy. :P
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 26, 2019, 06:58:00 AM
Nope, it's on the llist, see?

 ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 26, 2019, 08:39:11 AM
Thanks Mask!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on July 26, 2019, 01:14:47 PM
Helloween's cover of Electric Eye is excellent.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 26, 2019, 07:52:27 PM
Not much to report. Spent the evening acquiring the b sides and loading them on my iPod.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on July 26, 2019, 09:51:54 PM
You also forgot "Moshi Moshi Shiki No Uta", the instrumental from the Better Than Raw era.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 27, 2019, 04:33:44 AM
The two Gambling bonus tracks I was referring to also was Night and Freedom.  Tge other two are solid but these two are crackers.  See tge Night may be a top 3 of the whole album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 27, 2019, 07:02:28 PM
So I've given Keeper: The Legacy a couple of run throughs. Holy shit, this album is amazing.

The King For A 1000 Years hasn't really clicked with me yet, and they should've dropped Get It Up (a total B side) for Revolution.

Not sure of the Seven Keys connection. I remember rolling my eyes when this came out. I think I listened to it once or twice after I bought it.

I also have the Keeper Legacy live album and DVD. I remember watching the DVD that this band looks so much like a real band, totally enjoying each other. I'm going to bust out the DVD at some point this week.

Occasion Avenue is a total fucking beast.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 27, 2019, 07:49:17 PM
Rabbits Don't Come Easy is not one of my absolute favorites from Helloween,

Yeah, I shared the same impression.


But...


This was actually my fav Helloween album for the longest time.  I never understood the hate for it, I think it's classic Helloween done Deris style.  I can see why people wouldn't rate it I suppose, but I freaking love it to bits.

I feel like it's its own worst enemy. This album is so damn easy on the ears, it's easy to underestimate how excellent it really is.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 28, 2019, 04:12:00 AM
I've always really enjoyed Keeper Legacy.  I'm kind of the opposite Tim, I never cared that much for Revolution and really like Get It Up, classic Weiki.

Occasion and Avenue and King are teh two gems here.  I do wish the quiet section in Occasion Avenue was a bit shorter, but that's nitpicking.  The chorus is fucking amazing.  Silent Rain is a tune in classic Helloween form, as is Judgement Day and Pleasure Drone is a cool standard Deris era song.

Light the Universe is actually the one song I could do without, never really cared for it. 

Great album.


I feel like it's its own worst enemy. This album is so damn easy on the ears, it's easy to underestimate how excellent it really is.

Yes!  There is lots of variety and I feel everything is so different on this album that it never gets boring.  Lots of classic Helloween yet lots of modern Helloween too with everything inbetween.  I really just never understood the negativity.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on July 28, 2019, 04:58:56 AM
I've always really enjoyed Keeper Legacy.  I'm kind of the opposite Tim, I never cared that much for Revolution and really like Get It Up, classic Weiki.

Occasion and Avenue and King are teh two gems here.  I do wish the quiet section in Occasion Avenue was a bit shorter, but that's nitpicking.  The chorus is fucking amazing.  Silent Rain is a tune in classic Helloween form, as is Judgement Day and Pleasure Drone is a cool standard Deris era song.

Light the Universe is actually the one song I could do without, never really cared for it. 

Great album.

Strongly disagree with those song choices. I'd say the ones I could do without would be Judgement Day, Pleasure Drone, Come Alive, Shadows, and Get It Up. Light the Universe is not only my favourite song on the album, but one of my favourite songs ever, & I'd kill to see them sing it live with the current lineup. :hefdaddy

Still agree with "Great album" though  :tup

I feel like it's its own worst enemy. This album is so damn easy on the ears, it's easy to underestimate how excellent it really is.

Yes!  There is lots of variety and I feel everything is so different on this album that it never gets boring.  Lots of classic Helloween yet lots of modern Helloween too with everything inbetween.  I really just never understood the negativity.

Honestly I blame my initial dislike of Rabbit on shitty youtube uploads. Now that it's up on Spotify, I've listened to it again and it's not that bad I guess.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 28, 2019, 04:40:59 PM
Listening to The Tune from Rabbit and I could totally hear Kai singing this.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 28, 2019, 04:53:54 PM
So, here are the songs that make the cut from Keeper: The Legacy

Keeper: The Legacy

King For 1000 Years
The Invisible Man
Born On Judgement Day
Pleasure Drone
Silent Rain

Occasion Avenue
Do You Know What You Are Fighting For
The Shade In The Shadow
My Life For One More Day

9 of the 13 songs move on. And suffice to say that I like all of the songs I left off. This is an amazing album. I really can't believe I've been sitting on this all these years.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 28, 2019, 08:25:44 PM
For shits and giggles, I just reread this thread. Some good laughs. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 29, 2019, 12:15:27 AM
Listening to The Tune from Rabbit and I could totally hear Kai singing this.

Interesting.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 29, 2019, 01:31:24 AM
Silent Rain is great, but I remember they admitted it was basically a Eagle Fly Free ripoff that Sascha wrote just for fun, and the other guys didn't really realize it.

My Life for One More Day is awesome, they should have used that to close the main set back in the tour for the album in place of The Invisibile Man.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 29, 2019, 05:55:47 PM
Gambling With The Devil is solid AF, especially when including the b sides.

Here are the tracks making the cut:

Gambling With The Devil

The Saints
Paint A New World
Final Fortune
The Bells Of The 7 Hells
Dreambound
Heaven Tells No Lies
---
We Unite
Find My Freedom
See The Night



@Kade, I'm sure you'll wonder why Kill It isn't there. It's kind of like Push. The chorus kind of um..kills it  ;D for me. But the rest of it is beastly for sure. But it's not moving on, and certainly not making the "next" cut down.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 29, 2019, 10:25:37 PM
Tim, I could have bet a lot of money that Kill It wouldn't have made the cut due to your views on Push.  When Gambling came out and I put the cd on, Push instantly came to mind when Kill It was playing, so that's no surprise honesty.

One track I never understood the hype for on that album was Heaven Tells No Lies.  Seems to be rated but I just don't understand why.  I think it's a somewhat weak album closer.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 02, 2019, 05:47:00 AM
Pumpkins United official live video from the upcoming album  :metal :metal :metal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mat2YhaceaA

This song is Christmas and Halloween happening at the same time for any metal kid  ;D :hat
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 02, 2019, 06:13:25 AM
Pumpkins United official live video from the upcoming album  :metal :metal :metal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mat2YhaceaA

This song is Christmas and Halloween happening at the same time for any metal kid  ;D :hat

 :metal  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on August 02, 2019, 06:47:24 AM
That is awesome!  I can't wait for the live dvd, since I missed the tour.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 02, 2019, 07:23:34 AM
Holy cow! That looks amazing! I can't wait to get it.

Re: Gambling - heck yeah. Best Helloween album. Only one that's all killer no filler, every song rocks on this one. Dreambound is a TUNE, and Can Do It somehow manages to be super fun without being overbearing. Love this record so much. Deris is on fire on it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 02, 2019, 09:58:41 AM
Pumpkins United official live video from the upcoming album  :metal :metal :metal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mat2YhaceaA

Just watching on my phone at work and that is amazing. Deris and Liskecweredo great with each other.
And I’m really glad Kai had some vocals.

Really amazing!! Can’t wait for this.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on August 02, 2019, 10:32:49 AM
Yup, holy shit that was great! :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on August 02, 2019, 10:45:37 AM
Truly amazing every part of it!!!
I hope they keep this line-up from now on :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 02, 2019, 11:19:12 AM
I hope they keep this line-up from now on :tup

Yeah, unless Weiki doesn't inspire Kiske to murder him in his sleep, I assume, thnk and hope they will carry on.

I mean, where else do they go from here? the big fat reunion happened and they're making a new album, and most likely there will be a new tour. After that what, they all go their separate ways? Helloween return to headline mid sized venues with Deris having to sing Eagle Fly Free and Dr. Stein (and getting shit for it) while Kai Hansen revives Gamma Ray or tours with Kiske doing a third Unisonic album? (both things that will happen sometime in the future I guess)

Staying together until the end is the smart move for them. Power metal is very demanding and it's not that they can do this until they're 70, they could take it easier and have an album or tour every 3 years or so to make ir still a rare event and not an abused thing....
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 02, 2019, 11:20:29 AM
Well they could probably keep playing Perfect Gentleman forever.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 03, 2019, 07:40:53 PM
So I've spent a few days with 7 Sinners.

This took a few spins to sink in. I was thinking it wasn't anything all that great, but this is one solid kick ass album. Heavy AF.

What really stands out on this album is Dani Loble's drumming. Tons of great rhythmic double bass drumming.

Anyway, here are the songs that make the cut:

7 Sinners

Who Is Mr. Madman?
Long Live The King
You Stupid Mankind
If A Mountain Could Talk
My Sacrifice
Far In The Future
I'm Free


I do like Are You Metal, and again, I really like everything on this album. I mean the weakest song is Smile On The Sun, and it's not like it sucks or anything.

Moving on to Straight Out Of Hell....
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 03, 2019, 08:23:33 PM
7 Sinners rules. My biggest complaints are just nitpicks, like how the repeated lyrics in the back half of If A Mountain Could Talk get old really fast. But I love how heavy this album sounds, the guitars have so much punch that went missing on the records after this one. Not sure how that happened but yeah this record rocks. Who Is Mr. Madman and Long Live The King are just :2metal:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 03, 2019, 08:31:55 PM
So I am basically advancing songs that "make the cut" in the hopes of eventually narrowing to a Top 10. While a lot of songs are making the cut, I guarantee you the Long Live The King will be advancing much further than the next round.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 03, 2019, 09:32:10 PM
Honestly I think it's one of their best of the super heavy sounding songs in their catalog.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on August 04, 2019, 02:15:32 AM
Keeper Legacy is my favorite Deris era album! Both Gambling and 7 Sinners are also rock solid! They really should play more songs from these live, and i hope that they rearrange some of the songs from these albums, to accommodate the new lineup.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 04, 2019, 03:34:07 AM
I listened to 7 Sinners a couple of days ago too and I've always thought it's pretty damn good.  I just wish it had clearer production.

Long Live the King interestingly was one I always enjoyed but for some reason it never stood out, but that changed on this listen.  Dunno why it didn't stand out when I was getting into the album when it came out but jeez, this fucker rips.  You Stupid Mankind would probably make my Deris top 10, it's fucking brilliant.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on August 04, 2019, 03:38:34 AM
This thread makes me want to revisit the Deris-era albums. I'm super familiar with The Time of the Oath, Keeper Legacy, Gambling, Straight out of Hell and My God-Given Right, but I don't know the rest very well, it's all a blur.

I don't quite get the hype for Occasion Avenue, I listened to the album again and this song doesn't do much for me. There are like two minutes of awesome music in a ten minutes long track. That being said, King for a 1000 Years is still one of my favourite tracks from Deris-era.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 04, 2019, 03:53:42 AM
Speaking of My God Given Right, fuck this is a disappointing album.  I've pretty much really liked every Deris era album.  Straight Out of Hell even was very strong IMO, but my God Given Right is very poor in comparison to everything that can before it.  The bands worst album.  The songs surprisingly are just really uninmaginative and it sounds uninspired.  I listened to this again 2 days ago and it was weaker then what I remembered when it came out.  The reunion came at a perfect time.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on August 04, 2019, 03:55:58 AM
Speaking of My God Given Right, fuck this is a disappointing album.  I've pretty much really liked every Deris era album.  Straight Out of Hell even was very strong IMO, but my God Given Right is very poor in comparison to everything that can before it.  The bands worst album.  The songs surprisingly are just really uninmaginative and it sounds uninspired.  I listened to this again 2 days ago and it was weaker then what I remembered when it came out.  The reunion came at a perfect time.

No shit. I loved Straight Out of Hell but My God-Given Right, I listened a few times to it and never came back. I like Swing of the Fallen World and Claws and that's about it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 04, 2019, 03:59:06 AM
Speaking of My God Given Right, fuck this is a disappointing album.  I've pretty much really liked every Deris era album.  Straight Out of Hell even was very strong IMO, but my God Given Right is very poor in comparison to everything that can before it.  The bands worst album.  The songs surprisingly are just really uninmaginative and it sounds uninspired.  I listened to this again 2 days ago and it was weaker then what I remembered when it came out.  The reunion came at a perfect time.

No shit. I loved Straight out of Hell but My God-Given Right, I listened a few times to it and never came back. I like Swing of the Fallen World and Claws and that's about it.

Yeah, give or take the actual songs preferred, I'm with you both. It's like if the reunion was already in the planning and so they churned out an album they were already obliged to do just to be done with it and go into the reunion.

Or maybe it was just a moment of bad inspiration and the reunion saved them. I can't imagine the follow up to My God Given Right being any better than it.

One particulary telling detail is that there were 42 bonus tracks because they wrote so many (average) songs that they let the label decide which songs were making the album and which were to be used as bonus. Like, dunno, being an average photographer and taking dozens and dozens of pictures in the hope that in the bunch there's gonna be 5-10 good photos to post.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 04, 2019, 04:02:04 AM
Speaking of My God Given Right, fuck this is a disappointing album.  I've pretty much really liked every Deris era album.  Straight Out of Hell even was very strong IMO, but my God Given Right is very poor in comparison to everything that can before it.  The bands worst album.  The songs surprisingly are just really uninmaginative and it sounds uninspired.  I listened to this again 2 days ago and it was weaker then what I remembered when it came out.  The reunion came at a perfect time.

No shit. I loved Straight out of Hell but My God-Given Right, I listened a few times to it and never came back. I like Swing of the Fallen World and Claws and that's about it.

Yeah, give or take the actual songs preferred, I'm with you both. It's like if the reunion was already in the planning and so they churned out an album they were already obliged to do just to be done with it and go into the reunion.

Or maybe it was just a moment of bad inspiration and the reunion saved them. I can't imagine the follow up to My God Given Right being any better than it.

One particulary telling detail is that there were 42 bonus tracks because they wrote so many (average) songs that they let the label decide which songs were making the album and which were to be used as bonus. Like, dunno, being an average photographer and taking dozens and dozens of pictures in the hope that in the bunch there's gonna be 5-10 good photos to post.

Is this serious?

The 3 bonus tracks already are fucking dreadful.  I Wish I Were There has to be the bands worst song.  What the fuck is this song?  it's laughable.  I love the Deris era so much and discovered the band at the time Rabbit was released so following their releases since has been wonderful but damn this album all filler no killer.  Swing is probably the decent track, and the title track has somewhat a decent melody.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 04, 2019, 04:05:01 AM
The 42 number was an exageration of course, but there are 5 actual songs which didn't make the cut, and if I remember correctly, back when the album was being promoted they told they had 30 songs to pick from, even though I'm sure not all of those 30 were actually finished like those actually released. Still it looks to me like a case of write, write, write and hope that in the midst of it all there's a great song somewhere.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on August 04, 2019, 04:10:54 AM
The 42 number was an exageration of course, but there are 5 actual songs which didn't make the cut, and if I remember correctly, back when the album was being promoted they told they had 30 songs to pick from, even though I'm sure not all of those 30 were actually finished like those actually released. Still it looks to me like a case of write, write, write and hope that in the midst of it all there's a great song somewhere.

Yeah. I wrote a review for this album for Lady Obscure and I definitely remember reading something along these lines when doing the research. They said something like there were like 30 songs written and they had a difficult time picking the ones for the album so they left it to the label.

The 3 bonus tracks already are fucking dreadful.  I Wish I Were There has to be the bands worst song.  What the fuck is this song?  it's laughable.  I love the Deris era so much and discovered the band at the time Rabbit was released so following their releases since has been wonderful but damn this album all filler no killer.  Swing is probably the decent track, and the title track has somewhat a decent melody.

I remember the melody from the title track but for some reason I think of this song as a re-written Power. And well, I can listen to Power instead any day, so I never revisit the title track.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on August 04, 2019, 06:18:41 AM
I actually like My God Given Right a fair bit. It's not amazing, but it's still a really fun album imo & it has its great moments. I was really surprised to see that it's disliked so heavily by the fanbase.

That said, I Wish I Were There is still awful, & I could do without If God Loves Rock N Roll (aka Final Fortune 2) and Claws (aka Church Breaks Down 2). I like basically every other song on the album though, including the other four bonus tracks.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on August 04, 2019, 06:52:12 AM
Always great to see so much discussion about the Deris era. Good thing we just hit 7 sinners, because that one is my favorite Helloween album of the last 20 years. It starts a bit rocky but gets progressively better towards the end. TSTFTS, Raise the noise, My sacrifice, You stupid mankind, Far in the future, The Smile of the sun, Long live the king... Good God, so many great tracks.  :metal

I agree that the last two albums weren't as amazing as a whole, but they have some songs that make up for the rest. The last two songs on My God-given right make the album absolutely worth it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 04, 2019, 06:57:12 AM
Just started on Straight Out Of Hell last night. I think I've played this just twice after I bought it. Same for My God Given Right.

It's weird, but I kept buying Helloween albums and never really gave them a serious chance.


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 04, 2019, 08:54:24 AM
Speaking of My God Given Right, fuck this is a disappointing album.  I've pretty much really liked every Deris era album.  Straight Out of Hell even was very strong IMO, but my God Given Right is very poor in comparison to everything that can before it.  The bands worst album.  The songs surprisingly are just really uninmaginative and it sounds uninspired.  I listened to this again 2 days ago and it was weaker then what I remembered when it came out.  The reunion came at a perfect time.

I agree, it's Helloween's worst album. I still haven't even bought it, but at some point I will for the sake of my collection. It's so fucking bad and I also agree the reunion came at the perfect time because until the tour was announced I started to really give up on Helloween (SOOH was good but a far cry from 7 Sinner's greatness, and MGGR just continued the trend).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 04, 2019, 08:56:58 AM
Just started on Straight Out Of Hell last night. I think I've played this just twice after I bought it. Same for My God Given Right.

It's weird, but I kept buying Helloween albums and never really gave them a serious chance.

I never played SOOH too much after release either but there are a few gems on that one imo. The title track reminds me of Under The Sea from The Little Mermaid for some reason.  :lol World of War is an awesome song for Deris specifically, and I LOVE Burning Sun, Years, Waiting For The Thunder (even if the verses are awkward and kind of bad). Church Breaks Down and Make Fire Catch The Fly aren't too shabby either. Far Beyond The Stars is cornier than the Midwest but I like the chorus melody.

Helloween is one of the most inconsistent 'big' metal bands around. It's like they'll release one really good album and then put out duds for a few years before coming back with something awesome.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on August 04, 2019, 09:20:00 AM
Burning Sun is awesome! Waiting for the Thunder is pretty much the new If I Could Fly, it even made the setlist for the reunion tour. Make Fire Catch the Fly is also great.

I have a soft spot for Hold Me in Your Arms too. As corny as that song is, that's one of the best ballads they've put out lately in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 04, 2019, 09:21:19 AM
Yeah I was pretty happy when they busted out WFTT on the tour. I was sad no Burning Sun though. I was hoping since they swapped out singers they'd let Andi go nuts for one song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on August 04, 2019, 09:24:45 AM
Well they had a lot of ground to cover so it's kinda understandable they didn't do Burning Sun. I saw them on Straight out of Hell tour (when they toured with Gamma Ray) and I don't remember if they played it, I think they did not. But we definitely had Nabataea and Hold Me in Your Arms so I'm fine with that.

Hopefully they'll do it on the next tour!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 04, 2019, 02:25:37 PM
Straight Out of Hell is inconsistent but it has amazing highs. The title track is happy power metal at its finest, and Waiting for the Thunder is so damn catchy and was totally worthy of a slot in the reunion setlist (at my show it also went down quite well!). Also Nabatea is a minor King for a 1000 Years and it's a great epic.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 04, 2019, 03:49:12 PM
Asshole is a really fun track too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 04, 2019, 07:57:42 PM

Helloween is one of the most inconsistent 'big' metal bands around. It's like they'll release one really good album and then put out duds for a few years before coming back with something awesome.

I disagree. I find them incredibly consistent.

Chameleon is a dud, but that was a totally fractured band at that point. I'm going chronologically through the Deris albums, and SOOH is the only one so far I feel is a notch below. Every other ranges from very good to excellent.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 04, 2019, 08:16:34 PM
So, three times through Straight Out Of Hell. I think overall, this isn't nearly as strong as the previous few albums. I think it could be a grower, but here are the songs that made the cut. Even though I consider it one of the weaker albums, I really like at least half of the songs. Not sure if any of them actually make the next cut though.

Straight Out Of Hell

World Of War
Burning Sun
Waiting For The Thunder
Years
Make Fire Catch The Fly
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 04, 2019, 08:34:56 PM
Hah! See, I pretty much agree with that list, and your assessment. Good, but not nearly as good as the albums before it. Gambling + 7 Sinners + Dark Ride basically satiates my 2000s Helloween needs, but at the very least, SOOH has Burning Sun to contribute to the list. Very curious to read MGGR.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 04, 2019, 11:57:41 PM
So, three times through Straight Out Of Hell. I think overall, this isn't nearly as strong as the previous few albums. I think it could be a grower, but here are the songs that made the cut. Even though I consider it one of the weaker albums, I really like at least half of the songs. Not sure if any of them actually make the next cut though.

Straight Out Of Hell

World Of War
Burning Sun
Waiting For The Thunder
Years
Make Fire Catch The Fly

The next one is like falling off a cliff in terms of quality.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 04, 2019, 11:58:56 PM

Helloween is one of the most inconsistent 'big' metal bands around. It's like they'll release one really good album and then put out duds for a few years before coming back with something awesome.

I disagree. I find them incredibly consistent.

Chameleon is a dud, but that was a totally fractured band at that point. I'm going chronologically through the Deris albums, and SOOH is the only one so far I feel is a notch below. Every other ranges from very good to excellent.

Yeah I strongly disagree with that too.  Besides MGGR, everything from the Deris era IMO is excellent.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on August 05, 2019, 01:56:15 AM
My favorites on SOOH:

Nabatea
Burning sun
Waiting for the thunder
Make fire catch the fly
Church breaks down

I could live without the rest.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on August 05, 2019, 02:45:59 AM
from SOOH, these are the ones I could do without:

World of War
Wanna Be God
Asshole
Make Fire Catch the Fly

Again, it seems I've been controversial with this selection without even knowing it. I don't get you people :dunno:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 05, 2019, 03:20:55 AM
Tracklist for the album confirmed, video it's the whole setlist (even if put together from different shows), the double CD for the audio has only Pumpkins United and the solos missing, and the song is anyway on the third CD as a bonus (so I shouldn't call it double CD, it's a triple CD  :D)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 05, 2019, 05:06:22 AM
from SOOH, these are the ones I could do without:

World of War
Make Fire Catch the Fly

Wow!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 05, 2019, 05:47:21 AM

Helloween is one of the most inconsistent 'big' metal bands around. It's like they'll release one really good album and then put out duds for a few years before coming back with something awesome.

I disagree. I find them incredibly consistent.

Chameleon is a dud, but that was a totally fractured band at that point. I'm going chronologically through the Deris albums, and SOOH is the only one so far I feel is a notch below. Every other ranges from very good to excellent.

Yeah I strongly disagree with that too.  Besides MGGR, everything from the Deris era IMO is excellent.

Unfortunately they never figured out production. 7 Sinners sounds great, but literally every other record is poorly produced imo.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 05, 2019, 08:30:29 PM
Just finished two listens to My God Given Right, and honestly, I think I'm good. Easily the weakest Deris album.

I could really only pick 4 songs to make the cut, but I can't see them making it past the last round.

My God Given Right

Heroes
My God Given Right
Swing Of A Fallen World
Creatures In Heaven
Claws
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 05, 2019, 08:32:21 PM
Kind of surprised not to see Claws on there, honestly. I remember reading a lot of opinions when the album was fresh and that generally seemed to be one of the crowd favorites.

Can we talk about that album art for a sec? It really looks like it came out of 1994.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 05, 2019, 08:35:45 PM
Kind of surprised not to see Claws on there, honestly.

Fixed. I forgot to add that.  Another track that isn't making past the next cut though.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 05, 2019, 08:39:32 PM
So, in my quest to create a Deris Era Top 10, I have chosen 64 songs to represent their respective albums in the next round.

Oh boy, this is going to be tough...

I think my next choice is to get down to 24 or 30.



Master Of The Rings

Sole Survivor
Still We Go



The Time Of The Oath

We Burn
Steel Tormentor
Power
Before The War
Kings Will Be Kings
Mission Motherland
The Time Of The Oath



Better Than Raw

Falling Higher
Hey Lord
Don't Spit On My Mind
Revelation
Time
Midnight Sun
Back On The Ground


The Dark Ride

All Over The Nations
Salvation
We Damn The Night
Immortal
The Dark Ride
Maddening Of The Crowds
Delinering Us From Evil


Rabbit Don't Come Easy

Just A Little Sign
Open Your Life
The Tune
Sun 4 The World
Hell Was Made In Heaven
Listen To The Flies


Keeper: The Legacy

King For 1000 Years
The Invisible Man
Born On Judgement Day
Pleasure Drone
Silent Rain

Occasion Avenue
Do You Know What You Are Fighting For
The Shade In The Shadow
My Life For One More Day


Gambling With The Devil

The Saints
Paint A New World
Final Fortune
The Bells Of The 7 Hells
Dreambound
Heaven Tells No Lies
We Unite
Find My Freedom
See The Night


7 Sinners

Who Is Mr. Madman?
Long Live The King
You Stupid Mankind
If A Mountain Could Talk
My Sacrifice
Far In The Future
I'm Free

Straight Out Of Hell

World Of War
Burning Sun
Waiting For The Thunder
Years
Make Fire Catch The Fly


My God Given Right

Heroes
My God Given Right
Swing Of A Fallen World
Creatures In Heaven
Claws
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 05, 2019, 08:51:13 PM
I can mostly get down with that list. Very nice. Good luck narrowing it down past that though!   :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 05, 2019, 11:29:13 PM
Good luck Tim.  You've got quite a task ahead of you.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on August 06, 2019, 02:18:27 AM
I'm still baffled by seeing only two songs from MOTR in the selection. There is so much gold on that record. I'd have a hard time picking two songs I don't like as much.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 06, 2019, 02:22:52 AM
I Can and Straight Out of Hell are huge omissions for me but otherwise great list.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on August 06, 2019, 08:01:22 AM
Back on the Ground is a great song with a nontraditional structure. should have made the full album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on August 06, 2019, 08:42:33 AM
Regarding My God-Given Right;

I have a hunch that the reunion was already locked in at that point, but they had recently inked a deal with Nuclear Blast, and thus were contractually obligated in doing a studio album in a reasonable timeframe. That meant that My God-Given Right ended up being a hastily thrown together album, just to meet with the terms of the record deal.

A lot of the tracks on MGGR feel like b sides, and i have a feeling that is for a reason. All of this is speculation on my part!

With that being said, i really like "Creatures in Heaven"! It's catchy and has a uplifting feel to it, not to mention some great guitar parts. If only it were on a better album...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on August 06, 2019, 01:01:39 PM
It's interesting that they had no less than thirteen songs to go for a "hastily thrown together" album. That's a lot of songs. I think they worked on it as hard as they did on the other ones, but for some reason, it didn't work as well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 06, 2019, 04:13:06 PM
Back on the Ground is a great song with a nontraditional structure. should have made the full album.

Agree.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 06, 2019, 04:42:00 PM
Good luck Tim.  You've got quite a task ahead of you.

Yes! So I really used to roll my eyes when someone said, there are so many good tunes, I can't pick a favorite.

The thing is, there are a lot of great tunes, even though nothing really spine tingles me. But they are all equally damn f'n good.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 06, 2019, 07:12:25 PM
I'm still baffled by seeing only two songs from MOTR in the selection. There is so much gold on that record. I'd have a hard time picking two songs I don't like as much.

I think it's pretty weak compared to the rest of the discog. I don't love Perfect Gentleman but it was great live and showed the camaraderie of the band.

Just gave it another listen to see what moves on.

Master Of The Rings

Sole Survivor
Still We Go


And even though Still We Go moves on, it's doubtful it makes it past the next round of cut downs.


The Time Of The Oath

We Burn
Steel Tormentor

Power
Before The War
Kings Will Be Kings
Mission Motherland
The Time Of The Oath


I feel like the band was more in a groove on their second album together. Oath feels way more cohesive than Rings.

Pretty confident Power makes it all the way to the Top 10.



What do you guys think of The Time Of The Oath (the song)? I originally had it crossed out, but uncrossed it as I was listening. It doesn't hit you over the head, but that is one solid tune. It would make a great Dio song. Not sure how far it will ultimately get, but that could be a sleeper.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on August 06, 2019, 08:45:46 PM
It's interesting that they had no less than thirteen songs to go for a "hastily thrown together" album. That's a lot of songs. I think they worked on it as hard as they did on the other ones, but for some reason, it didn't work as well.

I'm still confused at what y'all have against MGGR, but I should mention that (according to the album's Wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_God-Given_Right) and its citation (https://www.metal-rules.com/2015/05/20/helloween-vocalist-andi-deris/)) they had 33-34 songs written, but got someone else from the record label to choose which songs went on the album, as they didn't want to be biased in choosing them.

Interestingly, that means that aside from the 13 album tracks and 5 bonus tracks, there are another 15-16 songs that still have yet to see the light of day. :o
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 06, 2019, 10:29:38 PM
What do you guys think of The Time Of The Oath (the song)? I originally had it crossed out, but uncrossed it as I was listening. It doesn't hit you over the head, but that is one solid tune. It would make a great Dio song. Not sure how far it will ultimately get, but that could be a sleeper.

Really good and something a bit different.  Always been a big fan.  Not sure it's top 10 material, but a great song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 07, 2019, 01:05:27 AM
What do you guys think of The Time Of The Oath (the song)? I originally had it crossed out, but uncrossed it as I was listening. It doesn't hit you over the head, but that is one solid tune. It would make a great Dio song. Not sure how far it will ultimately get, but that could be a sleeper.

It's a great song, an epic and eerie piece that works well as a title track and as a preview of "darker" Helloween. Great song, I'm glad I got to hear it live but they'll probably never play it again 'cause Grapow wrote it...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on August 07, 2019, 01:16:43 AM
I still think in regards to the Deris era of Helloween, his first four albums with the band are the best. I have no problem with anyone loving anything from Rabbit-MGGR, I definitely like a lot of the material too. But I remember the first time I listened to Rabbit and I thought this was a big downgrade from the other Deris albums and I never changed my mind.  I had that same thought for every subsequent release too
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 07, 2019, 03:41:46 AM
I still think in regards to the Deris era of Helloween, his first four albums with the band are the best. I have no problem with anyone loving anything from Rabbit-MGGR, I definitely like a lot of the material too. But I remember the first time I listened to Rabbit and I thought this was a big downgrade from the other Deris albums and I never changed my mind.  I had that same thought for every subsequent release too

I would have thought Gambling and 7 Sinners would be up your alley mate.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 07, 2019, 06:22:50 AM
Found out that today it's also Weiki's birthday! he shares it with Bruce Dickinson  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 07, 2019, 07:27:05 AM
Found out that today it's also Weiki's birthday! he shares it with Bruce Dickinson  :metal

And he doesn’t look too happy about it.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on August 07, 2019, 07:55:24 AM
i actually love SOoH, and feel MGGR is their weakest album in a long time.
anyone else feel the production on Gambling is weak? it's a great album, like they did the Helloween version of Painkiller, but the production quality sucks.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 07, 2019, 08:13:22 AM
i actually love SOoH, and feel MGGR is their weakest album in a long time.
anyone else feel the production on Gambling is weak? it's a great album, like they did the Helloween version of Painkiller, but the production quality sucks.

I personally don't think the production on Gambling is weak, but there is some weird processing going on with a lot of Andi's vocals in some songs. There's a treble-y sound to the mix that I kind of like particularly on songs like Final Fortune which is a SUPER underrated track imo, but I can understand people not liking the way Gambling sounds. There is something different about it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MoraWintersoul on August 09, 2019, 05:35:19 AM
Sole Survivor
We Burn
Steel Tormentor
wtf, these are all my favorites!  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 12, 2019, 09:25:49 PM
OK...been travelling. Finishing the first cuts on the next two albums, wrapping up the Grapow Era.

Better Than Raw

Falling Higher
Hey Lord
Don't Spit On My Mind
Revelation
Time

Midnight Sun
Back On The Ground


The Dark Ride

All Over The Nations
Salvation
We Damn The Night
Immortal
The Dark Ride
The Madness Of The Crowds
Delinering Us From Evil




I wanted to move the Dark Ride songs through, but honestly, I'm not sure how much further they will get.

Hey Lord is likely making it to the Top 10.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 12, 2019, 09:45:04 PM
So, these would be my Top 16 of the Grapow Era..


Master Of The Rings

Still We Go

The Time Of The Oath

Power
Before The War
Kings Will Be Kings
Mission Motherland
The Time Of The Oath

Better Than Raw

Falling Higher
Hey Lord
Don't Spit On My Mind
Midnight Sun
Back On The Ground

The Dark Ride

All Over The Nations
Salvation
We Damn The Night
Immortal
The Dark Ride


On to the next 6 albums..
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on August 13, 2019, 10:10:20 AM
Opinion immediately invalidated due to lack of PUSH!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on August 13, 2019, 11:34:27 AM
hey everyone. I am sorry to interrupt the current thread, but I have a couple of questions regarding United Alive's release, and hoping someone with more knowledge can help me.

First, the Blu-Ray release only appears to be available in the UK and EU. I visited amazon.co.uk to buy it (I live in the United States), but noticed it was being released in Region B2. I did some cursory looking around at whether that region will play, but I don't remember the model number of my Samsung 4K Blu-Ray player I use, and my other two Blu-Ray players are PS4 and PS3 game systems, respectively. Some my long-winded question is, does anyone know if Region B2 will for sure play in a Samsung 4k Blu-Ray player (without me knowing off-hand the model number)? I don't want to spend and then pop it in and it not play.

Second, I pre-ordered the Orange Vinyl box set the day it was available (how can you be a Helloween fan with a turntable and NOT buy the orange - lol). But I can't see if the vinyl set will include a download card. I generally now listen to only vinyl at home, and listen to digital everywhere else (my CDs are displayed and racked on a huge wall, but I can't tell you the last time I did anything with a CD other than rip it to digital). So, I need to know if I have to fork over an extra 15 bucks for the digital version, or if my vinyl box will contain a digital download card in it. Does anyone know?

Missing the Los Angeles show was one of the biggest concert disappointments of my life (I had a family issue come up, and while I could have still gone, it would have been the wrong decision to do so), and to-date, I still haven't listened to Helloween because I just get all upset over missing one of my favorite singers (Kiske) sing songs from two of my favorite records (Keeper 1 and 2). I am NOT missing them if/when they come back again. Anyway, I am excited to get the United Alive release(s) and enjoy them, and just want to make sure of what I need to purchase.

Thanks gang.

B
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on August 13, 2019, 12:42:05 PM
I would doubt there would be a download card, NB releases very rarely contain them at all.
If it did it would surely state this on their website.

No idea about the BR, my old Samsung BR player would play anything but B1 BR discs :)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 13, 2019, 12:45:58 PM
Samsara, sorry to hear about that. I have no idea if you'll have a download code or not but the USA Nuclear Blast website has the 2 Blu-ray version for sale...

https://shop.nuclearblast.com/en/products/sound/dvd-bluray/2bluray/helloween-united-alive-2br-.html
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on August 13, 2019, 01:23:42 PM
Samsara, sorry to hear about that. I have no idea if you'll have a download code or not but the USA Nuclear Blast website has the 2 Blu-ray version for sale...

https://shop.nuclearblast.com/en/products/sound/dvd-bluray/2bluray/helloween-united-alive-2br-.html

Thanks on that. Weird that it's not on US Amazon then. And on the Helloween website, it does not have a link to a US-based version to buy. Appreciate the link. I'll buy it there.

I would doubt there would be a download card, NB releases very rarely contain them at all.
If it did it would surely state this on their website.

No idea about the BR, my old Samsung BR player would play anything but B1 BR discs :)

Thanks for the info. I guess they'll be getting three purchases from me. The Blu-Ray set, the Vinyl set, and a download. Damn this is an expensive band.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 13, 2019, 09:33:47 PM
Opinion immediately invalidated due to lack of PUSH!

It's the chorus, man. The rest of the song is pretty intense, but the chorus lets it down big time for me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 13, 2019, 11:14:07 PM
So I'm listening to Keeper: The Legacy tonight and I had this thought.


What do you guys think about the upcoming album? Any chance it's built on the Keeper concept?

Perhaps the tour could be Keeper promoted pulling tracks from the 1st two albums, as well as The Legacy and New Album.


There are spots in King Of 1000 Years that would fit Kai perfectly, and in Occasion Avenue where Kiske could slide into.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 13, 2019, 11:18:35 PM
Missing the Los Angeles show was one of the biggest concert disappointments of my life (I had a family issue come up, and while I could have still gone, it would have been the wrong decision to do so), and to-date, I still haven't listened to Helloween because I just get all upset over missing one of my favorite singers (Kiske) sing songs from two of my favorite records (Keeper 1 and 2).

I hear you Bri. That was painful to read my man.

It's also the reason that since the Bruins lost in the Stanley Cup, I've been wearing a Providence Bruins hat all summer. :lol On full display in the TACation pics.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 14, 2019, 01:05:46 AM
So I'm listening to Keeper: The Legacy tonight and I had this thought.


What do you guys think about the upcoming album? Any chance it's built on the Keeper concept?

Perhaps the tour could be Keeper promoted pulling tracks from the 1st two albums, as well as The Legacy and New Album.


There are spots in King Of 1000 Years that would fit Kai perfectly, and in Occasion Avenue where Kiske could slide into.

This could have been a good occasion to do a "third" Keeper album, doing a "fourth" would be overkill... plus when you have Kiske back you have already all the publicity needed, no actual need to make another Keeper to pump up the album.

I wouldn't be totally opposed to another Keeper concept in some way, but I assume they'll just concentrate on writing a stand alone album full of killer songs.

And yes, King for a 1000 Years should be in the next setlist, story wise it's a bit difficult to split it among singer because it's entirely sung from the point of view of the devil, but as you said Kai Hansen could take some spots here and there.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on August 14, 2019, 04:28:33 AM
Was there even a Keeper "concept" to begin with? As far as I'm aware, the Keeper albums don't tell a story, & don't really have many musical similarities unless you count having a 13 minute song as a concept.

A fourth Keeper album would be nothing but a marketing gimmick imo, & I think that'd be a little disappointing, especially if it's as full of forced references as Pumpkins United was.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 14, 2019, 04:32:05 AM
Well, there kinda is a story if you want to. The album themselves are not concept albums, but in Halloween there's this evil lurking around and "Follow the sign", as short as it is, became kinda a recurring theme, being quoted in other songs.

Keeper of the Seven Keys is the actual main song of the saga, and in King for a 1000 Years the devil imprisoned by the seven keys breaks free finding a human alley, and in My Life for One More day we find the Keeper himself who urges the fight to carry on.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 14, 2019, 09:16:21 AM

A fourth Keeper album would be nothing but a marketing gimmick imo, & I think that'd be a little disappointing, especially if it's as full of forced references as Pumpkins United was.

Well, I thought The Legacy album was a marketing gimmick. I think when bands do this, to me it says they're out of ideas. I bought it anyway and listened a few times, but my prejudices held me back.


But my deep dive on the Deris Era has revealed a couple things about The Legacy. One, it's one of the strongest top to bottom albums of this era, and two, it might have my favorite song as well.



Bands are full of marketing gimmicks. Hell, it's how DT has planned their last two tours.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 14, 2019, 09:18:40 AM
Maybe they should have just called the album another way, and still keep the couple (or three? I remember reading about The Invisible Man being about the Keeper too...) of songs about the Keeper and that's it. It would have fared better.

Gamma Ray's Land of the Free II is an amazing album, but nobody takes it seriously because of it being a sequel.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 14, 2019, 09:21:20 AM
Maybe they should have just called the album another way, and still keep the couple (or three? I remember reading about The Invisible Man being about the Keeper too...) of songs about the Keeper and that's it. It would have fared better.

Gamma Ray's Land of the Free II is an amazing album, but nobody takes it seriously because of it being a sequel.

A shame too because Land of the Free 2 is the best post-2000s Gamma Ray record.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 14, 2019, 09:29:24 AM

Gamma Ray's Land of the Free II is an amazing album, but nobody takes it seriously because of it being a sequel.

True. Good call.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on August 15, 2019, 02:06:15 AM
Operation Mindcrime II :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on August 15, 2019, 03:19:45 AM
Maybe they should have just called the album another way, and still keep the couple (or three? I remember reading about The Invisible Man being about the Keeper too...) of songs about the Keeper and that's it. It would have fared better.

Gamma Ray's Land of the Free II is an amazing album, but nobody takes it seriously because of it being a sequel.

I never bothered with it, never heard it all, not a note.
On these recommendations I have just ordered a used copy.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 15, 2019, 09:12:31 AM
You won't be disappointed.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 16, 2019, 11:41:37 PM
I'm on vacation but I'm still listening.

Going through Rabbit and The Legacy, these are the songs moving on...

Rabbit Don't Come Easy

Just A Little Sign
Open Your Life
The Tune
Sun 4 The World
Hell Was Made In Heaven
Listen To The Flies


Keeper: The Legacy

King For 1000 Years
The Invisible Man
Born On Judgement Day
Pleasure Drone
Silent Rain

Occasion Avenue
Do You Know What You Are Fighting For
The Shade In The Shadow

My Life For One More Day
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 16, 2019, 11:59:23 PM
Land of the Free 2 just missed out on my top 50.  It was 51.  Amazing album.

Tim, I'm glad that 5 Rabbit songs are moving on.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on August 17, 2019, 01:34:10 AM
Land of the Free 2 just missed out on my top 50.  It was 51.  Amazing album.

Tim, I'm glad that 5 Rabbit songs are moving on.

Shame that "Open Your Life" isn't moving up. My favorite from Rabbit and probably among my top.10 of Deris era.

Has anyone seen the new trailer for "United Alive"? Looks spectacular! Can't wait to buy the blu-ray, and play it through a good sound system.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 17, 2019, 09:20:12 AM
Tim, I'm glad that 5 Rabbit songs are moving on.

Yes. Not sure how much further they'll get. I'm ultimately trying to get to a Top 10. Decisions will be quite tough moving forward. There are only 3 songs I know for sure that are making the Top 10. Some songs I am moving forward not because they have a chance of making it, but because I think they should at least be Top 25 worthy. I feel like this is more where the Rabbit songs fit.



Shame that "Open Your Life" isn't moving up. My favorite from Rabbit and probably among my top.10 of Deris era.

I know, right? It was basically between that and Sun 4 The World. I felt like I had to cut one song here. There isn't much wiggle room between most of these songs. They are all basically equally as good. Getting it down to a ore manageable list will only be more painful.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 17, 2019, 09:55:59 AM
It was basically between that and Sun 4 The World. I felt like I had to cut one song here.

You chose the wrong one!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 17, 2019, 10:15:46 AM
OK...you guys happy now?  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 17, 2019, 02:57:32 PM
Tim not selecting Open Your Life shows the Rabbit naysayers how strong it really is.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 08:27:56 PM
Next round of cuts:


Gambling With The Devil

The Saints
Paint A New World
Final Fortune
The Bells Of The 7 Hells
Dreambound
Heaven Tells No Lies
We Unite
Find My Freedom
See The Night


7 Sinners

Who Is Mr. Madman?
Long Live The King
You Stupid Mankind
If A Mountain Could Talk
My Sacrifice
Far In The Future
I'm Free

Straight Out Of Hell

World Of War
Burning Sun
Waiting For The Thunder
Years

Make Fire Catch The Fly
Church Breaks Down


My God Given Right

Heroes
My God Given Right
Swing Of A Fallen World
Creatures In Heaven
Claws
-
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 08:32:47 PM
So here are the 34 songs vying for the Top 25.

Give me a week, and I'll do the Top 25 in a quick countdown style.


Master Of The Rings

Still We Go

The Time Of The Oath

Power
Before The War
Kings Will Be Kings
Mission Motherland
The Time Of The Oath

Better Than Raw

Falling Higher
Hey Lord
Don't Spit On My Mind
Midnight Sun
Back On The Ground

The Dark Ride

All Over The Nations
Salvation
We Damn The Night
Immortal
The Dark Ride

Rabbit Don't Come Easy

Just A Little Sign
Open Your Life
The Tune
Hell Was Made In Heaven
Listen To The Flies


Keeper: The Legacy

King For 1000 Years
The Invisible Man
Born On Judgement Day
Silent Rain
Occasion Avenue
My Life For One More Day


Gambling With The Devil

The Saints
Paint A New World
Final Fortune
The Bells Of The 7 Hells
Dreambound
Heaven Tells No Lies
We Unite
Find My Freedom


7 Sinners

Who Is Mr. Madman?
Long Live The King
If A Mountain Could Talk
Far In The Future

Straight Out Of Hell

Make Fire Catch The Fly
Church Breaks Down


My God Given Right

My God Given Right
Swing Of A Fallen World
Creatures In Heaven
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 08:44:22 PM
I must say what an absolute beast Andi Deris is. Holy shit. I think I mentioned it before, but this has been a fucking goldmine that I have been sitting on.

I'm also working on an album ranking and I am fucking clueless how it will turn out. The material is so consistently good, it's really hard to separate.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 20, 2019, 09:47:44 PM
I must say what an absolute beast Andi Deris is. Holy shit. I think I mentioned it before, but this has been a fucking goldmine that I have been sitting on.

I'm also working on an album ranking and I am fucking clueless how it will turn out. The material is so consistently good, it's really hard to separate.

Yep. Brilliant era of Helloween.  Andi kept the band going and produced loads of good music.  That's why I'm partial to the Deris era.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 21, 2019, 03:56:04 PM
I must say what an absolute beast Andi Deris is. Holy shit. I think I mentioned it before, but this has been a fucking goldmine that I have been sitting on.

I'm also working on an album ranking and I am fucking clueless how it will turn out. The material is so consistently good, it's really hard to separate.

Yep. Brilliant era of Helloween.  Andi kept the band going and produced loads of good music.  That's why I'm partial to the Deris era.

Not that long ago, I would've read that and wondered WTF. But I totally understand it now. They made ten extremely strong albums. That's a hell of a run.

Having lived through the Kiske Era, it was such a mind blowing experience.

I was listening to The Legacy live album and they included A Tale That Wasn't Right. I mean, Deris has balls, I'll give him that. There's no need to include that. That's a thankless exercise. But he fucking nails it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 21, 2019, 04:39:42 PM
I must say what an absolute beast Andi Deris is. Holy shit. I think I mentioned it before, but this has been a fucking goldmine that I have been sitting on.

I'm also working on an album ranking and I am fucking clueless how it will turn out. The material is so consistently good, it's really hard to separate.

Yep. Brilliant era of Helloween.  Andi kept the band going and produced loads of good music.  That's why I'm partial to the Deris era.

Not that long ago, I would've read that and wondered WTF. But I totally understand it now. They made ten extremely strong albums. That's a hell of a run.

Having lived through the Kiske Era, it was such a mind blowing experience.

I was listening to The Legacy live album and they included A Tale That Wasn't Right. I mean, Deris has balls, I'll give him that. There's no need to include that. That's a thankless exercise. But he fucking nails it.

That's what it all boils down too mate.  As I've said before, The Dark Ride was my first Helloween album.  Andi was my introduction to them and at the time, Rabbit was the current release.  So I've been along for the rest of the ride.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on August 23, 2019, 11:09:04 AM
https://youtu.be/VAVeG4KS0JM
Well, INCREDIBLE, again 🤘🤘🤘
All this discussion about their discography, made me listen all the albums in these weeks... A LOT of great music, many great albums and my favourite maybe is Better Than Raw... perfect for my taste!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 23, 2019, 05:14:54 PM
https://youtu.be/VAVeG4KS0JM
Well, INCREDIBLE, again 🤘🤘🤘

Wow that gave me goosebumps. Seeing them open with that was one of the greatest concert experiences of my life. The band was so joyful together, and this video really captures that.





I have my list narrowed down to 30. A Top 25 and 5 HM's. Damn this is so tough.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 23, 2019, 09:10:46 PM
Got my Top 25 done and my albums ranked. Amazing!  :hefdaddy

Countdown starts on Monday.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 24, 2019, 04:30:27 AM
Got my Top 25 done and my albums ranked. Amazing!  :hefdaddy

Countdown starts on Monday.

Booyah!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 25, 2019, 06:53:20 PM
So when I started this, I think I had 66 songs make the first initial cut. That averages to over 6 songs per album. I'd say that is quite a statement on the 10 album Deris Era discography. And I would say that even leaving some songs off at that point was difficult.

I ended up trimming it down to 30 songs. With the Top 25 starting tomorrow, I thought I'd leave five Honorable Mentions tonight..


The Tune (Rabbit Don't Come Easy) (Weikath)

The first time I listened to this it didn't really click, but all of a sudden...bang! In my head, I kept hearing Kai sing this. I think it would be perfect for him. This song really just hung around long enough to make the HM list.


Silent Rain (Keeper: The Legacy) (Deris/Gerstner)

This song really jumped put at me. I thought it would end up a bit higher, but there was tough competition. Nice to see Sasha with a writing credit on the list. Excellent tune that closes the first disc of The Legacy.


My Life For One More Day (Keeper: The Legacy) (Deris/Grosskopf)

A closer of mini-epic proportions. An excellent song I love the pre chorus. Classic melodic Helloween. Starting with the solo section, the second half of this song is particularly strong.


Find My Freedom (Gambling With The Devil) (Grosskopf)

The first B Side to make the list. Fantastic song from Markus. Amazing chorus. It really lifts the song. A case where a B side is stronger than a number of album tracks. Excellent instrumental section.


Immortal (The Dark Ride) (Deris)

A shame that this song didn't make the Top 25. This song is so unique for this band. I feel like this song is still rising and if I did this list a year from now, it will have moved up quite a bit. The chorus is really moving. Fantastic stuff!


And counting down the albums...
Starting with a bit of a surprise:


10. Master Of The Rings

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a0/HelloweenMasterofring.jpg)

Master Of the Rings is basically responsible for me giving up on Helloween. I bought the two lead singles and thought the album tracks were so weak. Plus I had no idea what to make of Andi Deris. He was so different to Kiske, and not all that pleasurable on the ears. If their first album out of the shoot was The Time Of the Oath, my history with the band might have been quite different. It is easily the least represented album in my countdown.

9. Straight Out Of Hell

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ee/Helloween_Straight_Out_of_Hell_Cover.jpg)

Another album not well represented on my list.  I don't not like it. But they have so many better albums as a whole. There are a number of decent tunes on this, but there's nothing great.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 25, 2019, 10:41:26 PM
Looking forward to this.  Find My Freedom being rated this high is surprising.  I always preferred See the Night so I'll have to go back and listen to that one.

I relatively agree with those two albums being near the bottom, however MGGR would be at the very bottom.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 26, 2019, 07:09:42 PM
And now...the TAC Deris Era Top 25....



25. Heaven Tells No Lies (Gambling With the Devil) (Grosskopf)

Totally cool straight ahead rocker by Markus. I really like the chorus to this song and I think it's the best part. Really nice guitar solo section. I believe that's Sasha that starts it. He has a great tone. Especially during the Wolf Hoffman-esque  section right before the last part..


24. The Invisible Man (Keeper: The Legacy)  (Gerstner)

Nice intro by Markus. Andi sounds awesome on this. So versatile. Typical, but awesome chorus. The mellow part in the middle reminds me of Spinal Tap's Stonhenge. Did Helloween have midgets come out dancing? Love Sasha's solo there. It's JP-esque. This song has a surprising depth to it.


23.The Swing Of A Fallen World (My God Given Right) (Deris)

I think this song is really unique for Helloween. Gone are the double bass melodic choruses. This song has a sinister bad ass groove. I found my self totally headbanging. As with Immortal, also written by Andi Deris, it has a really odd chorus but it totally works. I'm not a fan of mid tempo mumbo jumbo, but this song has a pace that eclipses most songs like it. It grooves, but doesn't plod. Really interesting instrumental section that picks up nicely, and then bam! Sinister! I see in this thread that My God Given Right isn't very heralded, but it has a couple of gems, and this is one of them.


22. Who Is Mr. Madman? (7 Sinners) (Gerstner)

Impressive composition from Sasha. Andi sounds great on this, especially in the prechorus. He has an amazing voice, and what I like about this song is that he uses all of it. This song really picks you up and doesn't let you go until the end.


21. Far In The Future (7 Sinners) (Deris)

Love the chorus. Love the Thin Lizzy style guitar. Andi does a great job of fitting his style into Helloween's. It always seems to have a unique twist to it. This song really gets me going, and I think the chorus is absolutely glorious.



For the albums..

8. My God Given Right

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/Helloween_-_My_God-Given_Right.jpg)

I don't think this is a great album on the whole, but I think it has a number of really strong tunes, and I find it a bit better than the previous two. It also might be my favorite album cover from this era. I think for the most part, the album isn't too serious. It's fairly easy on the ears, if unspectacular.

7. Rabbit Don't Come Easy

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2a/Rabbit_Don%27t_Come_Easy_cover.jpg)

Kade, I know you'll be disappointed with this, but let me put it this way. I like MGGR. I really like Rabbit. And I love everything else to come. This is a tough discog to rank because it's so consistently strong. This feels transitional though, with no real drummer on board, and Sasha's first album. I definitely like a lot of this, but they had much better music to come with their next couple of albums.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 26, 2019, 07:33:24 PM
MOTR and SOOH under MGGR? Chameleon and Pink Bubbles above all of these? Can I buy some pot off you?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 26, 2019, 07:37:03 PM
MOTR and SOOH under MGGR? Chameleon and Pink Bubbles above all of these? Can I buy some pot off you?

This is just a Deris Era countdown.

I find MOTR really weak. SOOH and MGGR are generally equal, but a gun to my head, I'm taking MGGR.


I've been thinking about how I'd merge their total discography. I may do that when it's all over.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 26, 2019, 07:38:34 PM
Can I buy some pot off you?

If I had any, I'd give it to you, but I haven't touched the stuff in over 18 years. (Which coincidentally was when I stopped watching series TV.)  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 26, 2019, 08:59:53 PM
Gun to my head or MGGR, I'm taking the bullet.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 26, 2019, 09:00:39 PM
That's your God given right..
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 26, 2019, 09:14:28 PM
Not disappointed Tim, I'm use to the low rankings of the album.  As you say with the other six albums being so strong it has to fall somewhere.

I don't think any of those 5 songs would make my 25.  Also Tim, was that last sentence in the Madman paragraph meant to be under Swing instead?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 27, 2019, 04:38:21 AM
Not disappointed Tim, I'm use to the low rankings of the album.  As you say with the other six albums being so strong it has to fall somewhere.

I don't think any of those 5 songs would make my 25.  Also Tim, was that last sentence in the Madman paragraph meant to be under Swing instead?

Yeah, I think I got my songs mixed up.   :facepalm:

You had better have a Top 25 ready when I finish!



As far as Rabbit, it's easy on the ears for sure, and I can see how it hits the spot.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 27, 2019, 04:48:06 AM
Alright, I'll start thinking about a top 25.  I can't bitch about your choices, because just thinking about it makes me sweat with anxiety.  I remember we did this back in the day, I think for Bruce Dickinson solo songs and maybe a couple of other bands.  A shit load of us just went through a top 25, one after another, it was awesome.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 27, 2019, 04:56:53 AM
It's more fun to go through this with you guys.

Alright, I'll start thinking about a top 25.  I can't bitch about your choices, because just thinking about it makes me sweat with anxiety

That's funny.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 27, 2019, 07:53:26 PM


20. Just A Little Sign (Rabbit Don't Come Easy)  (Deris)

Now this is Power Metal. Just how I like it. Strong vocals. So melodic. Fast playing.  My favorite part is the whoa whoa part right after the solo. Not much to complain about here.


19. Born On Judgement Day (Keeper: The Legacy) (Weikath)

This is a classic Helloween track. Could easily come out of the Kiske Era. This is a quality support tune for this album. I'd love to hear this song live, as it seems they don't play it. But I like it a lot, and it always seemed to be there every time there was a cut to be made.

 
18. My God Given Right (My God Given Right) (Deris)

The title track and final song representing this album. Another classic sounding  tune. The chorus totally earworms me. For the record, I love this song. It pains me to have it this low, but there's some tough competition here.


17. Hell Was Made In Heaven (Rabbit Don't Come Easy) (Deris/Grosskopf)

I feel this is actually a pretty powerful song. It is so melodic in both the verses and the chorus. The chorus is totally addicting. I love that it was played on the Legacy live album. An album closer in the third spot. It's a versatile song that fits anywhere. The slightly extended instrumental part is excellent.


16. We Damn The Night (The Dark Ride)  (Deris)

This is an awesome tune to crank it up in the car. The verse is steady and the chorus kicks ass.. Love the neoclassical solo from Roland. Even the whoa whoa part is cool. I've been screaming that on my way to work.


Albums...

6. 7 Sinners

(https://img.discogs.com/xiwjyYdX4eCtJ8pWfz20MiZkYoE=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2695356-1479745298-1222.jpeg.jpg)

This is a fucking heavy album. Lots of kick ass tunes. But this is one strong discography, and this just misses the Top 5. Songwriting contributions from all. I bought this when it came out, and I think I spent quite a few listens on it. Excellent album.



Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 28, 2019, 05:35:36 AM
This is more like it.  A couple of these may find it's way onto my list.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 28, 2019, 06:41:27 PM
15. Listen To The Flies (Rabbit Don't Come Easy)  (Deris/Gerstner)

I actually think is the best song on the album. This song really gets me going. The chorus is a little different for them. Great instrumental break. I think this song totally rocks.


14. Church Breaks Down  (Straight Out Of Hell)  (Gerstner)

Somehow I managed to overlook this on my first pass through. While on a plane a couple weeks ago, this song came up, and I was like holy crap this tune's awesome. The riffs under the verses are marauding. Another chorus done classic Helloween style. Another amazing instrumental section where Sasha invokes his inner JP. Love this tune!


13. Kings Will Be Kings  (The Time Of The Oath)  (Weikath)

Excellent tune from The Oath. Another track that could've easily come from the Kiske Era. Classic Helloween. Nice unison in the solo section. This is the reason Power Metal will always look up to Helloween. They're the masters and this song is proof.


12. Long Live The King  (7 Sinners)  (Deris)

Time for an ass kicking! I love the vicious opening. This song is a total burner. Dani Loble plays some great bass drums on this album, as is evidenced on this. The mid section screams Judas Priest/Accept.  Killer!


11. The Bells Of The 7 Hells  (Gambling With The Devil)  (Deris)

So I think this is one of the coolest songs of the Era. It has a total King Diamond feel (especially the "God help me" part). Helloween is known for their Power Metal style, but they can pretty much out Heavy Metal anyone. This song is particularly bad ass. I also love the fact that this is a Deris penned track. Much respect to him. What I like about this song is that nobody takes a back seat. Both guitars, drums, bass, and vocals are all top notch and involved. I would love to know what everyone thinks of this song. I think it's a standout track hidden in the back half of this album.




5. The Time Of The Oath


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51SyTo62y3L._SX355_.jpg)


If The Time Of The Oath was the first one out of the chute, then I might have never left Helloween behind. This is so much closer to Classic Helloween than Master Of The Rings. The band feels much more comfortable on this, their second release. I remember this getting great reviews, and I had this in my hands a number of times. I'm so sorry I didn't pull the trigger on this back in the day. This is a great album that would surely be a sign of what was to come.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on August 28, 2019, 09:41:58 PM
15. Listen To The Flies (Rabbit Don't Come Easy)  (Deris/Gerstner)

A B-side that I actually think would be the best song on the album.


14. Church Breaks Down  (Straight Out Of Hell)  (Gerstner)

Another Bonus track making the list

Listen to the Flies and Church Breaks Down aren't B-Sides. Flies is track 11 on RDCE and Church is track 13 on SOOH. :huh:



(Edit: I apparently can't format quotes properly :lolpalm:)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on August 29, 2019, 12:46:56 AM
Time of the Oath has so many kick ass tunes!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: bl5150 on August 29, 2019, 12:52:37 AM
Time of the Oath has so many kick ass tunes!  :metal

At the time I was really disappointed with it -  guess I should revisit as it seems to be almost universally liked.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on August 29, 2019, 12:59:34 AM
Time of the Oath has so many kick ass tunes!  :metal

At the time I was really disappointed with it -  guess I should revisit as it seems to be almost universally liked.

Maybe a couple of filler tracks but a great release overall.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 29, 2019, 04:58:22 AM
15. Listen To The Flies (Rabbit Don't Come Easy)  (Deris/Gerstner)

A B-side that I actually think would be the best song on the album.


14. Church Breaks Down  (Straight Out Of Hell)  (Gerstner)

Another Bonus track making the list

Listen to the Flies and Church Breaks Down aren't B-Sides. Flies is track 11 on RDCE and Church is track 13 on SOOH. :huh:



(Edit: I apparently can't format quotes properly :lolpalm:)

 :facepalm:
You’re right I’m not sure why I had that in mind.  It’s not like I don’t have the CDs piled up in front of me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 29, 2019, 05:26:46 AM
Haha Helloween's bonus tracks are so good you can't even tell which ones are bonus tracks.

I never cared for Kings Will Be Kings.  Will need to relisten.  I better get listening Tim as you are flying through this.

Flies, King and Church are gold, Bells is solid.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 29, 2019, 06:00:40 AM
Time of the Oath has so many kick ass tunes!  :metal

At the time I was really disappointed with it -  guess I should revisit as it seems to be almost universally liked.

So let me get this straight....
After Chameleon and Master, you were disappointed in The Oath??
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on August 29, 2019, 06:32:13 AM
Time of the Oath has so many kick ass tunes!  :metal
Great album! But the production is terrible...I mean the recording and mixing. Master and Better than Raw are also great albums and sound much better IMO.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 29, 2019, 07:03:40 AM
Better Than Raw has a great production.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: bl5150 on August 29, 2019, 07:26:49 AM
Time of the Oath has so many kick ass tunes!  :metal

At the time I was really disappointed with it -  guess I should revisit as it seems to be almost universally liked.

So let me get this straight....
After Chameleon and Master, you were disappointed in The Oath??

Outside of being a nice beer coaster Chameleon doesn't even count - I think I liked one song on it.

But Master Of The Rings I liked.............although up and down I thought the better tracks like Soul Survivor hinted at what could be a great next album.   From memory (and it's been a long time) I went into "Oath" with big expectations but struggled to find anything catchy on it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 29, 2019, 07:39:40 AM
First Time is amazing musically except for the dumb ass lyrics, which I believe were written by Kiske. He was obviously in full fuck it mode by then.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 29, 2019, 07:54:53 AM
The whole band was at that time. It's obvious  :loser:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on August 29, 2019, 08:01:07 AM
When it comes to Chameleon I think Windmill might be one of the worst Helloween songs, but Giants would be one of the best Helloween songs in their entire discography. That album is all over the place
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 29, 2019, 08:12:06 AM
Giants is awesome.


I may not do it right away, but my ultimate goal is to merge the two eras into one list.


I remember that Chameleon was not released here. I had a VHS bootleg of the tour, and they played like 8 or 9 songs from it. I dubbed the Chameleon tracks from the show onto a cassette so I could listen to the songs in the car. I remember really liking the When The Sinner live version, but the studio version kind of blows.
As a Kiske fan, I really like In The Night and Longing. But they are definitely not Helloween songs.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: bl5150 on August 29, 2019, 08:30:43 AM
That's the one..............Giants was the one track I ever listened to.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on August 29, 2019, 08:34:42 AM
Windmill is a bit corny but I enjoy all of Chameleon.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 29, 2019, 08:35:47 AM
The only way I can get through Chameleon is thinking that it's a half Kiske solo album, and a half Helloween album. Windmill falls onto the Kiske side.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 29, 2019, 08:39:02 AM
And Kiske falls on the floor. At least at the show I went to. :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Art on August 29, 2019, 11:14:07 AM
Giants is top 10 Helloween for me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on August 29, 2019, 07:48:54 PM
Chameleon is an underrated masterpiece. Perfect example of a band exploring a new sound gracefully. I love every song on that album - especially First Time, When The Sinner, Giants, I Believe, and Longing.

First Time is amazing musically except for the dumb ass lyrics, which I believe were written by Kiske. He was obviously in full fuck it mode by then.

First Time is solely credited to Weikath, both lyrics and music.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 29, 2019, 08:10:07 PM
10. Back On The Ground (Better Than Raw) (Kusch/Deris)

Pretty sure this is an actual Bonus Track.. This song jumped out at me right away. As good as this song is, it's the instrumental part that totally turns this from a good song to a great song. A mesmerizing section for sure. Two of the best minutes in the entire catalog.


9. The Time Of The Oath (The Time Of The Oath)  (Grapow/Deris)

I hate mid tempo stuff, but this has a pace that keeps things moving and interesting. This would've made a great Dio tune. It's quite different for Helloween, but this is proof of their versatility. I so regret not buying this album back in the day. This song reminds me of Zeppelin and Rainbow, but especially Martin Era Black Sabbath. What's cool is that while it has a classic hard rock feel, the solos are unmistakably Helloween. Awesome tune.


8. Paint A New World (Gambling With The Devil)  (Gerstner/Weikath)

This song rips. There were a couple of nights during this exercise that I was waking up in the middle of the night with this chorus earworming me. And I just want to say that I am a huge Dani Loble fan. This guy is as steady AF. Not much to point out, other than this totally hits the spot for me.


7. Midnight Sun  (Better Than Raw)  (Weikath)

On first listen here, I knew this song was going to place high. Great and simple chorus but very memorable. Awesome solo section done Helloween style. Love how the song transitions at the end of the solos. I also like how in the chorus the beat goes double. Excellent tune.


6. The Dark Ride  (The Dark Ride)  (Grapow)

Fittingly written by Roland Grapow, I feel like this is the highlight of the entire Grapow Era. I mean, I have a lifetime with the Pink Bubbles album, as well as Giants from Chameleon as we have discussed today.  But I think if I set the clock at zero, this is it.
What's cool about this song is that it's like two songs in one. For the first 5 minutes, I'm thinking man, this song is a rocker. And then once the guitar ends and it moves towards the outro, I'm like Holy Shit this song is epic! Great tune that narrowly missed the Top 5.



So Albums 3 & 4 are a virtual tie. These are so close, and probably the closest that consecutive albums come in this list. I truly like them both equally.

4. The Dark Ride

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ab/Helloween-thedarkride.jpg/220px-Helloween-thedarkride.jpg)


3. Better Than Raw

(https://img.discogs.com/5WxMhkgcDKDblEPGDt1fkPPLv3s=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2730674-1447483959-2098.jpeg.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 29, 2019, 08:13:25 PM
First Time is solely credited to Weikath, both lyrics and music.

I'm not sure how I had that wrong. In my head I remember being so disappointed by the lyrics, and for some reason I thought Kiske was responsible.


Chameleon is an underrated masterpiece. Perfect example of a band exploring a new sound gracefully. I love every song on that album - especially First Time, When The Sinner, Giants, I Believe, and Longing.

To me it sounds like a band splitting apart. There's the Kiske side and the Weikath side. I am a huge Kiske guy, so I can live with many of the songs, but the Keepers albums are masterpieces. This isn't in their league. At all.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: bl5150 on August 29, 2019, 08:17:04 PM
The Dark Ride (again from memory way back) was a weird album for me.  I had heard great things about it and by track 6 or 7 I was thinking "this is just okay" and then the last 5 or so tracks kicked my butt  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 29, 2019, 08:18:28 PM
It's basically tied for 3rd in a 10 album list, so I really like it a lot.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 30, 2019, 05:48:15 AM
That's a great update.  5 rippers right there.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 30, 2019, 06:25:13 AM
"All over the nations the Jews come alive..."
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 30, 2019, 06:06:45 PM
5. Hey Lord  (Better Than Raw)  (Deris)

I feel like you guys might be surprised by this pick, but I love this song. I love the instrumental melodic part of the chorus. Great solo by Weiki too. Minimal, but really strong. I can't place what it reminds me of. Anyway, This song gets stuck in my head, and I've been known to scream the chorus in my car.


4. Dreambound (Gambling With The Devil)  (Gerstner/Weikath)

I must say that Sasha and Weiki make a great team. With so many great tunes to choose from, it's hard to explain how this one stands out to me. The chorus gives me goosebumps. The "You'll change my dream" part gets me going. The guitar solo section fucking rips. This song has the steady verse, fantastic chorus, and a beastly solo section. I could listen to this song all day.


3. King For 1000 Years  (Keeper: The Legacy)  (All)

Right after I bought this  shortly after its release, I can remember listening to King with the lyrics out while waiting outside my sons' school. This song never really clicked. I felt it was such a bloated attempt at an epic, stealing the Keepers theme. This song has so many great parts. Tons of great rhythms and a very nice gallop throughout. Great instrumental section showing their versatility. This song stays so consistently strong, and the last minute is amazing.


2. Power  (The Time Of the Oath)  (Weikath)

This has always been the most recognizable song of the Deris Era for me, even when everything else failed to register. This is just a fantastic song all the way through. When they played it on the Pumpkins United tour, I went out of my mind. The joy in Andi's voice was so evident. I think this is one of their most perfect and succinctly written songs.


1. Occasion Avenue  (Keeper: The Legacy) (Deris)

I wish I could remember what my original thoughts were when I first heard this years ago. I know I would've thought the title was stupid, and that Kiske samples were lame and cheap. But during this exercise, this song has stood out above them all. I've been particularly enjoying the Live On Three Continents DVD version. The shot of Markus on the riser during the intro is so epic. He's amazing by the way, which obviously is not a new revelation. I really like the effects of the ghostly background vocals. Another track where Dani shines. Great songwriting by Andi. A very well conceived and constructed track. Just pure goodness throughout.  The "I pray for all us people" part is eargasmic. I proudly proclaim Occasion Avenue as my favorite Deris Era song!


And finally the last two albums..


2. Gambling With The Devil

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/84/Helloween_-_Gambling_with_the_Devil.jpg/300px-Helloween_-_Gambling_with_the_Devil.jpg)


This is a great album. Probably their heaviest of the Deris Era after 7 Sinners. So many great songs. I think it placed four songs in the Top 25 and many more made the original cut. It has an absolutely brutal production, but that's not something I ever hold against the tunes.


1. Keeper: The Legacy

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KJf5aJUmL._SY355_.jpg)

I've said before, but calling the album after Keeper Of The Seven Keys was always weak to me. I guess I always thumbed my nose at it. I thought King Of 1000 Years was a fake epic to me.
Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. There's not a weak track on the entire double album. An absolutely tremendous effort.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 30, 2019, 06:09:17 PM
I'm surprised Power is so high, but I guess I shouldn't be with you love for the old stuff.  Dreambound I never understood the hype about, but I'll go back and revisit a lot of these. 

I have no issue with Hey Lord being top 5 truthfully.  The Keeper epics and just that, epic.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 30, 2019, 06:24:12 PM
Power has always clicked with me. It's so simple and easy on the ears. It's the one song that I was the most familiar with going into this.

Helloween are masters of songs like Paint A New World, Dreambound, and Kings Will Be Kings. It's Power Metal, but you can tell it's a notch above the rest. There's a soul and depth to what they do.


I'll go back and revisit a lot of these. 

Yeah, that's awesome, and as soon as you think you have a Top 25, lay it on us here. I would love to read it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 30, 2019, 06:43:42 PM
and as soon as you think you have a Top 25, lay it on us here. I would love to read it.

I definitely will mate.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 30, 2019, 06:47:19 PM
That makes me really happy seeing Dreambound and Gambling so high. Absolutely fantastic stuff.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 30, 2019, 06:49:28 PM
That makes me really happy seeing Dreambound and Gambling so high. Absolutely fantastic stuff.

Yeah, I know you like Gambling. It's a great album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 30, 2019, 06:56:48 PM
Man, honestly, I was never big on Helloween getting into power metal. It was only about 10 years ago I finally gave the Deris era another try and something about it just worked. Gambling was what finally broke me off of Walls of Jericho being my favorite weener album  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 30, 2019, 07:00:34 PM
Helloween didn't "get into" Power Metal. They defined it.

I got Walls Of Jericho in 1987 and have always loved it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 30, 2019, 07:01:19 PM
Helloween didn't "get into" Power Metal. They defined it.

I got Walls Of Jericho in 1987 and have always loved it.

What? I know that. I was saying when *I* was getting into power metal, I didn't get the hype.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 30, 2019, 07:05:08 PM
What? I know that. I was saying when *I* was getting into power metal, I didn't get the hype.  :lol

No..you said:

Man, honestly, I was never big on Helloween getting into power metal. It was only about 10 years ago I finally gave the Deris era another try and something about it just worked. Gambling was what finally broke me off of Walls of Jericho being my favorite weener album  :lol

 :lol




80% of your Top 50 is wiped out without Helloween.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 30, 2019, 07:28:20 PM
No it's not, half their discography blows!  :lol

Gambling was initially on the list. Had to bump it sadly.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 30, 2019, 07:30:18 PM
Go troll in another thread, thanks.

 ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 30, 2019, 07:37:51 PM
I'm not trolling, and I like Helloween!!  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on August 30, 2019, 10:10:16 PM
I like Gambling and Keeper Legacy, but I just don't get Occasion Avenue at all. I think the song blows. Listened to it again in case I was missing something, nope, still blows.

Other than that, the list was nice though. I want to revisit some of those records now.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: bl5150 on August 30, 2019, 10:13:09 PM
Tim copping lots of "blows" in this thread - I like it  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on August 30, 2019, 11:18:35 PM
I think what Katte meant was

Man, honestly, I was never big on Helloween [when I was] getting into power metal.

not

Man, honestly, I was never big on [the idea of] Helloween [being] power metal.


Idk if you knew that & were just joking around or you were actually confused TAC, but I thought I'd clarify that anyway.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 31, 2019, 06:02:52 AM
At first I was confused, but after I think I understood.



I want to revisit some of those records now.

Mission accomplished.


Tim copping lots of "blows" in this thread - I like it  :lol

It's all good. And Helloween conversation is good conversation. That's what I was hoping for. A little "blow"back here and there.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on August 31, 2019, 06:16:36 AM
Yeah it would be odd if I didn't like Helloween playing power metal considering The Saints is one of the best power metal anthems ever written  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 01, 2019, 04:50:14 AM
I'm going to go through and do some listening to all the albums before making a top 25.  This is just going to be so difficult.  Even being a fan of this era since Rabbit and listening to most of these albums frequently enough over the years, getting 25 songs just seems an impossible.  There is too much quality.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 01, 2019, 05:13:21 AM
Master of the Rings.  This is way better than I remember it to be honest.  Picks to move on to the next round;

Sole Survivor
Where the Rain Grows
Why?
Perfect Gentleman
Secret Alibi
Still We Go

Yeah, half the album, I know.  When it comes to 25, I don't see many of these making it. Secret Alibi is a damn underrated tune from the band.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 01, 2019, 07:19:22 AM
Secret Alibi is a nice second tier song.  Nothing to dislike about it.


I found Master Of The Rings really hard to latch onto. Always have.





Last night, I spent the night going down the Helloween rabbit hole on Youtube. I watched a Kiske interview where he mentioned that Roland Grapow was asked to participate in the Pumpkins United tour but he declined.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on September 01, 2019, 07:20:26 AM
It's good to see this going forward, Kade, I'll follow your posts too and will be listening along. Maybe I'll actually do one of those Top 25s after you.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 01, 2019, 07:21:59 AM
Yeah Ruslan, that would be awesome to follow.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on September 01, 2019, 10:49:02 AM
I'm sorry I didn't get to chime in earlier, but that is one amazing list, TAC. It's always great to see appreciation for Occasion avenue, it's also one of my absolute favorites.

As far as albums go, I would probably rotate Master of the rings and The Legacy. The rest would be sort of similar.  ;D

Following, Kade!  :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 01, 2019, 12:27:41 PM
It’s funny that we’d be completely opposite in the best and worst album but similar on the rest.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on September 01, 2019, 01:30:25 PM
It’s funny that we’d be completely opposite in the best and worst album but similar on the rest.  :lol
Yeah, that struck me immediately. It's also kind of awesome.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 01, 2019, 01:42:58 PM
TAC has me inspired enough to do a top [xx] countdown of my favorite bands but nobody likes my favorite bands!  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 01, 2019, 02:43:32 PM
I probably won't be able to post as frequently as Tim, but I will try.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 01, 2019, 05:44:34 PM
TAC has me inspired enough to do a top [xx] countdown of my favorite bands but nobody likes my favorite bands!  :lol

Pick a band and do it. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 02, 2019, 05:09:02 AM
Time of The Oath songs that will move forward;

We Burn
Steel Tormentor
Wake Up the Mountain
Power
Before the War
The Time of the Oath
Still I Don't Know

Massive shoutout to the ripper bonus track there.

I'm only listening through these albums on the way to work and the way home at the moment, so a slow process.  Already knowing the majority of the songs like the back of my hand helps.  This album is good but really loses steam at the end until the title track. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 02, 2019, 06:38:09 AM
That list was quite similar to mine. An excellent album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 03, 2019, 09:38:58 PM
Better Than Raw songs that will make it through the next round;

Push
Falling Higher
Hey Lord
Revelation
Time
I Can
A Handful of Pain
Midnight Sun
Back on the Ground
A Game We Shouldn't Play

errr.........probably should have said the whole album, would have saved me some time.  :lol

Saying that.  I know already a couple that won't make it, I think I'm just showing those songs respect.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 04, 2019, 03:25:44 PM
I don't think it's worth listing songs that will move forward from The Dark Ride.  This album is amazing, I find everything here just wonderful.  I can see a lot of these songs making top 25.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 04, 2019, 03:56:17 PM
That's funny about showing songs some respect. I did the same thing.  :lol


Your Better Than Raw list looks a lot like mine. I love that album. It has a great production. Maybe their best overall production.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 04, 2019, 04:12:59 PM
That's funny about showing songs some respect. I did the same thing.  :lol


Your Better Than Raw list looks a lot like mine. I love that album. It has a great production. Maybe their best overall production.

It has great variety too but the whole thing still feels complete.  Plus with the bonus tracks it makes it even more of a stormer.

I thought about the Dark Ride and yeah, I'll just move the whole album on to show respect haha. 

About to leave for work and the Rabbit cd has been picked and ready to go.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 04, 2019, 04:15:39 PM
Last night, I spent the night going down the Helloween rabbit hole on Youtube. I watched a Kiske interview where he mentioned that Roland Grapow was asked to participate in the Pumpkins United tour but he declined.

Been thinking about this here.  How would tgis work, 4 guitars the whole show? That seems overkill.  Or would he come out only for a Grapow era set or something.  I'm intrigued what would happen here.  Although it doesn't surprise me he declined, there was some really bad blood when he and Uli were fired.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on September 04, 2019, 08:46:12 PM
I wonder if there is any truth that Vince McMahon fired Roland and Uli on behalf of Helloween.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 04, 2019, 08:48:23 PM
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/xULW8CVCfQn2QytFM4/source.gif)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on September 04, 2019, 11:37:42 PM
Last night, I spent the night going down the Helloween rabbit hole on Youtube. I watched a Kiske interview where he mentioned that Roland Grapow was asked to participate in the Pumpkins United tour but he declined.

Been thinking about this here.  How would tgis work, 4 guitars the whole show? That seems overkill.  Or would he come out only for a Grapow era set or something.  I'm intrigued what would happen here.  Although it doesn't surprise me he declined, there was some really bad blood when he and Uli were fired.

Weird, as i recall Markus saying in an interview that Roland an Uli were not asked to rejoin, as it would be "too many people"

I don't know what's going on there. Besides i don't think Roland and Uli would have wanted to be anywhere near Helloween again.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 04, 2019, 11:51:18 PM
There's an interview when the first Masterplan came out (I think the interview was actually included on the cd of the album) where Uli and Roland are obviously very bitter about the way Helloween ended.  I think they both dislike Weiki and maybe Andi very much.  I'd have to find the interview.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: the_silent_man on September 05, 2019, 02:51:11 AM
This thread has inspired me to revisit a lot of the "middle" period Helloween album. Master of the Rings is better than I remember - very solid and consistant but a bit cheesy in places. Onto Time of the Oath now, one of the best Deris-era albums - always enjoyed this one.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 05, 2019, 06:08:57 AM
This thread has inspired me to revisit a lot of the "middle" period Helloween album. Master of the Rings is better than I remember - very solid and consistant but a bit cheesy in places. Onto Time of the Oath now, one of the best Deris-era albums - always enjoyed this one.

Cool mate.  Yeah, I really was surprised how much I enjoyed Rings than I remembered also.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 05, 2019, 06:36:22 PM
This thread has inspired me to revisit a lot of the "middle" period Helloween album.

Awesome!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 08, 2019, 04:33:51 AM
Rabbit was as enjoyable as ever.  Still love that album.  So easy to listen to and lots of variety.  Songs moving on;

Just a Little Sign
Open Your Life
The Tune
Never Be A Star
Liar
Sun 4 the World
Hell Was Made in Heaven
Back Against the Wall
Listen to the Flies

haha, yeah I know.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 08, 2019, 06:29:20 AM
You are so totally porked on making a Top 25.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 08, 2019, 02:00:13 PM
You are so totally porked on making a Top 25.  :lol

I honestly have no idea how the fuck I'm going to do it.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on September 08, 2019, 02:30:32 PM
This is becoming a bit ridiculous. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 08, 2019, 02:40:48 PM
This is becoming a bit ridiculous. :lol

Mark my words, you will get a top 25.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 08, 2019, 02:41:47 PM
This is becoming a bit ridiculous. :lol

Mark my words, you will get a top 25.

Yeah, 5 of them.. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 08, 2019, 02:44:36 PM
This is becoming a bit ridiculous. :lol

Mark my words, you will get a top 25.

Yeah, 5 of them.. :lol

With 25 honorable mentions.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 08, 2019, 02:47:47 PM
 :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on September 08, 2019, 02:48:04 PM
This is becoming a bit ridiculous. :lol

Mark my words, you will get a top 25.

Yeah, 5 of them.. :lol

:lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on September 08, 2019, 04:15:50 PM
Rabbit was as enjoyable as ever.  Still love that album.  So easy to listen to and lots of variety.  Songs moving on;

Just a Little Sign
Open Your Life
The Tune
Never Be A Star
Liar
Sun 4 the World
Hell Was Made in Heaven
Back Against the Wall
Listen to the Flies

haha, yeah I know.

 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 08, 2019, 08:46:43 PM
Keeper songs moving forward.

King for 1000 Years
The Invisible Man
Born of Judgment Day
Pleasure Drone
Silent Rain
Occasion Avenue
Do You Know What Your Fighting For
Come Alive
Shade in the Shadows
My Life for One More Day

Please don't comment.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on September 08, 2019, 10:16:34 PM
I actually think Light the Universe is a pretty cool duet/ballad
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on September 08, 2019, 11:57:41 PM
I actually think Light the Universe is a pretty cool duet/ballad

Yep, I'm sad it doesn't get any love. My best friend had this song playing for his wedding dance, it was great.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on September 09, 2019, 02:39:02 AM
Light the Universe is a fucking masterpiece & I will fight (& probably lose against) anyone who says otherwise.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on September 09, 2019, 03:36:48 AM
Light the Universe is a fucking masterpiece & I will fight (& probably lose against) anyone who says otherwise.  :metal

I'll stand beside you  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 09, 2019, 04:49:46 AM
As much as I love Deris era Helloween, I can't stand that song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 09, 2019, 04:51:27 AM
It didn’t do anything for me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on September 09, 2019, 05:26:48 AM
Let’s go to the Light the Universe poll for the official results!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on September 09, 2019, 03:17:32 PM
Hey mates, this is Kade and I can't post from my main account for some bloody reason so I asked Ruslan here to post my picks from Gambling.

Gambling songs moving forward.

Kill It
The Saints
As Long As I Fall
Paint a New World
Final Fortune
The Bells of the 7 Hells
Fallen to Pieces
I.M.E.
Can Do It
Dreambound
Heaven Tells No Lies
We Unite
Find My Freedom
See the Night
Never Surrender
As Long As I Fall (Radio Edit)
As Long As I Fall (Enhanced Video)
Trailer (Enhanced)

haha I know.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 09, 2019, 03:26:47 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on September 09, 2019, 03:27:11 PM
 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 09, 2019, 04:15:18 PM
Hey mates, this is Kade and I can't post from my main account for some bloody reason so I asked Ruslan here to post my picks from Gambling.

Gambling songs moving forward.

Kill It
The Saints
As Long As I Fall
Paint a New World
Final Fortune
The Bells of the 7 Hells
Fallen to Pieces
I.M.E.
Can Do It
Dreambound
Heaven Tells No Lies
We Unite
Find My Freedom
See the Night
Never Surrender
As Long As I Fall (Radio Edit)
As Long As I Fall (Enhanced Video)
Trailer (Enhanced)

haha I know.

Hey lads, all fixed up snd I'm back.  Thanks to Ruslan for posting for me but mate you forgot Crack the Riddle.  Pretty sure that was on the list too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on September 09, 2019, 04:19:13 PM
As much as I love Deris era Helloween, I can't stand that song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 09, 2019, 04:23:09 PM
As much as I love Deris era Helloween, I can't stand that song.

This is my list, not yours.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 10, 2019, 05:31:00 AM
Alright, actual early Gambling favourites;

Kill It
The Saints
Paint a New World
Final Fortune
The Bells of the Seven Hells
Fallen to Pieces
Dreambound
See the Night

Found a new found appreciation of Dreambound.    I love the album as a whole but this one doesn't have as many individual songs that would make a top 25.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 10, 2019, 05:34:24 AM
Found a new found appreciation of Dreambound.   

 :metal

I love The Bells Of The Seven Hells. That song is lethal.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 10, 2019, 02:28:20 PM
Found a new found appreciation of Dreambound.   

 :metal

I love The Bells Of The Seven Hells. That song is lethal.

Shit I thought that was on there.  How did I miss it.  Not sure if it would make the cut though.

I still don't understand the Heaven Tells No Lies love.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on September 10, 2019, 02:33:09 PM
Heaven Tells No Lies has amazing melodies, that's why. Definitely one of the best on Gambling imo. Great lyrics too which is not something I can usually say for the band. The "I will return, you have to burn" part is heavy as hell too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 10, 2019, 02:40:07 PM
Heaven Tells No Lies has amazing melodies, that's why. Definitely one of the best on Gambling imo. Great lyrics too which is not something I can usually say for the band. The "I will return, you have to burn" part is heavy as hell too.

Funny, that's the one thing I don't get.  I don't think the melodies are overly great.  It's a good song but not one of my favs.  Maybe I'll try it once more.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 10, 2019, 02:43:37 PM
Made my list! :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on September 13, 2019, 03:03:38 AM
Just hot off the press: Forever and One live!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5ceqdP9Hbk

So nice to see Kiske and Deris sitting together and having fun with the song!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 13, 2019, 03:00:45 PM
Fucking Brilliant!

Also nice to see them give Sasha the solo spot.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 13, 2019, 04:39:02 PM
Just hot off the press: Forever and One live!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5ceqdP9Hbk

So nice to see Kiske and Deris sitting together and having fun with the song!

That was simply a brilliant performance.  Can't wait for this DVD.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 15, 2019, 03:52:55 AM
7 Sinners songs moving forward;

Are You Metal?
Who is Mr Madman?
World of Fantasy
Long Live the King
You Stupid Mankind
If A Mountain Could Talk
I'm Free
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 15, 2019, 04:01:01 AM
Straight Out of Hell songs moving on;

Nabataea
World of War
Far From the Stars
Waiting for the Thunder
Asshole
Make Fire Catch the Fly
Church Breaks Down
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on September 15, 2019, 04:16:52 AM
Asshole?

I mean it's a fun song but how the hell is this one in and Burning Sun isn't? :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 15, 2019, 04:23:58 AM
Asshole?

I mean it's a fun song but how the hell is this one in and Burning Sun isn't? :biggrin:

I love the groove, and it's like Sasha knows my boss haha.  The lyrics sum him up perfectly and it struck a nerve as soon as I heard it.

Burning Sun is good, but I never unerstood the amount of love.  I much prefer Far From the Stars for the type of song.

Looking at Tim's list again, I think there will be a lot of different songs.  Maybe only around 10 the same in the 25.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on September 15, 2019, 04:37:45 AM
https://www.themetalvoice.com/single-post/2019/09/14/Helloween-Michael-Weikath-On-The-New-Album-we-are-going-to-play-it-safe-nothing-unexpected

Some catching up with Michael Weikath, nothing earth shattering but the vibes are good in pumpkinland!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on September 15, 2019, 05:14:06 AM
Most significant piece of information from that interview, was the bit when he said that the new record will be co-produced by their house producer Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward!

I'm stoked that Dennis Ward is part of the team! That man is a beast. He played with and produced Unisonic, among other things!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 15, 2019, 05:15:21 AM
Dennis Ward means the sound quality should be pretty strong.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 15, 2019, 08:35:17 AM
Dennis Ward means the sound quality should be pretty strong.

Hopefully they give Charlie a placebo control board.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 15, 2019, 02:10:35 PM
Dennis Ward means the sound quality should be pretty strong.

Hopefully they give Charlie a placebo control board.

 :lol yep, we can only hope.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 22, 2019, 01:46:39 PM
I haven't forgotten about the 25.  I didn't listen to MGGR but I think the only ones that that have any potential in moving on is the title track and Swing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 22, 2019, 03:22:46 PM
Swing is an awesome tune.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 28, 2019, 07:23:03 PM
Trailer #2 for United Alive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi9SFhUEzI0

Gave me goosebumps.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 29, 2019, 04:41:29 AM
Well, here we go, my top 25.  Last week at work was one of the worst ever and I feared this wasn't going to happen at some point.  After a quiet weekend with the misses like we normally do I sit for a couple of hours here on Sunday night winding down alone before I tackle another week, I decided to do this. 

You all laughed at the amount of songs I passed through each album and I can't blame you.  I discovered Helloween through The Dark Ride when it came out and haven't looked back.  I love the Deris era so much and listening through all the albums made me realise just how influential these albums are when I was a late teenager and then going through my 20's and into my 30's.  They fill me with so much joy and as much as I love the Keeper albums, Deris era Helloween is where it's at.

The funny thing is, the amount of songs I said moved on, I just made my 25 in 5 minutes right now.  I opened up a notepad on my desktop and listed 25 songs while looking through the album files on the computer.  I was amazed how easy it was.  Ranking the songs is loose, but near enough.  Although picking a favourite really is hard and would probably change from time to time.  But I made sure I was happy with the top 10.  No doubt a lot of these picks will surprise people, especially the top 10 I think.  My writeups will be pretty brief however.

A few special mentions before we start that just missed out;


Final Fortune (Gambling with the Devil)

Great Markus composition here, love the melodies.  I love the pre chorus too.  All over just a catchy fun song.


World of Fantasy (7 Sinners)

Pretty much the same formula as Final Fortune.  Markus follows the same formula but comes up with another ear catcher.


Never Be A Star (Rabbit Don't Come Easy)

I wanted to mention this one as it's underrated as hell.  Sure it's repetitive as fuck, but damn catchy.  Great 80's vibe especially in Weiki's solo, that's the best part easily.  Weiki may not be the most technical guitarist but he knows how to put together a simple solo when it's needed.  This one is perfect.


The Invisible Man (Keeper Legacy)

Great tune, and the thing I love most is the key changes at the end.  Crazy as hell.  Great melodies and wonderful solo from Sasha.


My Life For One More Day (Keeper Legacy)

Just a cool song.  Great groove and awesome melodies in the chorus.  Some cool riffs and great solo section.


We Burn (The Time of the Oath)

This burns.  Not much to say, it's a ripper.  Sucks it had to miss out.  Love the High Live version.


If A Mountain Could Talk (7 Sinners)

This just missed out on making the 25.  A lot going on in this one and one of Markus' more complex compositions.  Definitely has his trademark melodies in the chorus too.  The real highlight of this one is Sasha's wonderful slower solo, fuck that's awesome.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 29, 2019, 04:53:07 AM
Album countdown part 1;

10 My God Given Right

This isn't as bad as I've been making out, but when you put it against the rest, it kind of is.  I actually didn't mind it when it came out, but then I stopped lying to myself and admitted it wasn't Helloween at their best.  The bonus tracks are just horrid and if you cut them off, it makes it look better.  The title track and Swing are good songs.  I laughed so hard when I heard If God Loves Rock and Roll for the first time.  Markus should sue Andi for that one.

9. The Time of the Oath

8. Master of the Rings

I find it hard to split these two.  I think if you take the best songs from both, you have a wonderful album.  The production on Oath lets it down I think just a tad more.  It's funny, I find Master more consistent on a whole but some tracks on Oath are stronger on their own, plus there are more Oath songs in my list than Master.  Both great albums to kick start the band back into gear though and revive the band.  Would love to hear a remix of both.

7. Straight Out of Hell

This is a GREAT album.  It's not quite top tier Helloween like the rest, but it's pretty damn close.  Lot's of variety here which is good and bad.  I think it dips a bit in the middle but a lot of the tunes are very strong in their own right.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 29, 2019, 05:49:33 AM
Kade, we're heading out first thing this morning. I'll chew on this tonight!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 29, 2019, 02:42:56 PM
Kade, we're heading out first thing this morning. I'll chew on this tonight!

No probs.  This list is VERY different to yours mate.  I'll try and do an update every day.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 29, 2019, 02:44:14 PM
Well, other than The Time Of The Oath, we got the same bottom 3 albums.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on September 29, 2019, 07:03:02 PM
Ordered the United Alive bluray from Nuclear Blast.  Can't wait until it shows up!  I've been jamming to a ton of Gamma Ray and Kai Hansen's solo disc lately, and TAC's comments on the Deris-era Helloween got my curious about some of those discs.

I have the Treasure Chest compilation, with some remastered, remixed tracks.  It seems to have the early Deris-era hits through The Dark Ride.  So I have checked out 7 Sinners and Gambling with the Devil based on TAC's assessment of those being the heaviest.  I've been loving both records.  Also The Dark Ride, simply because I love the heavier, darker feel of those songs, and Keeper/Legacy, since I've heard a few of those songs in the past before.

I'm working on a few of the live albums now as well - High Live, Keeper Legacy Tour.  This is great stuff, and I do enjoy him as a singer, even though I was very much only into the Kiske era songs for a long time.

Thanks to all for the recommendations and discussion of these albums!   :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 29, 2019, 07:06:28 PM
 :metal

That's why we're here!



The thing is Deris just finally clicked with me. I really struggled for the longest time. He really is fantastic. But what I love about him is that he is fearless vocally.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: v_clortho on September 29, 2019, 09:01:56 PM
I'd have Time of the Oath at number 1. That might include the Kiske albums as well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 29, 2019, 10:18:02 PM
I'd have Time of the Oath at number 1. That might include the Kiske albums as well.

Wow.  just shows the strength of the band.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 29, 2019, 10:18:18 PM
Ordered the United Alive bluray from Nuclear Blast.  Can't wait until it shows up!  I've been jamming to a ton of Gamma Ray and Kai Hansen's solo disc lately, and TAC's comments on the Deris-era Helloween got my curious about some of those discs.

I have the Treasure Chest compilation, with some remastered, remixed tracks.  It seems to have the early Deris-era hits through The Dark Ride.  So I have checked out 7 Sinners and Gambling with the Devil based on TAC's assessment of those being the heaviest.  I've been loving both records.  Also The Dark Ride, simply because I love the heavier, darker feel of those songs, and Keeper/Legacy, since I've heard a few of those songs in the past before.

I'm working on a few of the live albums now as well - High Live, Keeper Legacy Tour.  This is great stuff, and I do enjoy him as a singer, even though I was very much only into the Kiske era songs for a long time.

Thanks to all for the recommendations and discussion of these albums!   :metal

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 01, 2019, 05:44:18 AM
Here we go......


25. Paint a New World (Gambling with the Devil)

This one was always a fav right away when I heard the album.  Ripper of a song.  Feels a bit different for the band too.  Love the guitars in the intro and the general speed of the song for the darker tone throughout is excellent.  The pre chorus is very very good and it's nice and tight with the intro lending the backing for the chorus.  Pretty standard solo section but how the darker diminished tones then lead into the intro again is glorious.  Just doesn't let up, great tune.


24. The Time of the Oath (The Time of the Oath)

This has Roland's name written all over it and I like how it's the closer to the album.  I always kind of preferred the High Live version though.  The production of the album hurts the song, but the tune is dark and strong enough to be here.  Love Roland's playing and I especially like how between the first chorus and second verse you have a tasty  solo yet the main solo section is all harmonized.  I like that.  I find the solo after the first chorus interesting too.  It sounds like Roland is playing some phrygian or phrygian dominant or something but it's all straight minor with one flattened 5th in there.  Interesting sound for the note selections.  Shows Roland's tasty phrasing as a guitarist.


23. Pleasure Drone (Keeper Legacy)

I think this will surpsrise most.  This is pretty basic Helloween, but I always loved this song.  Nice groove, Andi sounds great and just a bloody wondeful chorus, really really good.  It's the star here.  I really like the half time breakdown going into the solo.  A great dual solo from Sasha and Michael too.  You know what I love, Sasha plays a similar 3 note melody (F, F#, Eb) first appearing at 2:26, then at 2:32.  His run after that uses variations running down the scale giving off the feel of those 3 notes which is clever.  His solo is very complete and ties together well, BUT when Michael comes in and repeats that melody at 2:53, that sends me over the edge.  The harmony afterwards even has that feel too.  One underrated, brilliantly put together solo section.  Killer chorus again to finish it off.


22. Long Live the King (7 Sinners)

This one snuck up on my a bit more than it use to once I replayed through all the albums.  Shit this mother fucker rips.  Dani owning the drums there.  The fast Iced Earth style galloping filtered throughout especially in the prechorus is monstrous.  The chorus is all sorts of brutal too.  What I like is the speed of the chorus, yet Andi just sings 'long live the king.'  Amazing contrast with the music.  The middle 8 section is pretty expected but the riffing keeps it going.  Great climax up with the key changes too in the little solo.  There's not much there in the way of solos but it doesn't need it.  Ripper tune.


21. Before the War (The Time of the Oath)

This is one I probably like more due to High Live also, but even on the album, it's a favourite.  Manic intro and wastes no time.  Great contrast to the verse and the pre chorus then going into the very melodic chorus.  The way the melodies in the chorus resolve is wonderful.  The solo section is a ripper.  It's interseting the song is in Dminor, then the staccato section which seems like it's in an F# phrygian with chromatics then into the awesome open string harmony section in B.  Roland plays in A minor only for Weiki to move to E minor with some nice harmonic minor flavours in there.  The crazy key changes and frantic pace is the reason I really like this one and is very underrated.



Album number 6....

6. Gambling with the Devil

I really like this one, but I like the others more.  I didn't get the hype as much as others did, and a few tracks which I enjoy I never understood the amount of love.  It's a top album and the bonus tracks are better than quite a few album tracks.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 01, 2019, 03:44:08 PM
All great songs Kade. Paint A New World is so comforting to listen to. Not sure how to explain that.. :lol but it is just so damn easy on the ears.


I think Pleasure Drone is real solid. Proves what a strong album that is with a rank n file track like that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 01, 2019, 04:19:48 PM
All great songs Kade. Paint A New World is so comforting to listen to. Not sure how to explain that.. :lol but it is just so damn easy on the ears.


I think Pleasure Drone is real solid. Proves what a strong album that is with a rank n file track like that.

Agree.

I think the differences between a lot of songs on my list and yours will really highlight the strength of these albums.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 03, 2019, 07:04:04 PM
I'm kind of confused on the formats of United Alive. I'm buying from Amazon, but they don't really have good descriptions. According to Nuclear Blast, the CD and BR versions are different.  I was hoping they'd come together.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 04, 2019, 12:41:57 AM
I'm kind of confused on the formats of United Alive. I'm buying from Amazon, but they don't really have good descriptions. According to Nuclear Blast, the CD and BR versions are different.  I was hoping they'd come together.

I saw on my local store a big hardcover book thing with Blu Ray and DVD plus CD.  I hope there's just a DVD/CD version.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on October 04, 2019, 08:07:14 AM
I ordered the 2 Blu Ray set direct from Nuclear Blast, since I switched to digital only on just music a few years ago.  Nuclear Blast has a 3 cd set and a separate 2 blu ray set. 

I haven't seen any versions with DVD's and didn't trust anything on Amazon, since they weren't clear about what each format had.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 05, 2019, 07:05:15 PM
Link to Helloween's Rock In Rio performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvB5W0LnZfY
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 07, 2019, 04:37:46 AM
Seems like the wrong time to update the 25 with the new live album approaching, but I doubt I'll be able to get my hands on that for a bit so fuck it;

20. I Live For Your Pain (The Dark Ride)

Another one that probably most wouldn't regard as top 25 material, but this one always jumped out to me when I first got into Helloween and this album.  It's so damn catchy and easy to get into.  The thing that interests me the most is the low Soilwork style B open tuning.  I haven't studied every Helloween song, but I'm not sure how many are in this tuning if any, but damn I love the heaviness of it.  It's weird as it's in E minor and gives the sound of an E minor type classic metal tune but with the low heaviness, very cool.  Love the bass and just love everyhting about it.  It has an 80's Lizzy Borden type of feel to it, and a bit different from the band.  A shame it never got any recognition from the band.  It would be a great live tune.


19. Listen to the Flies (Rabbit Don't Come Easy)

Probably the one track on the album most would lean towards in the favourites department.  The killer hook is Andi in the chorus, so simple but so damn good.  Great speed and I love Mark Cross' drumming here, really solid.  I really like the harmonic minor tones scattered around the song too, and another noticeable part is Sascha's simple Malmsteen style 3 note appregios over the 3 strings.  It's really quite simple but nicely executed.  I like the first part of the solo section better than the freestyle shred of the second half.  Killer tune.


18. Make Fire Catch the Fly (Straight Out of Hell)

I put these two together because it's hard to split them, and since I think they are pretty much go together, I ranked them together.  I think this one has edged Listen to Flies just a bit.  I think the chorus is a bit stronger.  The 'til I die' line from Andi in the chorus is amazing.  Really enjoy the guitar melodies in the solo too.  Great key changes during the solos too and builds tension back into the chorus making it sound stronger again IMO.  A real underrated Helloween gem hidden away towards the end of the album.


17. The Departed (Sun is Going Down) (The Dark Ride)

Uli Kusch is an incredible drummer and just as good a songwriter.  This is again different for teh band with an almost industrial feel.  Such a simple single note riff an octave apart really drives the song.  Andi sounds great as usual but really suits this darker style and the tone and timbre in his voice here really feels comfortable for him.  I like the lyrics and with the lyrics and music gives great atmosphere and imagery.  I LOVE the very short solo, fuck that's awesome, probably my fav part.  I always thought it was Roland but it has more Weiki's tone I think.  How it repeats at the end of the song is just glorious.  Andi's vocals melodies at the end too are brilliant.  Another song that doesn't get much attention from the band but probably because it's an Uli song.


16. Hell Was Made in Heaven (Rabbit Don't Come Easy)

This is the bands go to song from this album and it's pretty clear why.  Although Markus' getting an album trackthat is the lead song performed by the band seems rare, especially when Markus seems to be the go to b-side man.  Anyway, that's irrelevant.  It's impossible to dislike this song right?  I like the contrast between the verse and prechous and then again exploding into the amazing chorus.  Helloween 101 in this chorus and as good as anything they've ever done.  The pre solo riff is generic as fuck but the extended solo section is most welcome, especially with all the wonderful harmonies in there which reminds me of old school Keeper style.  The lryics are lovely also.



Album number 5....

5. 7 Sinners

I enjoy the direction the band took on this one.  It does surprise me that Weiki inparticular made the point when the album was coming out how they went heavier and detuned their guitars etc. etc.  We all know Weiki fired Uli and Roland as he felt they were taking the band in a heavier direction and that decision always felt weird with this album and of course with other songs even on Rabbit and Gambling that were quite on the heavy side.  Nevertheless, I've always liked this one, but the thing that let's it down is the production.  It sounds muddy and weak.  The finished product would have been so much better with some clearer production.  Even if it had the production of Rabbit it would have sounded so much more powerful.  Song wise, there's not much to complain about here, the band are on point here. Again, it's number 5 as the other albums are better but with good production it probably would be higher.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on October 07, 2019, 04:44:26 AM
Those two songs from The Dark ride are my favorites on the album. Massively underrated tunes.  :metal

And yeah, who can forget 7 sinners?  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 07, 2019, 05:40:11 AM
Those two songs from The Dark ride are my favorites on the album. Massively underrated tunes.  :metal

And yeah, who can forget 7 sinners?  :hefdaddy

(https://media.giphy.com/media/xKy2w6LehxxHa/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on October 07, 2019, 08:16:08 AM
The new live album and video are amazing.  I hated having to miss the tour, so it's awesome to have the blu ray to watch.  Every band member was on fire, especially Kiske...that guy is unstoppable.  24 songs, plus a few bonus tracks.  Plenty of bonus content and interviews.  I'm just hooked on these guys right now. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on October 07, 2019, 02:13:03 PM
I Live For Your Pain is criminally underrated in my opinion, so it's good to see it getting some love here. ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 07, 2019, 06:38:31 PM
;

20. I Live For Your Pain (The Dark Ride)

19. Listen to the Flies (Rabbit Don't Come Easy)

18. Make Fire Catch the Fly (Straight Out of Hell)

17. The Departed (Sun is Going Down) (The Dark Ride)

16. Hell Was Made in Heaven (Rabbit Don't Come Easy)


Album number 5....

5. 7 Sinners


Some similarities..

I had:
7 Sinners at #6.

Hell Was Made In Heaven at #17
Listen To The Flies at #15
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 08, 2019, 05:03:01 AM
Nice Tim.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 11, 2019, 05:37:12 PM
So United Alive is still not available on Amazon. WTF!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on October 11, 2019, 05:39:42 PM
So United Alive is still not available on Amazon. WTF!!

You can get it directly from Nuclear Blast.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 11, 2019, 05:49:25 PM
Yeah I know. I'm going to give it a couple of weeks. If it's my only option I'll have to.

I try to buy from Amazon exclusively...(not too) long story.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: LudwigVan on October 12, 2019, 04:01:56 PM
I like Halloween. Their discography confuses me though. Pink Bubbles? Chameleon?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 12, 2019, 04:37:38 PM
I like Halloween. Their discography confuses me though. Pink Bubbles? Chameleon?

Consider those albums their rebellious teenage years and move on.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 12, 2019, 05:06:41 PM
I like Halloween. Their discography confuses me though. Pink Bubbles? Chameleon?

Lot of good stuff on Pink Bubbles.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on October 12, 2019, 05:25:15 PM
Chameleon is awesome! :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on October 12, 2019, 07:13:11 PM
I think The Chance and Giants are two of the best songs in the entire Helloween catalogue.

Like Tim mentioned, why the heck is united alive not available on Amazon?? That’s strange
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 13, 2019, 01:13:04 AM
Like Tim mentioned, why the heck is united alive not available on Amazon?? That’s strange

Must be a regional thing, amazon germany has the cd, the blue- ray and the dvd and a package containing everything.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 13, 2019, 05:01:17 AM
15. Back on the Ground (Better Than Raw (bonus track))

LOL @ this being a bonus track.  This track is amazing, plain and simlple.  I love the Rush Power Windows type intro, beautiful.  Nice simple rolling riff and the verses do their job.  Roland's solo after the first verse is super cool.  The reason as Tim mentioned this song being so good is that 2 minute breakdown section.  This is seriously one of the coolest things the band has done.  Just keeps going and Roland just doing some epic freestyle improvisation.  Honestly, would have love to see how the song went if the section kept going for another minute at least then just went into a slow fade out.  but wonderful song.


14. Open Your Life (Rabbit Don't Come Easy)

Another underrated strong tune coming from the Rabbit album.  I like the lyrics to this one.  The line, 'time seems an endless road when we are young, we don't need a genius to know that it's wrong,' is just wonderful.  The main riff is simple and catchy the verses rock.  The real kicker is the wonderful chous which is pure modern yet classic sounding Helloween.  The Stacaato riffing in between choruses and verse is cool too and the stop start sections of the solo are cool.  Great simple climax too from Sasha for the solo too.  Don't need anymore, one of the albums best.


13. If I Could Fly (The Dark Ride)

This was the song that got me into Helloween.  I remember hearing the name Helloween when I was first discovering Maiden and Sabbath etc. when I was like 13.  I believe I sampled Eagle Fly Free and thought it was okay, but cause I was just getting into metal, I didn't quite take to the happy sound so much.  Dunno where I saw this but took me by surprise as it was completely different to what I had heard with Eagle, mostly the voice.  At the time though this was more my thing and really enjoyed the radio single sound of it.  Got the album from there and The Dark Ride was my introdcution and then songs like Nations and Salvations made understand the other side of Helloween.  This is a simple song but it's great.  Typical Andi type song and great melodies.  Roland's solo again is killer.


12. Occasion Avenue (Keeper: Legacy)

I never understood the intro to be honest, but anywho.  This song is a perfect opener for the second cd of the album.  Nice and dark and heavy with a dense atmosphere.  Simple riff but I love how the band throws some single 3/4 bar in there too to keep the tension high.  The chorus is amazing and Andi slays it.  The fast section before the middle section is brilliant too.  The riffs before the solo has some interesting notes but haven't really studied that section yet.  Great tension before a straight minor solo from Sasha explodes.  The only thing is I wish the quiet section after that was either not there, or cut down considerably.  How long that is stops this song being top 5 honestly.  But the strength of everything else still makes it top 12.


Gonna stop there tonight because I can't decide which song misses the top 10.

Albums.


4. Keeper Legacy

The thought of a third keeper was interesting when it was announced, but they did a remarkable job.  Disc 1 is stronger than disc 2 but both have totally different feels too which makes them both just as important as one another.  A couple of big epics and some classic stuff in there too.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on October 19, 2019, 01:37:38 AM
Got the United Alive Blu-Ray yesterday and already watched it!

It was very good! :tup The Blu-Ray was spliced from three different shows at Wacken, Rio De Janeiro and Madrid. Jumping between the shows wasn't all that jarring, and they probably did it so they could get the best performances out of each. Only disappointment was that the Wacken songs heavily used footage from the 2018 Wacken livestream, and it was backed up by some of their own footage shot by their own camera man.

Other than that United Alive was a blast! :tup

There was a bonus interview on the second disc. it was like 30 minutes, but it was pretty sweet. There was stuff about how they acquired the footage of Ingo for the drum battle, and some thoughts about their fellow bandmates. There was also a small bit when Andi talked about Pink Cream 69, and he didn't mince words about it. It was pretty clear that he has a some kind of grudge with PC69 members still.

The interview also reaffirmed that they are clearly going to continue forward as a seven piece band. There was even a foreword from Andi in the box that basically ended with the words: "This lineup is meant to continue, this lineup is meant to last"!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 20, 2019, 03:57:00 AM
Got the United Alive Blu-Ray yesterday and already watched it!

It was very good! :tup The Blu-Ray was spliced from three different shows at Wacken, Rio De Janeiro and Madrid. Jumping between the shows wasn't all that jarring, and they probably did it so they could get the best performances out of each. Only disappointment was that the Wacken songs heavily used footage from the 2018 Wacken livestream, and it was backed up by some of their own footage shot by their own camera man.

Other than that United Alive was a blast! :tup

There was a bonus interview on the second disc. it was like 30 minutes, but it was pretty sweet. There was stuff about how they acquired the footage of Ingo for the drum battle, and some thoughts about their fellow bandmates. There was also a small bit when Andi talked about Pink Cream 69, and he didn't mince words about it. It was pretty clear that he has a some kind of grudge with PC69 members still.

The interview also reaffirmed that they are clearly going to continue forward as a seven piece band. There was even a foreword from Andi in the box that basically ended with the words: "This lineup is meant to continue, this lineup is meant to last"!

Nice mate.  If they continue, I wonder what that means for Gamma Ray and Kiske's other projets like Place Vendome and Avantasia.

Also didn't know that there was bad blood with Andi and PC69, but it's clear who got the last laugh whatever the situation.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 20, 2019, 04:04:38 AM
Album top 3;

3. Better than Raw

This is a blinder of an album and such a step up from Oath IMO.  Lots of heaviness but lots of trademark Helloween stuff.  It's tough that this album is only number 3.  If Back on the Ground and A Game We Shouldn't Play were included and Lavdate was the bonus track, this might even be the best Andi Helloween album.


1. The Dark Ride/Rabbit Don't Come Easy

Rabbit made my top 50 some years back.  For some reason The Dark Ride didn't make it and not even top 60 was it considered.  After listening and revisiting the albums, The Dark Ride is probably better now.  I can't split it as I remember I discovered the band with the Dark Ride and enjoyed the sound and the tunes.  When Rabbit came it, it was the PERFECT album to get me into the happier stuff even more and make me discover the Keeper albums.  As mentioned before, I didn't take to them straight away but the Dark Ride helped, but Rabbit was the perfect album.  I remember listening to a illegal downloaded copy before I could get my hands on the cd.  I always felt a bit funny back then listened to downloaded stuff as I loved the physical cd.  Fucking loved the pop up bunny in the packaging.

I always had this at number 1 and TDR at number 2, but now I can't splilt them.  I remembered listening to TDR how fucking amazing this album is.  Nostalgia keeps them tied for first spot but these days in a pinch if I had to choose one, I think I'd go for TDR now.  The number of songs in my top 25 also shows my liking for it which somehow slipped under the radar.  Such an amazing almost perfect album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 20, 2019, 04:25:18 AM
11. King for a Thousand Years (Keeper: Legacy)

Stormer of an opener this one.  Almost seems like a sequel to Halloween really with the main riff and the harmony section later in the song which is similar.  The verses are excellent and the chorus classic Helloween.  There is so much going on and the middle almost DT Metropolis type section sees the band hit more progressive territory.  I would have liked more solos throughout but it's not an issue.  The only thing that keeps this from top 10 is I never really overly enjoyed the darker "King for a Thousand Years" section, seemed a little jarring.  That's nitpicking and this is as epic as epic goes for the band.


10.  All Over Nations (The Dark Ride)

Probably another surprise here, but this is classic Helloween.  Being on the Dark Ride with the production inbetween Mr Torture and Escalation also helps.  The chorus here is HUGE and the lyrics are silly but lovely.  I love the 'let's give each other certainty' line, that's awesome.  The positive vibe of the chours is just ridiculous and it doesn't let throughout.  I really like Weiki's solo in this one, it's well constructed.  The key change for the last chorus is brilliant.  A shame as I don't know if this one was ever played live. 


9. You Stupid Mankind (7 Sinners)

I always really enjoyed this one.  Simple riffing here but effective.  Lyrics seem like it's about alien invasion or something but parts of the lyrics can be related to real life and actually are quite good.  The two parts that make this song rate so highly is firstly that pre chorus.  That could be close to the best most melodic and wonderful pre chorus the band has done, so good.  The chorus while not overly cathy is still melodic and effective.  The second thing that makes this so good is Sasha's solo but firstly let's appreciate Andi's almost growl like vocals on the 'they don't care' lines, so damn cool.  Sasha's solo is perfect.  Both parts are amazing and it's really such a well written and constructed solo, I usually have to rewind when listening to hear it over a few times again.  I want to learn this one but the way the band tuned on this one is a pain in the ass, but I should do it, he's doing some cool shit in there.


8. Time (Better Than Raw)

Here's is another one most wouldn't expect.  The atmosphere on this song gives me chills.  Everything about this is beautiful and sad at the same time and Andi's performance is brilliant.  The way the song just keeps gearing up is great songwriting and the chorus is catchy even though it's a somber song.  The double time at the end of the chorus is wonderful.  My favourite part is the 'woahs' in the second chorus, damn that's awesome.  Weiki's solo again is perfect for the tune.  Not over the top but reflects the mood amazingly well.  So different and unique.


7. Hey Lord! (Better Than Raw)

Here's one Tim will agree on.  This is an absolute cracker of a tune.  It's simple, catchy, great atmosphere and just breathes and sails along so nicely.  The band aren't doing anything exciting here musically wise except write a fucking great tune.  Catchy as fuck chorus and just everything about it is brilliant.  I give props again to Michael for his solo.  This guy is no virtuoso, but again such a simple melodic solo that is PERFECT for the song.  so good.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 20, 2019, 06:21:03 AM
15. Back on the Ground (Better Than Raw (bonus track))

14. Open Your Life (Rabbit Don't Come Easy)

13. If I Could Fly (The Dark Ride)

12. Occasion Avenue (Keeper: Legacy)

11. King for a Thousand Years (Keeper: Legacy)

10.  All Over Nations (The Dark Ride)

9. You Stupid Mankind (7 Sinners)

8. Time (Better Than Raw)

7. Hey Lord! (Better Than Raw)


Albums.


4. Keeper Legacy

3. Better than Raw

1. The Dark Ride/Rabbit Don't Come Easy




I love seeing Hey Lord up that high. It's really catchy and that chorus is so addictive. I rated the two epics from Legacy much higher, but that's cool. At least you got them.

Time is actually a great song, with as you say, a really cool vibe.

I think we have 3 of the same 4 Top 4 albums.
Better Than Raw is amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on October 20, 2019, 06:24:09 AM
Solid update, curious what the number one will be.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 20, 2019, 01:45:16 PM
And finally, I bought United Alive. Amazon has it. Of course I gotta wait a week for the actual thing, but Autorip :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on October 21, 2019, 01:04:02 PM
Better Than Raw was the first Helloween album I bought and would be my top Andi album. For me, Hey Lord is the standout track on the album but there is lots of great stuff on it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 21, 2019, 01:20:59 PM
And finally, I bought United Alive. Amazon has it. Of course I gotta wait a week for the actual thing, but Autorip :metal

I had the Blu-Rays and got my orange vinyl, but it didn't have a download code. So I ordered the CDs yesterday too. Thank God for autorip.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on October 21, 2019, 07:31:35 PM
I've been listening to pretty much nothing but Helloween for the last two weeks because of this live release.  If I'm not watching the blu ray, I've got one of their studio albums on.  After two weeks straight, I'm finally starting to crack and listen to some other stuff.   :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 22, 2019, 08:09:17 AM
I've been listening to pretty much nothing but Helloween for the last two weeks because of this live release.  If I'm not watching the blu ray, I've got one of their studio albums on.  After two weeks straight, I'm finally starting to crack and listen to some other stuff.   :lol

 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on November 03, 2019, 03:10:44 AM
Not that anyone really gives are shit but here's the rest of my top 25 Andi list;

6. See the Night (Gambling With the Devil (bonus track))

This is so fucking underrated.  IMO the bands best bonus track.  This is classic Helloween and I can't believe this didn't make the album.  The chorus is AMAZING and the main reason for being so high.  Just one of the bands best choruses.


5. Kill It (Gambling with the Devil)

I'm just a sucker for this style, especially when done by Helloween.  The speed, the agression, the lyrics which are so relevant in today's society and the longish solo section from Sascha is excellent.  Love the groovy chorus, brilliant.


4. Handful of Pain (Better Than Raw)

Another underrated gem, and an absolute highlight from BTR.  This just has a really brooding strong atmosphere that grips you right from the get go.  Wonderful chorus, so overlooked.


3.  We Damn the Night (The Dark Ride)

This jumped in my rankings just when I went back and listened to all the albums.  This jumped out more than it had in the past and I had to keep going back to it. What a wonderful chrous.  Sounds like Roland singing it too.  Classic style but mixed perfectly with the darker sound.


2.  The Dark Ride (The Dark Ride)

The Roland ride is in full swing here with a wonderful long epic to close off the Dark Ride and Roland's time with the band.  Love everything about this song.  The riffing in the verses is excellent and the speed of the chorus is lovely.  The extended solo section is very creative and well put together too.  The ending is especially special in it's structure the way it closes out, very classy.


1. Push (Better Than Raw)

I know Tim is probably punching his computer screen but I wasn't sure if this or the Dark Ride gets teh top spot, but I fucking love everything about this song.  This one is Uli's show really.  The lryics, the heaviness, Andi's brutal vocals, the middle Megadeth style riffing and the excellent instrumental section.  Love the melodies going on in the solos here, very well thought out.  The lryics are more relevant today than they were 20 years ago and very relatable.  Just a ripper of a song and a great opener.  Again, underrated IMO.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on November 03, 2019, 03:40:55 AM

4. Handful of Pain (Better Than Raw)

Another underrated gem, and an absolute highlight from BTR.  This just has a really brooding strong atmosphere that grips you right from the get go.  Wonderful chorus, so overlooked.


And I managed to hear it live  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on November 03, 2019, 03:46:33 AM

4. Handful of Pain (Better Than Raw)

Another underrated gem, and an absolute highlight from BTR.  This just has a really brooding strong atmosphere that grips you right from the get go.  Wonderful chorus, so overlooked.


And I managed to hear it live  :metal

I assume this wasn't played live all that often?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on November 03, 2019, 05:07:50 AM
To the best of my knowledge it wasn't considered for the tour of Better than Raw (its own album) and was introduced only in the Seven Sinners tour.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on November 03, 2019, 05:15:16 AM
To the best of my knowledge it wasn't considered for the tour of Better than Raw (its own album) and was introduced only in the Seven Sinners tour.

Huh nice. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on November 03, 2019, 05:20:26 AM
Handful of pain is extremely underrated and one of my favorites of the Deris era. Also, Push is a brutal one.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on November 03, 2019, 05:20:31 AM
Man, I really need to listen to the Deris era albums again. Out of these six, I only remember how Push and The Dark Ride go.

Honestly if there's interest I may go next with the Top 25 thing or something similar.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on November 03, 2019, 05:52:03 AM
Honestly if there's interest I may go next with the Top 25 thing or something similar.



I'd follow for sure.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on November 03, 2019, 01:21:51 PM
Man, I really need to listen to the Deris era albums again. Out of these six, I only remember how Push and The Dark Ride go.

Honestly if there's interest I may go next with the Top 25 thing or something similar.

Go for it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on November 26, 2019, 08:25:16 PM
News from the studio (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHfR1q1vN_I)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on November 27, 2019, 12:40:23 AM
Andi trying to give a studio update, but everyone else is just goofing around. :biggrin:

But they seem to be having fun, and the album is probably coming along nicely!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on December 05, 2019, 02:17:53 AM
It is, it's scheduled for release in August / September 2020 and then an european world tour will follow, dates announced today!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on December 05, 2019, 06:49:34 AM
I missed the first Pumpkins United tour, but i have to get ticks to the Helsinki date this time!

With all new material, and probably an entirely new setlist will make that show a must see! :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on December 05, 2019, 07:46:02 AM
It is, it's scheduled for release in August / September 2020 and then an european world tour will follow, dates announced today!  :metal

Hopefully that means U.S. dates in 2021. I also missed Pumpkins United, which has me still very bitter.  :censored
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on December 05, 2019, 08:38:02 AM
With all new material, and probably an entirely new setlist will make that show a must see! :tup

I think the new setlist will have 3-4 new songs, some legit good songs that weren't played last time around (at least a "rarity" for each singer... say, Twilight of the Gods and Where the Rain Grows, and I need to hear Kai Hansen sing Victim of Fate, maybe with Andi Deris joining for the almost-spoken part) and the usual suspects.

I wonder if they'll still rely on playing both Halloween and Keeper of the Seven Keys in full, I wouldn't mind that especially if they'll keep the extra long format.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on December 05, 2019, 09:07:26 AM
With all new material, and probably an entirely new setlist will make that show a must see! :tup

I think the new setlist will have 3-4 new songs, some legit good songs that weren't played last time around (at least a "rarity" for each singer... say, Twilight of the Gods and Where the Rain Grows, and I need to hear Kai Hansen sing Victim of Fate, maybe with Andi Deris joining for the almost-spoken part) and the usual suspects.

I wonder if they'll still rely on playing both Halloween and Keeper of the Seven Keys in full, I wouldn't mind that especially if they'll keep the extra long format.

Have you seen Kai Hansen's live show from Wacken?  He had Frank Beck sing Victim of Fate, and it is absolutely ripping.

One of the interviews with the band on the blu ray noted that they could do another tour with 70% different material.  If they hold true to that, then they may drastically change up the setlist and keep 5-7 songs the same. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on December 05, 2019, 11:13:09 AM
I’ll take King Of 1000 Years, please.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on December 05, 2019, 11:45:49 AM
I’ll take King Of 1000 Years, please.

That was the biggest omission from the previous tour! it's also a nice bathroom break for Kiske.

And yes Grappler, I've seen that live version of Victim of Fate and it kicks ass!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on December 29, 2019, 08:08:23 PM
Update from Kai.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRH1J7aH0kU



Love the chemistry in this band. There's a shot here of Kai and Andi. Wonderful.


Seems Charlie  is engineering and Dennis Ward is producing?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on January 06, 2020, 10:45:40 PM
I ordered the Better Than Raw re-issue, finally got around to listening today and was very impressed.
Not that familiar with the album, but it had everything I love about Helloween.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on January 07, 2020, 12:01:26 AM
I ordered the Better Than Raw re-issue, finally got around to listening today and was very impressed.
Not that familiar with the album, but it had everything I love about Helloween.

Yep, cracker of an album.  The two bonus tracks tips the album into top tier territory and all the other extra material too is very cool.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on February 26, 2020, 08:13:33 PM
European tour this fall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0E4r8v1K70

Apparently Dirkshneider is opening.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on March 09, 2020, 08:01:50 PM
Ingo's family has started a YouTube channel in his memory for the 25th anniversary of his death.


Here is a drum cam video of Eagle Fly Free.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbf7sxR1D8w



HOLY SHIT!! :omg:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on March 10, 2020, 07:26:12 AM
European tour this fall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0E4r8v1K70

Apparently Dirkshneider is opening.

Bring that stateside!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 03, 2020, 06:01:02 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuUS_u21keA


I don't know what Andi was singing in the beginning of this video but it was sure as hell  :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 03, 2020, 06:58:56 PM
I hope expectations for this aren't so high that no matter what they do, it will feel underwhelming.  I can't help but think that may be the case though.

Dunno if it's been mentioned by the band, but I hope Kai does a bit lead vocals also.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 03, 2020, 07:03:37 PM
I hope expectations for this aren't so high that no matter what they do, it will feel underwhelming. 

Did you hear Andi at the beginning of this video? I am not the least bit worried about being underwhelmed. I also hope Kai has some lead vocals. I'd be surprised if he didn't honestly.

I thought Pumpkins United was a great song, so you could give me 10 of those and I'd be be quite happy.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 03, 2020, 07:06:12 PM
I hope expectations for this aren't so high that no matter what they do, it will feel underwhelming. 

Did you hear Andi at the beginning of this video? I am not the least bit worried about being underwhelmed. I also hope Kai has some lead vocals. I'd be surprised if he didn't honestly.

I thought Pumpkins United was a great song, so you could give me 10 of those and I'd be be quite happy.

Oh yeah it sounds excellent.  Just the hype is real and have to go in with a somewhat open mind.  With my love for the Andi era it shouldn't be a problem.

If they can replicate the quality of Pumpkins United, then we are in for a cracker.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on April 05, 2020, 02:47:52 AM
Pumpkins United song was great teaser for the future, and proof that this lineup could exist beyond the "Pumpkins united tour".

This could be my most anticipated album release of this year. This is a wet dream lineup of Helloween, that nobody thought could be possible just a few years ago. There are a bunch of great songwriters in the band. The return of Kai has surely energized them in the songwriting front, which was showing signs of fatigue in the last two albums. There is also a lot they could do with the Hansen/Gerstner/Weikath triple guitars in terms of songwriting.

Then there is the elephant in the room of the double lead vocals of Kiske and Deris. It's hard to think of another band that has this kind of horsepower in front of the mic. If they just use what they have wisely, and craft some amazing tunes we are in for a treat for sure. I hope that this could sound like a "Mini Avantasia" with Kiske and Deris, with the occasional vocals by Hansen and maybe even Sascha!

In any case, the hype is real! :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on April 05, 2020, 03:04:01 AM
Pumpkins United song was great teaser for the future, and proof that this lineup could exist beyond the "Pumpkins united tour".

This could be my most anticipated album release of this year. This is a wet dream lineup of Helloween, that nobody thought could be possible just a few years ago. There are a bunch of great songwriters in the band. The return of Kai has surely energized them in the songwriting front, which was showing signs of fatigue in the last two albums. There is also a lot they could do with the Hansen/Gerstner/Weikath triple guitars in terms of songwriting.

Then there is the elephant in the room of the double lead vocals of Kiske and Deris. It's hard to think of another band that has this kind of horsepower in front of the mic. If they just use what they have wisely, and craft some amazing tunes we are in for a treat for sure. I hope that this could sound like a "Mini Avantasia" with Kiske and Deris, with the occasional vocals by Hansen and maybe even Sascha!

In any case, the hype is real! :metal

I agree with everything about this!

Also, weird idea, but this video is once again proof of how Andi Deris is the only singer whose speaking voice I cannot reconcile with the singing voice. It feels like two totally different persons. Hell, even when he's actually speaking on stage, introducing the songs, he sounds different than when he normally speaks in interviews. Maybe he modules his voice when speaking on stage as well, to make it smoother as possible without straining while he's talking, dunno.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2020, 08:58:51 PM
Maybe I'm late to the party, but I've never heard this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB-u2sEmBBs
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 05, 2020, 09:02:13 PM
Andi has the biggest fucking nads in metal.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 05, 2020, 09:47:33 PM
Andi has the biggest fucking nads in metal.

I haven't been fortunate enough to see them.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on April 15, 2020, 02:12:12 PM
Waiting fot this as hell. I was not satisfied (lightly speaking...) with My God Given Right, so I'm hoping for some classic Helloween stuff, and of course hope to hear three voices in there ;) :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 15, 2020, 07:06:55 PM
Waiting fot this as hell. I was not satisfied (lightly speaking...) with My God Given Right, so I'm hoping for some classic Helloween stuff, and of course hope to hear three voices in there ;) :metal

I think a survivor is in order afterthe albums release.  :yarr
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on April 15, 2020, 07:12:10 PM
Waiting fot this as hell. I was not satisfied (lightly speaking...) with My God Given Right, so I'm hoping for some classic Helloween stuff, and of course hope to hear three voices in there ;) :metal

I think a survivor is in order afterthe albums release.  :yarr

Cody is the master of the survivors!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Silent Cody on April 16, 2020, 05:12:15 AM
Waiting fot this as hell. I was not satisfied (lightly speaking...) with My God Given Right, so I'm hoping for some classic Helloween stuff, and of course hope to hear three voices in there ;) :metal

I think a survivor is in order afterthe albums release.  :yarr

Cody is the master of the survivors!

We'll thunk about that when the album will be released ;) I'm pretty sure that it will happen, I had to take a break after doing Deep Purple survivor which was very very long and very very strange :P
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MoraWintersoul on April 17, 2020, 10:11:23 AM
Andi has the biggest fucking nads in metal.
Idk what the context of this is but I agree.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on April 19, 2020, 07:40:09 AM
The production on the last few has been very hit and miss. If only it was just Ward producing the new one. I wish they'd stay away from the overly produced and overly heavy sound of the last record. If Maiden can have a production sound similar to their old stuff these days, maybe Helloween can come up with a sound similar to the production of the keeper albums; something not so super crunchy and crisp. (Although i like be love the recent era, not so much MGGR )
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 19, 2020, 07:43:32 AM
Andi has the biggest fucking nads in metal.
Idk what the context of this is but I agree.

I just mean he's fearless vocally. I had just posted a cover of Catch The Rainbow.


He has never shied away from the Kiske material, and stood toe to toe with the man on stage. I have huge respect for him.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 19, 2020, 07:59:54 PM
Great to see you come around on Andi Tim.  Guy is a legend.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 19, 2020, 08:02:30 PM
Even though I literally owned every album, I never really clicked with them. But I tell you, after the Pumpkins United shows, and especially seeing him live and how fucking cool of a guy he comes off as, I can't help but root for him. Then of course my deep dive last year, I had a totally different mindset going in.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 19, 2020, 11:19:46 PM
Even though I literally owned every album, I never really clicked with them. But I tell you, after the Pumpkins United shows, and especially seeing him live and how fucking cool of a guy he comes off as, I can't help but root for him. Then of course my deep dive last year, I had a totally different mindset going in.

I really liked his last solo album.  The Banker one, that had some great heavy tunes and lots of great melodies and choruses throughout.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 20, 2020, 05:54:00 AM
I'll check it!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: SleeperAwake on April 20, 2020, 07:18:22 PM
Andi has the biggest fucking nads in metal.
He has to make up for Weiki only having one.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 22, 2020, 11:19:09 PM
Andi has the biggest fucking nads in metal.
He has to make up for Weiki only having one.

Wow, that's a good one.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on April 23, 2020, 05:43:51 AM
Is that some sort of reference I'm not getting?  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 23, 2020, 02:46:43 PM
Is that some sort of reference I'm not getting?  :lol

I believe it's an attack on his character.  Most notably firing Roland and Uli by email, plus other things. That's my take on it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on April 23, 2020, 03:39:58 PM
Speaking of Uli, am I the only one who enjoyed his extremely short-lived and super-not-popular-at-all project Ride the Sky? Their debut (only record) New Protection released in '07. Not even remotely like Helloween but has several songs I love to this day on it, and his drums sound great.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 23, 2020, 05:00:03 PM
Speaking of Uli, am I the only one who enjoyed his extremely short-lived and super-not-popular-at-all project Ride the Sky? Their debut (only record) New Protection released in '07. Not even remotely like Helloween but has several songs I love to this day on it, and his drums sound great.

Never heard of it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: bl5150 on April 23, 2020, 05:58:07 PM
Is that some sort of reference I'm not getting?  :lol

I believe it's an attack on his character.  Most notably firing Roland and Uli by email, plus other things. That's my take on it.

Nah.........Weiki did actually lose a "ball" at some point - can't remember the gory details but I do recall reading it somewhere. 

You just made it worse by saying "that's a good ONE"   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 23, 2020, 05:59:58 PM
Is that some sort of reference I'm not getting?  :lol

I believe it's an attack on his character.  Most notably firing Roland and Uli by email, plus other things. That's my take on it.

Nah.........Weiki did actually lose a "ball" at some point - can't remember the gory details but I do recall reading it somewhere. 

You just made it worse by saying "that's a good ONE"   :biggrin:

Oh really?!  :lol  I was way off then.  Was reading way more into the comment haha.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 23, 2020, 06:06:41 PM
Speaking of Uli, am I the only one who enjoyed his extremely short-lived and super-not-popular-at-all project Ride the Sky? Their debut (only record) New Protection released in '07. Not even remotely like Helloween but has several songs I love to this day on it, and his drums sound great.

Yeah, it's not a bad listen.  The title track is amazing though and head and shoulders the best song on the album. Have used that song a couple of times in roulettes.  I love that tune.

The reason for the band only having one album and being shortlived was pretty up front too;

On April 22, 2008 the band stated in their blog on MySpace that they have officially broken up,[4] saying "There was not much media focus and together with a minor support from the record company, we came to the point where it was just not worth the work to even try to complete a second album."
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: SleeperAwake on April 25, 2020, 02:36:41 AM
Yes, I was watching an interview with Weiki and he casually mentioned - mid-sentence, while talking about something else - that he'd lost a testicle at one point. I was somewhat baffled / slighty impressed that the interviewer didn't have any follow up questions regarding that piece of information.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 25, 2020, 04:29:55 AM
Yes, I was watching an interview with Weiki and he casually mentioned - mid-sentence, while talking about something else - that he'd lost a testicle at one point. I was somewhat baffled / slighty impressed that the interviewer didn't have any follow up questions regarding that piece of information.

Good on him for putting the info out there for no reason at all lol.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on April 25, 2020, 04:46:15 AM
I'm going to assume it was some weird joke, because I'd rather not google "michael weikath testicke" to check.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mister Gold on April 25, 2020, 09:54:06 AM
Been on a Helloween binge lately. Wall of Jericho in particular has been getting some spins, after I finally took the time to properly process and recognize that modern editions of the album are literally just the debut EP plus the album itself, rather than vice-versa or whatever. :lol

Gotta say, Kai Hansen sounds like a beast on Jericho. That album sounds like a hybrid between Ride the Lightning era Metallica and 80's era Judas Priest in the best way possible. :metal

And man, it's been a trip to revisit Gambling with the Devil again after all these years. Holds up super well IMO.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on April 25, 2020, 09:55:03 AM
And man, it's been a trip to revisit Gambling with the Devil again after all these years. Holds up super well IMO.

Criminally underrated and under represented live. My favorite album with Sasha.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mister Gold on April 25, 2020, 10:02:58 AM
And man, it's been a trip to revisit Gambling with the Devil again after all these years. Holds up super well IMO.

Criminally underrated and under represented live. My favorite album with Sasha.

Yeah, I'd probably agree with you on that. And it's nuts that a lot of this stuff doesn't get play live nowadays.

At the very least, it brought a grin to my face recently when one of the lead actors of TeamFourStar's new online mockumentary series (Unabridged) wore a Gambling with the Devil tour t-shirt all throughout the pilot episode (https://youtu.be/b0RMKbx_MeI?t=133) earlier this year. :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on June 02, 2020, 01:40:41 AM
New album and tour pushed back to 2021! :(

Not surprising, but I was looking forward to hearing some new Helloween music this year.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 02, 2020, 05:18:17 AM
New album and tour pushed back to 2021! :(

Not surprising, but I was looking forward to hearing some new Helloween music this year.

What a kick in the balls.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 02, 2020, 09:52:45 AM
Sucks. After my opportunity to see them live in LA fizzled out (one of my biggest musical regrets), I've been crossing my fingers they'd be back and I'd finally get to see them. It won't be the same (I am assuming they'll reduce the songs played from Keeper 1 and Keeper 2, which is what I really want to see), but I was still really excited. Here's hoping for 2021 or 2022 in the U.S.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Walrus on June 02, 2020, 10:06:29 AM
Jeeze Louise how long is this album going to stay in the oven, you'd think it would've been done and released already
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on June 04, 2020, 01:25:48 AM
Jeeze Louise how long is this album going to stay in the oven, you'd think it would've been done and released already

The album is done and being mixed right now, if I understood correctly.

I guess they wanted to move the album release forward, to have it release roughly at the same time as the tour starts.

Bummer all the same. :(
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 04, 2020, 02:22:50 AM
Indeed, there was no official announcement about it but I assume that an album being finished now was meant for release in late August, with the tour starting in September. They moved the tour, so they moved the album as well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on September 10, 2020, 12:59:10 PM
Bump!

Music video for a new single is apparently done, so we should expect some new Helloween music pretty soon.

Fingers crossed! :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on September 10, 2020, 01:07:31 PM
Whoa  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 10, 2020, 01:35:37 PM
Bump!

Music video for a new single is apparently done, and we should expect some new Helloween music pretty soon.

Fingers crossed! :metal

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 10, 2020, 04:21:57 PM
 :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 10, 2020, 05:26:43 PM
In the release it says that for the album, Dani used Ingo's Keepers Era drum kit.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on September 10, 2020, 05:41:42 PM
In the release it says that for the album, Dani used Ingo's Keepers Era drum kit.

My favorites for Helloween are both of the original Keeper albums easily and Master of the Rings from the Deris era.  Honorable mention for "The Chance" and "Giants" from Pink and Chameleon, but I have very much huge interest in hearing what Kiske and Deris can make together  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 10, 2020, 05:44:15 PM
Their vibe with each other is so great. I expect that to translate, as it did with Pumpkins United. Hopefully Kai has some lead vocals too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on September 11, 2020, 01:22:25 AM
And to think that in a pandemic free world, the album would be out and I'd see them in concert in a matter of days........
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 11, 2020, 06:06:59 AM
Interested to hear the new remaster of 7 Sinners.  Love the album but the production really really hurts it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on September 11, 2020, 07:43:30 AM
I thought the remastered version wasn't a huge improvement. But still, the album kicks some serious ass.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on October 11, 2020, 08:07:51 AM
I don’t really wanna see much, or any, vocals from Kai on the new album. I’ve never been a fan of his voice. Now Kai the songwriter is a totally different story.
What will be interesting to see is how the songwriting will play out for the next album. Will they write individually for the most part like they mostly do, or write together as a band like they did on Legacy? We’ll see. Personally I’d like to see more songs from Weiki.  Every song he writes lately are the best from their respective albums, but there is usually only two of them or maybe three. Same can be said about Marcus. We need classic Helloween style songs, and as great a writer Andi may be, he often tries too hard to sound modern and fit in with what’s popular. I think we all just want a new classic Helloween album that sounds like classic Helloween. We need songs like the Saints and Creatures In Heaven. Imagine Kiske singing Salvation. I got a good feeling about this reunion album.
What do you think the chances are of the new album being titled Keeper 4 or something like it?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on October 11, 2020, 08:38:00 AM
The reunion tour and the song Pumpkins United went beyond my wildest expectations. I have faith in them to come up with the best possible album without being a parody of their glory days and no, I don't think it will be called Keeper 4, that's the most predictable and boring route they could take and to make a Keeper 4 they'd have to acknowledge there is a Keeper 3, which is something most of the people tend to forget.

Anyway, just like Gamma Ray's Land of the Free II, the worst thing about the Legacy album is the unnecessary Keeper tag, the album itself is fine, in line with the other albums of the Sasha era, and there's at least one gigantic and terrific song on it. But stop milking the Keeper name please...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on October 11, 2020, 09:44:41 AM
We need classic Helloween style songs, and as great a writer Andi may be, he often tries too hard to sound modern and fit in with what’s popular. I think we all just want a new classic Helloween album that sounds like classic Helloween. We need songs like the Saints and Creatures In Heaven.

I'm sorry but I absolutely don't need songs like Creatures in Heaven. That one blew chunks.

I hope for some joint songwriting. I didn't like the last album but it had good tracks from everyone involved (Deris with The Swing of a Fallen World; Weikath with Claws; uh, that's it, so maybe not everyone), but now with Kiske and Kai on board, I hope they can go beyond that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on December 07, 2020, 10:47:05 AM
Halloween will return with a 12 MINUTES single, Skyfall, written by Kai Hansen!!!  :metal

Release date: 5th of April 2021  :(

Beats me why they announce a single THIS early (heck, it would be early for the entire album announcement) but hey, at least we have something to look forward to I guess?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on December 07, 2020, 11:15:45 AM
Halloween will return with a 12 MINUTES single, Skyfall, written by Kai Hansen!!!  :metal

Release date: 5th of April 2021  :(

Beats me why they announce a single THIS early (heck, it would be early for the entire album announcement) but hey, at least we have something to look forward to I guess?

Because they are selling the single in a physical format in different versions. Multiple bites of the apple (pumpkin).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on December 07, 2020, 01:01:17 PM
5th April.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on December 07, 2020, 01:29:53 PM
Announcing the single 4 months before release? :lol

It's great to have something to look forward to, but that is a long time! Press release said that the album is expected to be out by summer. How much do you want to bet that the Russian/European tour will be pushed back again (which wouldn't be all that surprising). It is supposed to start in April, but why would they go to tour if the album is not even out? Still very excited to hear the album though!

Again, it wouldn't be surprising that the tour would be delayed again because Covid...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on December 08, 2020, 01:47:05 AM
I've never seen anyone announcing a single four months in advance.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on December 08, 2020, 04:15:15 AM
I mean, an album 4 months is fine but a single is still making me laugh. I hope it lives up to the hype.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on December 08, 2020, 05:56:25 AM
Have they even recorded it yet? ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on December 08, 2020, 06:43:58 AM
I believe they did, and I remember reading news about a video being filmed. I wouldn't be surprised if more than a band in these months would record a complete album, and then sit on it until a clear plan for release and safe touring is available.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on December 08, 2020, 08:22:30 PM
Wouldn't it be funny if the album releases on the same day as the single  :justjen
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on December 19, 2020, 03:25:36 AM
I'm watching the Hell on Wheels set from 87 right now.  This band was a raw, powerful force back then.  Wow!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on February 21, 2021, 07:44:57 PM
I'm watching the Hell on Wheels set from 87 right now.  This band was a raw, powerful force back then.  Wow!  :metal

Saw that tour! :metal :metal



Oh, and there's this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UsUMTcesJs
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on February 22, 2021, 08:43:29 AM
Just release the damn single already! :mehlin
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on March 02, 2021, 10:30:25 AM
https://youtu.be/O_ZbYRkYPLs

50 second teaser for the new single!

God damn I need this now! Sounds amazing! :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ariich on March 02, 2021, 10:43:40 AM
A teaser a month in advance of a single being released is pretty over the top, but fair enough it's a 12 minute song. :lol

Didn't sound anything particularly special, but it's only a short snippet, and there's something about having Hansen and Kiske back that just makes me feel like they're having a lot of fun with it all. And that in itself interests me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on March 02, 2021, 10:47:10 AM
Didn't sound anything particularly special,


Oh it's special alright. ;D

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on March 02, 2021, 10:52:17 AM
Now these guys know how to market...

I didn't know it's a 12 minute song...If it's anything like Keeper Of The Seven Keys then, I'm all in.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 02, 2021, 12:22:11 PM
https://youtu.be/O_ZbYRkYPLs

50 second teaser for the new single!

God damn I need this now! Sounds amazing! :metal

The video looks like it's gonna be one of the cheesiest, coolest and over the top videos ever made  :lol I'm quite confident about it, the snippet seems to wind down on the bridge right before exploding into what I assume is gonna be a kickass bombastic chorus!  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 02, 2021, 01:08:46 PM
https://youtu.be/O_ZbYRkYPLs

50 second teaser for the new single!

God damn I need this now! Sounds amazing! :metal

This does sound quite impressive.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on March 11, 2021, 11:33:06 AM
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/helloween-announce-self-titled-new-studio-album-for-june-18th/

HELLOWEEN Announce Self-Titled New Studio Album For June 18th

“Helloween” will be released on June 18th, the album pre-order will kick off on March 26th.

“Helloween” Tracklisting:

Out For The Glory
Fear Of The Fallen
Best Time
Mass Pollution
Angels
Rise Without Chains
Indestructible
Robot King
Cyanide
Down In The Dumps
Orbit
Skyfall
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 11, 2021, 11:39:30 AM
I was hoping for an actual title, but if there's an album that deserve the self titled gimmick, it's this one!

Now we know that Skyfall is the closing epic of the album... I wonder if there will be other long tracks on the record!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on March 11, 2021, 12:15:10 PM
I just hope that Charlie Bauerfeind hasn't fucked up the mix and mastering as he did with the last Blind Guardian.
Which had great songs, terrible mix, with drums almost totally compressed and almost inaudible.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on March 11, 2021, 04:23:01 PM
Helloween now has a self-titled EP, a self-titled song, AND a self titled album. :justjen
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 11, 2021, 05:52:27 PM
Helloween now has a self-titled EP, a self-titled song, AND a self titled album. :justjen

They actually don't.  The song is called Halloween.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on March 11, 2021, 06:13:22 PM
Helloween now has a self-titled EP, a self-titled song, AND a self titled album. :justjen

They actually don't.  The song is called Halloween.

If I recall correctly, the liner notes for Keeper 1 contain a statement chastising folks for referring to the band as "Halloween" or the song as "Helloween."
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on March 11, 2021, 07:07:07 PM
Helloween now has a self-titled EP, a self-titled song, AND a self titled album. :justjen

They actually don't.  The song is called Halloween.

(https://i.imgur.com/3vfSOV4.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on March 11, 2021, 07:15:55 PM
I am stoked for this album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 11, 2021, 07:24:58 PM
Helloween now has a self-titled EP, a self-titled song, AND a self titled album. :justjen

They actually don't.  The song is called Halloween.

If I recall correctly, the liner notes for Keeper 1 contain a statement chastising folks for referring to the band as "Halloween" or the song as "Helloween."

Indeed it does.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 12, 2021, 08:49:37 AM
Album cover!!!

(https://metalitalia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/helloween-helloween-2021-700x700.jpg)

Now don't tell me that a nice title wouldn't have been nice at the bottom.

Anyway, we obviously got the Keeper and the angel blowing the trumpets of Jericho, what's up with the zombie? the clock at the moment doesn't seem familiar, did it appear on some other cover?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ariich on March 12, 2021, 09:40:19 AM
The hooded figure is from Time of the Oath.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 12, 2021, 09:42:08 AM
Because also that cover featured the Keeper character as first appeared on the namesake albums:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1uv5Q-JbpL._AC_SY355_.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ariich on March 12, 2021, 09:43:21 AM
Oh yeah, forgot about that. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on March 12, 2021, 10:18:43 AM
New album cover:   :metal :metal :metal


(https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/159825434_287873222702250_1913179884649014860_o.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=AVcUyNEYY48AX-thGJx&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=7d30471f68533e9aad4c873e649d5b60&oe=60732915)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on March 12, 2021, 10:33:03 AM
That might be their best cover.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 12, 2021, 12:39:38 PM
That cover is incredible.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on March 12, 2021, 01:39:45 PM
That album cover is badass!! :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on March 12, 2021, 02:52:04 PM
WOW, they are not kidding with anything related to this album! I even don't remember the last time I saw an artwork so impressive by any band that I really like. Very artsy and made for a LP size, really cool!!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on March 12, 2021, 04:01:50 PM
(http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/So-Excited-Im-Gonna-Cry-Reaction-Gif.gif)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on March 13, 2021, 02:27:53 AM
I am absolutely in love with that album cover.  :heart

I wonder which one of the two is official, though. The second one has the logo running across the guys face, which is odd. Hopefully that one is on the limited editions that I will not get.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on March 13, 2021, 08:15:11 AM
That’s the Helloween album cover I’ve been wanting to see for a long time. I’m disappointed it’s a self-titled, as I’ve never been a fan of bands doing one this late in their careers.

Mass Pollution and Down in The Dumps sound like Sasha songs. Angels and Rose Without Chains sound like Weiki songs. I’m not gonna guess any more because there’s just too many song writers on this album. Although I could see Marcus’s songs being relegated to bonus tracks once again even though he’s proven to be one of heir best writers as of late.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on March 13, 2021, 09:49:35 AM
The real mystery would be is Orbit just an intro track to Skyfall or not.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on March 13, 2021, 03:29:07 PM
I've seen comments that Robot King looks like a Weikath track the most. I agree.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on March 14, 2021, 03:09:10 AM
Wikipedia article about the new album, seems to have been updated with track lengths and writers. Not sure how credible it is at this point, but lets play devils advocate..

It seems Skyfall is the only "epic" of the album clocking in at 12.11 including the one minute intro "Orbit". "Out for the Glory" and "Robot King" are both over 7 minutes long though.

Interesting that Skyfall and Orbit seem to be Hansen's only writing credits on this album. Sascha has one, and Best Time has a writing credit for both him and Andi. Marcus has one. Weiki has 3, and Andi has 5 including "Best Time." Kiske and Dani have none unsurprisingly.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 14, 2021, 04:21:24 AM
From wiki;

1.   "Out for the Glory"   Michael Weikath               7:19
2.   "Fear of the Fallen"   Andi Deris                       5:39
3.   "Best Time"             Sascha Gerstner/Deris      3:36
4.   "Mass Pollution"        Deris                              4:15
5.   "Angels"                   Gerstner                         4:42
6.   "Rise Without Chains"Deris                              4:56
7.   "Indestructible"         Markus Grosskopf           4:43
8.   "Robot King"             Weikath                          7:08
9.   "Cyanide"                  Deris                             3:29
10.   "Down in the Dumps"Weikath                        6:01
11.   "Orbit"                     Kai Hansen                    1:05
12.   "Skyfall"                   Hansen                         12:11
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 14, 2021, 04:49:22 AM
If that's true, Kai Hansen must have blown all his creative load on the epic track, I would assume he, Weikath and Deris would have been the major songwriters of the album. This is basically a Deris era album with an epic written by Kai Hansen and three vocalists.

Anyway, the goodwill they currently have with me is tremendous; they reunited and the show was absolutely glorious and amazing, going beyond my wildest expectations. They did a new track, Pumpkins United, which was amazing as well, blending perfectly the three voices and giving us the power, the speed, the anthemic vibe and that little bit of cheese that we all love from Helloween. As far as I'm concerned, right now I'm in the "this is gonna be a masterpiece and I'll believe so until proven otherwise" camp.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 14, 2021, 04:54:30 AM
I hope there's a deluxe edition with Pumpkins United as a bonus track.  That would be sweet.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: WardySI on March 14, 2021, 05:14:43 AM
That there is LP coverart!

Much love.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on March 14, 2021, 04:18:48 PM
I was confident Hansen and Kiske would have more songwriting credits. But then again, it's not like the rest of the guys cannot nail it.  ;)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on March 14, 2021, 04:56:47 PM
I’m actually glad Hansen doesn’t have much songwriting credits. He tends to come up with riffs and melodies that sound too much like riffs and melodies from big metal bands he was influenced by.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 14, 2021, 08:43:28 PM
I’m actually glad Hansen doesn’t have much songwriting credits. He tends to come up with riffs and melodies that sound too much like riffs and melodies from big metal bands he was influenced by.

Gamma Ray indeed have had a few familiar ones over the years.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on March 14, 2021, 11:49:37 PM
I hope there's a deluxe edition with Pumpkins United as a bonus track.  That would be sweet.

I'm positive that NB will fully milk this album with multiple vinyl, deluxe, super deluxe mail order exclusive versions and anything else they think of to make us buy more than one copy.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 15, 2021, 12:17:50 AM
I hope there's a deluxe edition with Pumpkins United as a bonus track.  That would be sweet.

I'm positive that NB will fully milk this album with multiple vinyl, deluxe, super deluxe mail order exclusive versions and anything else they think of to make us buy more than one copy.

I didn't end up getting the Unied Alive DVD, so chuck that in too and I'll be a happy man lol.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 15, 2021, 02:11:50 AM
I’m actually glad Hansen doesn’t have much songwriting credits. He tends to come up with riffs and melodies that sound too much like riffs and melodies from big metal bands he was influenced by.

Gamma Ray indeed have had a few familiar ones over the years.

I still remember seeing them opening for Maiden in 2003 and singing at the show Hell Bent for Leather over the chorus of the song New World Order  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 15, 2021, 05:15:03 AM
I’m actually glad Hansen doesn’t have much songwriting credits. He tends to come up with riffs and melodies that sound too much like riffs and melodies from big metal bands he was influenced by.

Gamma Ray indeed have had a few familiar ones over the years.

I still remember seeing them opening for Maiden in 2003 and singing at the show Hell Bent for Leather over the chorus of the song New World Order  :lol

That's a new one for me.  Haven't heard that one but in my head.........damn, you're right.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on March 15, 2021, 06:25:31 AM
https://rockhard.space/helloween-helloween-nuclear-blast-προακρόαση/
First review of the album? (From a greek site)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on March 15, 2021, 08:06:39 AM
Any greek's here in DTF who could translate? ;D

I understood like 5 words in the whole review lol.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on March 15, 2021, 08:20:04 AM
My doubt is if this review is a legit one (I don't know the site and it seems a bit ahead of time). Anyway, from google translator:

On June 18, the MOST EXPECTED new, eponymous HELLOWEEN album is released, bearing their title. Rock Hard, was present at an exclusive online event with selected journalists from around the world, who listened to the band's new album "with" Michael Weikath, Andi Deris, Markus Grosskopf and Sascha Gerstner and we had opportunity to talk to them for two whole hours after listening to the album, to learn as much detail as possible. And not only that, a little later, we had the opportunity to do a video interview with Andi Deris, now, one of the singers of the band, where we talked for more than half an hour and this interview, you can see it in a few days at rockhard.gr

But let's leave the hows and the whys. Here we had the opportunity to listen to the new album of the reconnected HELLOWEEN, what do we say now? Anyone who does not know that Kiske, Hansen are back in shape, let's welcome him into the real world and celebrate the end of the cave age. For the rest, let's do a track by track recording of the songs on the album, which are 12 (of which an introduction to "Skyfall", which is the first single).

"Out for the glory" (7:19) (Weikath)

It is important to list the composer next to each piece, since the character that each leaves, is very special. "Helloween" starts with a song we would all be waiting for. A 7-minute composition by Michael Weikath, with an intro that reminded me of South "South of heaven" !!! Okay, until then of course, do not go crazy! Uptempo song, with melodies that bring to mind "Eagle fly free", but do not go to anything reminiscent of the past. The sound on the guitars is impressive, throughout the album, the production gives a tremendous volume and the overall result clearly flatters the "hand" of Charlie Bauerfeind… Much Michael Kiske, as we would expect, with a bit of Kai Hansen who sings for… "Iron minions" !!! The more you listen to it, the better it looks to you.

"Fear of the fallen" (5:39) (Deris)

This song, we start an audio introduction and Andi Deris on the vocals, but in the chorus he sings a duet with Kiske. The melodic lines are classic Deris, with the gradual ascents, uptempo and that, with points that I would say bring to "Pumpkins united". Good song, it could be on any other HELLOWEEN record for the last 15 years.


"Best time" (3:36) (Gerstner / Deris)
First of all, I must say that it is the only song on the album that has two composers and is the shortest in duration. Made for a hit, it will definitely become a video clip, since its rhythm is… "I want out". Or if you want "Exceptional" (UNISONIC), since there is the joint presence of Kiske / Hansen there as well. Rhythmic, midtempo, I dare say that I would have preferred not to have Hansen's second vocals in the chorus (I might as well be bothered by the cheesy lyrics, I haven't finished yet, with one listen).

"Mass pollution" (4:15) (Deris)

Deris' performance is very nice, dynamic, with various effects on his voice. The constant repetition of "go, go, go" and the refrain "Ma-ss po-llu-tion" made me believe for a moment that I was listening to "Higher than the sky" (sky sky) by RAGE. I think it will sound even better in a concert environment, because it has a lot of sing along, along with the classic metal riffing. Very classic, but with such a modern sound, it could even be in "Better than raw"…

"Angels" (4:42) (Gerstner)

It starts impressively, with Kiske singing on bass and keyboards. A characteristic riff of Sascha Gerstner enters, a promising bridge and where you say that the song will take off, a boiling chorus enters, which cuts the speed, changes the scale of the song and alienates you. Ή let's say more specifically, it alienates me… The very dynamic riff of the song and the very successful sound from Hammond in places go awry.


"Rise without chains" (4:56) (Deris)

Another song by Andi Deris, another song that could have been released on any HELLOWEEN album in the last 15 years and entered the "good" category. Uptempo and that, but after the typical Deris bridge, it loses somewhere and leaves you once again with the feeling of dissatisfaction…

“Indestructible” (4:43) (Grosskopf)

Heavy, harsh sound in the unique song signed by Markus Grosskopf, Midtempo, compact, nice bridge, nice chorus, nice song, favorite second vocals and that made me remember UNISONIC somewhere. Plus the very nice guitar solo.

Robot King (7:08) (Weikath)

It starts with a fucking scream from Kai Hansen and you say "it can't, it will go well". And so it is. A very interesting composition by Weikath, who in all the songs he has written for "Helloween", has avoided writing "typically" (I think he left this role for Deris). It does not even bother, the first refrain to το show it in 3 minutes !!! In the refrain that the vocals are in God. But when you have Kiske / Deris / Hansen, you can write whatever you like and you know that the right one will be found, no matter what. Classic metal, with speed payments, with many and interesting changes, kept my interest undiminished. On the vocals we have alternations between Deris and Kiske.


"Cyanide" (3:29) (Deris)

Once again, I was expecting something better in the chorus, apart from the very interesting speedy excellent riff. But, guys, what a fucking sound that is on guitars !!! We are talking that it raises the level far.

"Down in the dumps" (6:01) (Weikath)

He could write in ouia: "You see Weikath, it's good". Highly worked composition, keeps your interest undiminished. You hear SAVATAGE, you hear JUDAS PRIEST, Kiske in the beginning, Kai Hansen on the bridge. Let's get serious now, do we want a lot more than our heavy metal when HELLOWEEN is playing it?

"Orbit" (1:05) (Hansen)

Instrumental. Acts as an introduction to "Skyfall". If we did not see the duration, we would fish, because it is the first composition of the album that has the signature of kai Hansen…

"Skyfall" (12:11) (Hansen)

Here we are!!! What did you write, black dog !!! A song, 12 minutes duration Ί Ίioma… 12 minutes shudder. Kai's HELLOWEEN, with the PRIEST and ACCEPT we like, the galloping guitar theme, constant changes, amazing cut with acoustic guitars, guitar solos coming to you from everywhere without warning, vocals to God. CHAOS. What else can I say, when we talk about a song that in the ranking of HELLOWEEN's career, when after years they will have retired, will be in a very high position χι Not accidentally, first single, even though it is 12 minutes!



These are my first impressions of the album. I remind you that I listened to him ONLY once, like all the other "accomplices". I listened to an album, where the conversation for over 2 hours with HELLOWEEN, made me realize several things about the logic they had writing this album and answer many questions. Even more enlightening, was Andi Deris in the interview we did and you will read it at the end of the month, as we will have many more things, until the album comes out.

Is the album that HELLOWEEN fans would expect with the return of Kiske and Hansen? If you thought that they would release "Keeper… 4", you will probably find many flaws. On a personal level, I found that some of Deris' compositions (which may be many in total, but short in duration), I might have expected better, I would definitely like to listen to more of Hansen's compositions, ballad did not come out in the style they wanted they left it out, Weikath is still a guarantee since all three of his songs, took care to keep my attention at a very high level.

Plus, the great production, but also the fact that they didn't sell "Keepers και" and pumpkins until the early 90s, but the sound is solid, dark (to the point that the closest to the album, I would dare say is "The dark ride"), very uptempo with restrained "happy, happy", "hilarious" songs but also a very good flow. I'm absolutely sure that the more I listen to it, the more I will like it. Do not forget to mention the amazing cover of Eliran Kantor. No pumpkins, but with many references to previous records. Work of art. You buy a copy on vinyl, just to put it as a painting in the room!

Here are a few for "Helloween". More, in the interview we did with Andi Deris (one of the few he gave after the pre-hearing and the press conference) and so on.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 15, 2021, 08:40:51 AM
I know it feels weird to have a review already, but it sounds like too much trouble to make up a review that in a couple of months' time could be proven fake (and the single is coming out earlier anyway).

Sounds like they continued from where they left off in the Deris era, with the added bonus of having Kai Hansen there (and of course three voices to use). Probably it was smart to not try to rewrite another Keeper carbon copy anyway.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on March 15, 2021, 09:15:53 AM
From 7 Sinners to My God Given Right, I like so many songs out of them that I'm not worried about the quality. And 7 Sinners is one of my personal favorites albums from them.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on March 15, 2021, 09:46:05 AM
I know it feels weird to have a review already, but it sounds like too much trouble to make up a review that in a couple of months' time could be proven fake (and the single is coming out earlier anyway).

Sounds like they continued from where they left off in the Deris era, with the added bonus of having Kai Hansen there (and of course three voices to use). Probably it was smart to not try to rewrite another Keeper carbon copy anyway.

There was an official virtual listening session for 100 'reviewers/journalists' on the weekend with the band on the weekend, hence only one listen.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: kirksnosehair on March 15, 2021, 12:27:46 PM
This band.  I feel like I should like them, but despite a mighty effort I just can't get into them.  I think for me the vocals are the problem. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on March 15, 2021, 12:38:43 PM
I think for me the vocals are the problem.

All 3 singers they’ve had?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: kirksnosehair on March 15, 2021, 12:51:13 PM
Whoever sang on The Keeper of the Seven Keys.  That's the only album of theirs I've heard.


It wasn't JUST the singer, though.  Although he was the main obstacle for me.  Their music just left me not really wanting to hear more.


I've checked out a track or two or three from some of their other albums and never felt like I needed to hear the entire album.  The vocalist is the only specific thing I remember not liking

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on March 15, 2021, 02:17:52 PM
That hurts.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: kirksnosehair on March 15, 2021, 02:20:47 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong here but isn't the vocalist from Gamma Ray the same guy who sang on Keeper of the Seven Keys or am I remembering that wrong?


Gamma Ray is another group in this vein that I feel like I should really like but those vocals   :|
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Buddyhunter1 on March 15, 2021, 02:29:00 PM
I have never heard a second of Helloween, but this video is hilarious and I wanted to post it here. Relevant to cover art!
https://youtu.be/oNFdpkw2NqQ
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on March 15, 2021, 02:31:55 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong here but isn't the vocalist from Gamma Ray the same guy who sang on Keeper of the Seven Keys or am I remembering that wrong?


Gamma Ray is another group in this vein that I feel like I should really like but those vocals   :|

Yeah, no.

Gamma Ray's singer is Kai Hansen who was on Helloween's first album, Walls of Jericho. After that, there are four albums (including two Keepers) with Michael Kiske, who's also prominent in Avantasia and a frontman of Unisonic.

After that, the singer is Andi Deris for the past, like, 20 years.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 15, 2021, 02:48:17 PM
Whoever sang on The Keeper of the Seven Keys.  That's the only album of theirs I've heard.


It wasn't JUST the singer, though.  Although he was the main obstacle for me.  Their music just left me not really wanting to hear more.


I've checked out a track or two or three from some of their other albums and never felt like I needed to hear the entire album.  The vocalist is the only specific thing I remember not liking

Maybe check out some Deris stuff.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on March 15, 2021, 05:13:11 PM
Whoever sang on The Keeper of the Seven Keys.  That's the only album of theirs I've heard.


It wasn't JUST the singer, though.  Although he was the main obstacle for me.  Their music just left me not really wanting to hear more.


I've checked out a track or two or three from some of their other albums and never felt like I needed to hear the entire album.  The vocalist is the only specific thing I remember not liking

Maybe check out some Deris stuff.


Or try Ear Replacement Therapy.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 15, 2021, 05:37:53 PM
Whoever sang on The Keeper of the Seven Keys.  That's the only album of theirs I've heard.


It wasn't JUST the singer, though.  Although he was the main obstacle for me.  Their music just left me not really wanting to hear more.


I've checked out a track or two or three from some of their other albums and never felt like I needed to hear the entire album.  The vocalist is the only specific thing I remember not liking

Maybe check out some Deris stuff.


Or try Ear Replacement Therapy.

That could be the option after the Deris stuff I reckon haha.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 15, 2021, 05:39:12 PM
Going by that breakdown, like Mirror said, this is basically a Deris era album with a Hansen epic on the end.  I'm fine with that I think.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on March 16, 2021, 03:11:30 AM
Going by that breakdown, like Mirror said, this is basically a Deris era album with a Hansen epic on the end.  I'm fine with that I think.

It could be, but with the addition of vocals from Kiske and Hansen, I think it will still end up sounding fresh and new! That's what I'm most excited to hear on this new album. How exactly do they balance the vocals from Deris, Kiske and Hansen. I suspect that they approach it much like Avantasia does!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on March 16, 2021, 06:14:40 AM
Don't forget as with most Helloween albums they always record a handful of extra songs that end up as bonus tracks or 'b-sides'.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 16, 2021, 03:05:41 PM
Don't forget as with most Helloween albums they always record a handful of extra songs that end up as bonus tracks or 'b-sides'.

Possibly the best band for me in terms of quality and quantity when it comes to bonus tracks.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on March 17, 2021, 11:45:38 AM
I just hope that Charlie Bauerfeind hasn't fucked up the mix and mastering as he did with the last Blind Guardian.
Which had great songs, terrible mix, with drums almost totally compressed and almost inaudible.

I saw this old post only today on Helloween's site, just by chance. And it says that the new album is been mixed by Ronald Prent.

https://www.helloween.org/

"UNITED ALIVE WORLD TOUR PART II
POSTPONED!
​With a heavy heart we herewith announce that we are forced to postpone our UNITED ALIVE PART II European Tour 2020.
Initially scheduled to take place from the end of September until mid of November 2020, we now rescheduled the tour from April to June 2021. Tickets will remain valid, please see the new dates below.
This never seen before pandemic challenges all of us, and we feel the risk of a contamination is still way too high. Besides, the national regulations of the individual countries make the excecution of the tour in its entity very uncertain. A HELLOWEEN concert should be a gathering of all fans having fun, enjoying themselves by celebrating the music we all love. The current situation worldwide does not allow such an unconcerned manner yet."

Andi Deris & Michael Weikath

We also decided to shift the release of our yet untitled new album to early next year. The  production is on the home stretch: The mixing, by Ronald Prent in New York, is working to the fullest. Andi Deris: „We are super proud of the result and can´t wait to celebrate the new songs together with our fans live - but we all need to be a bit more patient.  Health comes first!“
To shorten the waiting time a bit, we designed a special „Corona shirt“, which we offer at our cost price free of shipping - we hope you like it! Get the shirt here
Please be safe and stay healthy - obeying the rules will get us through these surreal times!"

 



Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on March 17, 2021, 12:03:44 PM
From the press release - Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward flew to New York to use his (Ronald Prent's) studio, but Prent didn't produce/mix/master the album.

Quote
Completely analog and under the eyes of long term producer Charlie Bauerfeind and co-producer Dennis Ward, the UNITED impact travelled to New York and got the final mix in the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Rammstein). “After 30 years with the different line ups of the band I really thought I was well prepared for another extreme challenge, but I was wrong! My expectations were highly exceeded in every way with this super-sized creativity package” comments Bauerfeind.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on March 17, 2021, 12:14:06 PM
Ok, now it's clear.  :tup
Anyway, the teaser of Skyfall sounds really good, better than the mix of 7 Sinners, Straight Out Of Hell and My God-given Right IMO.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on March 17, 2021, 01:02:05 PM
Can't tell anything from the compressed YT teaser, wait for the CD :)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on March 18, 2021, 08:22:30 AM
Based on that review it sounds like Deris isn’t singing on any of Weiki’s songs. And I hope the songs Deris wrote are good, he’s been really hit or miss lately.
The weakest Deris album by far is My God Given Right. It sounded like a bunch of songs leftover from previous albums. I trust this will be better than that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 18, 2021, 08:25:08 AM
Yeah, they either hit a low point in creativity, or maybe the reunion was already in the making and they just "shat the album out" as an excuse to tour and be done with it.

The tour was also the most Deris-centered show in a long time; they opened with two Keeper songs and closed with the two uber famous classics (Future world and Dr. Stein), and then it was all Deris songs, almost as if they were saving the Kiske stuff for him to sing it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on March 18, 2021, 08:43:17 AM
I think the problem is that we all had expectations from the relationships within the band. We thought that Deris and Kiske might collaborate on a song, that Kai would perhaps sing on a Weikath song, that Kiske would sing on a Gerstner song, that Deris would sing on a Kai song. But the reality is, they probably didn't think like that. They just focused on making good stuff, no matter who writes it or whether members collaborate on the songwriting or not.

As long as the songs themselves are good and this doesn't turn into a power metal version of Union by Yes, we still might be in for a treat.  ;)

EDIT: Also, I will try to skip the single and avoid the reviews. I'd love to be surprised.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 19, 2021, 10:19:58 AM
Hammerfall will tour together with Helloween in Spring 2022!!!  :metal great package.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on March 19, 2021, 10:49:49 AM
Oh I hope that comes here.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on March 20, 2021, 03:43:12 AM
Oh I hope that tour does happen.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on March 26, 2021, 01:01:54 PM
Pre-order link
https://media.nuclearblast.de/shoplanding/2021/Helloween/Album/helloween.html
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on March 26, 2021, 05:33:16 PM
Only 2 bonus tracks on 2CD digibook. Are they long songs?
Anyway, that's my edition. :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 26, 2021, 05:36:50 PM
Only 2 bonus tracks on 2CD digibook. Are they long songs?
Anyway, that's my edition. :tup

No Pumpkins United.  :'(
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on March 26, 2021, 05:43:30 PM
Only 2 bonus tracks on 2CD digibook. Are they long songs?
Anyway, that's my edition. :tup

No Pumpkins United.  :'(

Yes Pumpkins United on the boxset though

(https://i.imgur.com/ryYhyjI.png)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on March 26, 2021, 05:54:36 PM
I looked at the mail order only edition, but at 149.00 Euro's plus shipping it's way too much even for my wallet.
Japan version adds an additional exclusive bonus track too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 26, 2021, 09:20:45 PM
Only 2 bonus tracks on 2CD digibook. Are they long songs?
Anyway, that's my edition. :tup

No Pumpkins United.  :'(

Yes Pumpkins United on the boxset though

(https://i.imgur.com/ryYhyjI.png)

Ah.  But not on the 2CD?  What a rip!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 26, 2021, 09:24:50 PM
I looked at the mail order only edition, but at 149.00 Euro's plus shipping it's way too much even for my wallet.
Japan version adds an additional exclusive bonus track too.

Got a link mate?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on March 26, 2021, 09:59:49 PM
https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/VIZP-167?s_ssid=e45028605ead4939cf
Third bonus track: We Are Real
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on March 26, 2021, 10:12:40 PM
https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/VIZP-167?s_ssid=e45028605ead4939cf
Third bonus track: We Are Real

Where I ordered mine from 2CD and regular edition, those won't last long either, there may yet be a first edition bonus sticker or poster too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 27, 2021, 04:38:07 AM
Cheers lads.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 28, 2021, 06:39:19 AM
Lovely picture from the vinyl edition!

https://www.emp-online.it/dw/image/v2/BBQV_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master-emp/default/dwa4411685/images/4/9/8/7/498788.jpg?sfrm=png
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on April 02, 2021, 01:57:34 AM
Skyfall (Single edit) is up on Spotify, while the official video comes later today!

It's awesome!! :metal, with one caveat. I don't like the single edit at all. Large chunks of the song have been ripped out, and as a result the single edit doesn't flow at all. Almost half of the song is missing. They should have picked up another song as a single, instead of hacking the epic of the album into pieces and putting that as the first single..

Now the song itself is awesome, but as I said incomplete. Sounds a lot like Gamma Ray, which is not surprising. Everything from the guitar tone to the keyboard sounds, brings to mind the Land of the Free to Powerplant- era Gamma Ray!

Can't wait to hear the whole thing :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on April 02, 2021, 02:33:41 AM
That's my only problem with the song, I don't really want my first impression of an epic to be an heavily edited cut.... however doesn't the single have the full version, only with a different mix?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 02, 2021, 02:55:52 AM
I'll wait for the full song first I think.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on April 02, 2021, 03:00:09 AM
I'll wait for the full song first I think.

Yeah, same.

It's like when Leprous released Stuck as a single and left out the last three minutes which are the best part of the song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on April 02, 2021, 04:38:43 AM
That's my only problem with the song, I don't really want my first impression of an epic to be an heavily edited cut.... however doesn't the single have the full version, only with a different mix?

The single has an alternative to the album vocals version
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on April 02, 2021, 04:54:47 AM
I've decided to wait for the entire album.

Now, the question is whether or not I want to read the comments. Not spoiling an album is an artform itself.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on April 02, 2021, 08:56:55 AM
I really thought this edited version excellent, but I'm sure once I hear the complete version, I'll never go back to this one.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on April 02, 2021, 12:36:38 PM
Well Now that we know it's a Single Edit. It makes this odd single release make more sense now.

I was wondering why they would release the epic of the album as a single...But totally forgot about single edits.

I may listen to it, but then don't want to at the same time...

Reminds me of Halloween. How it's edited to single edit and then there's the actual album version that is 10 minutes.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 02, 2021, 02:58:10 PM
That's probably what they are going for in relation to the Halloween comparison.  I mean that edit cuts 8 minutes out of a 13 minute song.  That's some edit!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on April 02, 2021, 03:13:20 PM
I listened and while it is good. I want the entire song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on April 02, 2021, 03:49:56 PM
I listened to the Skyfall edit & I'm not sure what to feel. The song feels a bit disjointed in this state & I don't think some of the sections really bring their intended reaction. Hopefully having more context will remedy that.

At the very least, it's not as awfully spliced as the Halloween edit. I don't know what they were thinking with that one. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on April 02, 2021, 03:59:36 PM
I saw the video and it's an absolutely glorious cheesefest  :metal :metal :metal

Song is great, it doesn't feel cut and paste, looking forward to the missing five minutes and the entire album!!!  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 02, 2021, 06:41:22 PM
I was torn on listening, but in the end..I did. It will be my one and only listen until the album comes out.

It felt like some sort of medley. I liked all of the parts, but hopefully the missing 5 minutes will be able to pull the whole thing together. I didn't detect and Deris lead vocals though. Did I miss them?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on April 02, 2021, 07:05:16 PM
TAC, see the videoclip, yes there are a few of them. The video is really cheesy and very very cool at same time! :tup
My opinion is that the song sounds like it wasn't edited, though I agree that a lot of its parts seem to pass fast.
A very positive review, song by song, in portuguese: https://www.wikimetal.com.br/novo-album-helloween-kai-hansen-michael-kiske/
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on April 02, 2021, 07:28:34 PM
The beginning sounds like it transitions from an intro. Knowing it was an edit, I expected a fadeout, and sure enough, they do one of the chorus which I think goes into a repeated intro (I sure hope so).

Need to listen again though. I only heard it once.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 02, 2021, 07:35:47 PM
I'll probably cave and watch the video.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 02, 2021, 07:44:01 PM
TAC, see the videoclip, yes there are a few of them. The video is really cheesy and very very cool at same time! :tup
My opinion is that the song sounds like it wasn't edited, though I agree that a lot of its parts seem to pass fast.
A very positive review, song by song, in portuguese: https://www.wikimetal.com.br/novo-album-helloween-kai-hansen-michael-kiske/

Thanks D, but I gave it the one listen that I'm going to. I will wait for the album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 04, 2021, 04:49:56 AM
Not sure what to think after watching the video.  Sounded more like a mix of Unisonic and Gamma Ray, but more Unisonic.  The chorus sounded more like Helloween though.  It did seem pretty disjointed.  Not going to judge based on that but there were some cool parts.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on April 05, 2021, 01:24:45 PM
I got the CD single with both versions of "Skyfall" on Friday. I listened once then, and I am listening to the full version now. I dig it. Having all three guys sing really brings a sense of unity to me. It certainly has some old school vibe and it is mixed with, as said previously, with some of the Unisonic and Gamma Ray sound. But it's certainly Helloween for sure. A fun romp.

If I wanted to get hyper critical, I could argue it sounds a bit more like pieces of songs jammed together to make it one tune. But while there's merit in that sort of argument there are call backs throughout the song to bring it all together. It's not quite as "natural" sounding as songs such as "Halloween" or "Keeper of the Seven Keys." But then again, we've lived with those two songs for what, 33 years? The only thing that makes it seem "disjointed" to me is exactly the thing that I think also  brings a sense of unity -- the multiple vocalists. But that's Helloween in 2021. All of them are going to be a big part (I assume) of the new record, and to be honest, if all the rest of the songs are more traditional featuring one of the vocalists, then having this big epic featuring them together was exactly the right way to go.

I'm excited to hear the album as a whole. I put in my pre-order of the vinyl/cd earbook this weekend. Looking forward to it. And come hell or high water, I WILL be at the next couple shows on the West Coast U.S. I don't care what it takes.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 27, 2021, 08:34:15 PM
New Weiki interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHJNjCl1hDo
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: the_silent_man on April 28, 2021, 04:05:42 PM
Cool interview.
With regards to the album art, is the version with the Helloween logo right on top of the angels face still the official one or has this been fixed now? It bugs me so much on an otherwise awesome artwork!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on May 01, 2021, 05:28:32 PM
Only 2 bonus tracks on 2CD digibook. Are they long songs?
Anyway, that's my edition. :tup

No Pumpkins United.  :'(

Also on the Nordic Earbook Edition  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on May 05, 2021, 03:01:46 AM
Second single "Fear of the Fallen" coming May 21st! :metal

It will be cool to hear a shorter song from the album, as opposed to a heavily edited version of an epic!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 11, 2021, 03:42:08 PM
Kai Hansen on the story behind Skyfall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwlESHr1i8M
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 14, 2021, 08:10:39 PM
As much as I am a Kiske guy, I'm fine if they don't keep BOTH Halloween and Keeper Of the Seven Keys in the next setlist. Personally I would love to see them open with King For 1000 Years. Kiske could add a ton to that song, and they could even have Kai do the "King for 1000 years" part.
I think that would be a kick ass opening track.


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 14, 2021, 09:26:13 PM
Sadly, one of my biggest concert regrets was not seeing this past tour. I had tickets and a flight and everything and had to bail for family reasons. So I would love to have both of them in there (Halloween and KotSK), but I won't be upset if they aren't. I just hope they still play a lot from both Keeper I, Keeper II and the new album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on May 14, 2021, 11:45:11 PM
As much as I am a Kiske guy, I'm fine if they don't keep BOTH Halloween and Keeper Of the Seven Keys in the next setlist. Personally I would love to see them open with King For 1000 Years. Kiske could add a ton to that song, and they could even have Kai do the "King for 1000 years" part.
I think that would be a kick ass opening track.

Agreed!

I'd love to see King for a 1000 years as an opener! They opened with it on "Keeper Legacy" tour, and it worked very well. It's easy to see how that song could be arranged between Deris, Kiske and Hansen vocal sections! I think Skyfall is a given for the next tour.

Other songs I would like to: Light the Universe is a great ballad, and it's already arranged for two singers. Deris sings he's own parts, and Kiske sings Candice Night's vocal sections!

Here is a choice out of left field; Midnight Sun. I don't think they have ever played it live, and it is one of the most kickass Deris era songs! I don't know why the haven't played that live yet.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 15, 2021, 01:22:19 AM
Midnight Sun is a good one.  I'd love songs like Push, Handful of Pain or some Weiki numbers from the Dark Ride like Salvation or All Over Nations.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on May 15, 2021, 02:32:58 AM
There are some amazing songs from that era that beg to be performed live. Midnight sun, We damn the night or I live for your pain come to mind. Unfortunately, there are plenty of songs from those albums that were written by former members, so they probably won't get played.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on May 15, 2021, 04:58:55 AM
Here are the songs that I consider, for each singer, the big absence from the last tour and that might quite well be considered for the next one:

Hansen - Victim of Fate
Kiske - Twilight of the Gods
Deris - Where the Rain Grows

More generally, the Deris albums are so full of great and forgotten songs that you could make an entire setlist out of them.

And yes, King for a 1000 Years definitively needs to be played, lyrics wise it's entirely told from the point of view of the devil so there's not much room to add different singers as voices but what the hell, it's not gonna be weird if different singers sing the same character, it's something you can easily overlook. for example Kiske can do the kinda happy chorus, while Deris keeps the intro and the verses and Hansen does the "we're the king for a 1000 years" menacing part.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 15, 2021, 07:08:03 PM
Sadly, one of my biggest concert regrets was not seeing this past tour. I had tickets and a flight and everything and had to bail for family reasons. So I would love to have both of them in there (Halloween and KotSK), but I won't be upset if they aren't. I just hope they still play a lot from both Keeper I, Keeper II and the new album.

Brian, I was actually thinking of you when I posted that and briefly thought I was being kind of a dick, especially with such a limited run of US dates. But I think my larger point is that I don't want the relative same setlist with like 2 new album songs added. I'm just hoping they change it up a bit. I mean even if you (not you personally, Sam) didn't see the show, there's plenty of boots on youtube and such, even a live album. I guess I'm just looking for some variety.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on May 21, 2021, 03:06:41 AM
Another new song, probably the best of the three released so far
https://youtu.be/P95N5j2i2yw
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on May 21, 2021, 03:24:50 AM
Fear of the Fallen was amazing! :metal

Hair raising vocal performances from Kiske and Deris!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 21, 2021, 06:06:03 AM
Another new song, probably the best of the three released so far
https://youtu.be/P95N5j2i2yw

I didn't even know they released a second one.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on May 21, 2021, 06:10:38 AM
This proves that Bruce Dickinson is full of crap when it comes to the Three Tremors project - stating that it was impossible to write songs that feature 3 singers.  What he really meant is that it was impossible for him to put his ego aside and let two other singers share a five minute song.

Helloween found a way to do it!  Andi gets a verse, Kiske takes the chorus, then they swap - Kiske gets the verse and Andi takes the chorus. 

It's cool to see how they split up the songs for the singers.   This song rocks!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on May 21, 2021, 06:43:36 AM
Really nice song and the vocals are excellent! For what I'm hearing, this album will only disapoint for people expecting the band returning to the style of the Keepers albums.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on May 21, 2021, 07:21:26 AM
Another new song, probably the best of the three released so far
https://youtu.be/P95N5j2i2yw

I didn't even know they released a second one.

"Indestructible" was included as a bonus track on the Skyfall single, and was leaked to Youtube...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on May 21, 2021, 11:46:50 AM
I haven't heard any previous songs but this one was amazing. Very promising.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 21, 2021, 12:16:15 PM
I haven't heard any previous songs but this one was amazing. Very promising.

So good!

(https://i.imgflip.com/3bomkf.gif) (https://imgflip.com/gif/3bomkf) (https://imgflip.com/gif-maker[/url)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 23, 2021, 04:09:30 AM
Another new song, probably the best of the three released so far
https://youtu.be/P95N5j2i2yw

Yeah, wow, that was excellent.  Love the chorus and a really nice key change in the solo too which had me smiling.  That 'listen to your heart' section before the last chorus was bloody amazing too.  The main riff reminds me of Gambling with the Devil era.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 23, 2021, 12:33:37 PM
Now this song is what I was expecting from them. Nothing more and nothing less.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 10, 2021, 01:36:13 PM
One more week until the long wait is over  :yarr
Can't remember the last time I was so hyped for a new album...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 10, 2021, 01:46:59 PM
One more week until the long wait is over  :yarr
Can't remember the last time I was so hyped for a new album...

 :metal

I'm quite calm about this. When it will come, it will come. I didn't even heard the second song released beside the first listening. And I tried to not overplay Skyfall, which I probably haven't heard in a month at least, even though when I see the title I already think of....

IIIIIIII
FELL FROM THE SKYYYY
SO DON'T ASK ME WHYYYY
I'M FEELING SO DOOOOOOWN

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 10, 2021, 09:26:42 PM
I'm pretty much the same now, I don't over-listen to pre-album released singles.
I heard the Skyfall edit once didn't like it much, the other two new songs Indestructible and Fear Of The Fallen were great.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 10, 2021, 10:16:53 PM
I'm pretty much the same now, I don't over-listen to pre-album released singles.
I heard the Skyfall edit once didn't like it much, the other two new songs Indestructible and Fear Of The Fallen were great.

Same for me.  Only listened to Skyfall once and wasn't that keen either.  Didn't even check Indestructible yet.  Fear was indeed amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 12, 2021, 02:13:35 PM
Andi Deris is impressive. What a great attitude.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKNqDabztUs
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 12, 2021, 04:58:46 PM
Andi Deris is impressive. What a great attitude.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKNqDabztUs

Always liked him. He's one of my favorite frontmen of metal - take away the gods, the Bruce Dickinsons and the likes, and he's my actual favorite. Great frontman and entertainer. Also a great singer with a one of a kind voice, and definitively a very strong songwriter.

He's the saviour of Helloween, period. We have this reunion to begin with because he agreed to join the band in 1994, Weikath is on record saying that if Deris hadn't joined, the band would be over. He saved the band, kept it strong all those years, and now he's one of the key players of the reunion.

I know it's an apples and oranges situation, but Annette Olzon in Nightwish didn't want to be temporarily replaced by Floor Jansen because the fans would want her to remain (well, hard to blame her, she was right), Andi could have put his foot down, say "No way Kiske comes back, I'm the singer, I kept the band going all these years", he could have been very insecure about it, but he was a complete professional and great guy about it. Heck, I think he's even happy he doesn't have to sing Eagle Fly Free and Future World anymore and be rid of them, since for many years all the thanks he got for saving Helloween were complaints about the way he sang Kiske's songs.

Side note - don't remember if I ever told it, but I'm always puzzled at Andi's speaking voice, I can never reconcile it with his singing voice, or even the way he speaks on stage when he introduces the songs. Every other singer, be them a native speaker or someone who uses english as a second language, you can realize it's them from the way they talk and the way they sing.... not Andi. Andi normally speaking and Andi singing  / Andi speaking on stage it sounds like two different persons to me. When he normally speaks he even has a strong german influence which he doesn't have at all on stage.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 12, 2021, 06:48:56 PM
Andi Deris is impressive. What a great attitude.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKNqDabztUs

Always liked him. He's one of my favorite frontmen of metal - take away the gods, the Bruce Dickinsons and the likes, and he's my actual favorite. Great frontman and entertainer. Also a great singer with a one of a kind voice, and definitively a very strong songwriter.

He's the saviour of Helloween, period. We have this reunion to begin with because he agreed to join the band in 1994, Weikath is on record saying that if Deris hadn't joined, the band would be over. He saved the band, kept it strong all those years, and now he's one of the key players of the reunion.

I know it's an apples and oranges situation, but Annette Olzon in Nightwish didn't want to be temporarily replaced by Floor Jansen because the fans would want her to remain (well, hard to blame her, she was right), Andi could have put his foot down, say "No way Kiske comes back, I'm the singer, I kept the band going all these years", he could have been very insecure about it, but he was a complete professional and great guy about it. Heck, I think he's even happy he doesn't have to sing Eagle Fly Free and Future World anymore and be rid of them, since for many years all the thanks he got for saving Helloween were complaints about the way he sang Kiske's songs.

Andrea, I agree. I've stated the following in this thread already but...

I absolutely remember Kiske leaving and Deris joining. I bought both the Perfect Gentlemen and Mr. Ego CD singles on import as soon as they were available. I simply could not take to the new voice and basically walked away from Helloween. Even though they were getting great reviews, I simply didn't care. I would end up getting an album here and there from them, but I just couldn't get into it.
As documented in this thread, I did a deep dive on the Deris albums, and I absolutely fell in love with them. Deris is to be commended for not only saving Helloween, but for Helloween actually thriving throughout the years.

And I give him credit. He didn't shy away from a reunion with Kiske. (Let's face it, I'm sure it's a huge financial windfall for them..)
Apparently, Kiske and Deris had never really met before the reunion. They both talk about really hitting it off. The comraderie on stage is apparent in the live videos, but witnessing them in person, it really seems genuine. Everyone is so cool. Heck, even Kai plays right along Sasha and there's total respect.

Andi Deris is fucking fearless. He looks Kiske straight in the eye and goes note for note with him. He fucking tackles A Tale That Wasn't Right in front of the legend. And the guys really seem to....like each other.

I've been a music fan for basically my whole life. Other than actual..life, listening and following music has been the most important thing in my life, and witnessing this Helloween reunion has literally been one of the most exciting, gratifying, and meaningful experiences of my musical life.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 12, 2021, 08:15:49 PM
Cool interview with Michael Kiske..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzw4P9zGpYw

"I hope it lasts. I hope it lasts long."



@Rodrigo, are you getting a Helloween interview??
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 13, 2021, 03:25:40 AM
I guess I'm in the minority with all of this.  If I'm being honest, I think Kiske and Kai coming back is great and it's good to see them all getting along and playing well.  Sascha staying on makes me happy too.  And, from a publicity point of view, it's a no brainer.

However, I'm not really feeling it.  I've watched most of the United Alive show and have the CD, but for some reason, I'm not just really taking to the two singer thing.  I discovered Helloween with The Dark Ride.  From there it went Rabbit, Better Than Raw and then the Keeper albums were sprinkled in throughout.  I always preferred the heavier style of the Deris era.  I love the Keeper albums but as I said, that stuff appealed to me more.  I also saw the band on the Gambling with the Devil tour which was killer. 

So I guess I've always seen the band as Andi's band, I think that era is Helloween to me.  But there's something about the 2 singer thing live I find cheesy and yeah, is not really exciting me all that much.  I'm looking forward to the album as I'm all for the Allen/Lande, Avantasia style thing on record and I hope it's the same reaction to those to this album, not the reaction I have about all this in a live setting.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 13, 2021, 03:26:51 AM
and witnessing this Helloween reunion has literally been one of the most exciting, gratifying, and meaningful experiences of my musical life.

Regardless of my opinion, I'm glad they did it to get reactions like this.  I'll cop my 'meh' reaction to  have other people feel like this.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on June 13, 2021, 10:14:02 AM
Andi Deris is impressive. What a great attitude.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKNqDabztUs

Always liked him. He's one of my favorite frontmen of metal - take away the gods, the Bruce Dickinsons and the likes, and he's my actual favorite. Great frontman and entertainer. Also a great singer with a one of a kind voice, and definitively a very strong songwriter.

He's the saviour of Helloween, period. We have this reunion to begin with because he agreed to join the band in 1994, Weikath is on record saying that if Deris hadn't joined, the band would be over. He saved the band, kept it strong all those years, and now he's one of the key players of the reunion.

I know it's an apples and oranges situation, but Annette Olzon in Nightwish didn't want to be temporarily replaced by Floor Jansen because the fans would want her to remain (well, hard to blame her, she was right), Andi could have put his foot down, say "No way Kiske comes back, I'm the singer, I kept the band going all these years", he could have been very insecure about it, but he was a complete professional and great guy about it. Heck, I think he's even happy he doesn't have to sing Eagle Fly Free and Future World anymore and be rid of them, since for many years all the thanks he got for saving Helloween were complaints about the way he sang Kiske's songs.

Andrea, I agree. I've stated the following in this thread already but...

I absolutely remember Kiske leaving and Deris joining. I bought both the Perfect Gentlemen and Mr. Ego CD singles on import as soon as they were available. I simply could not take to the new voice and basically walked away from Helloween. Even though they were getting great reviews, I simply didn't care. I would end up getting an album here and there from them, but I just couldn't get into it.
As documented in this thread, I did a deep dive on the Deris albums, and I absolutely fell in love with them. Deris is to be commended for not only saving Helloween, but for Helloween actually thriving throughout the years.

And I give him credit. He didn't shy away from a reunion with Kiske. (Let's face it, I'm sure it's a huge financial windfall for them..)
Apparently, Kiske and Deris had never really met before the reunion. They both talk about really hitting it off. The comraderie on stage is apparent in the live videos, but witnessing them in person, it really seems genuine. Everyone is so cool. Heck, even Kai plays right along Sasha and there's total respect.

Andi Deris is fucking fearless. He looks Kiske straight in the eye and goes note for note with him. He fucking tackles A Tale That Wasn't Right in front of the legend. And the guys really seem to....like each other.

I've been a music fan for basically my whole life. Other than actual..life, listening and following music has been the most important thing in my life, and witnessing this Helloween reunion has literally been one of the most exciting, gratifying, and meaningful experiences of my musical life.

I first really checked out Helloween when I heard about the Reunion with Kiske and Hansen. I knew of Kiske from Avantasia's albums, specifically the song Wastelands, as I love that song and his vocals there. (I just laughed when I first heard March of Time, because it's pretty much the style of Wastelands.  :lol)

So, then, as most things go with new bands I discover, I forgot about Helloween, and when they released Pumpkins United, I heard it and thought it sounded awesome. Then, listening to more of the bands music, just went out my head.

It was when I first watched a video for Keeper of The Seven Keys from the reunion live show is when I really gained an interest in them. It was also, how much fun they're having on stage with each other. Kiske and Deris facing each other is fun to watch, and so is seeing both go all out belting those notes. It also made me discover Andi Deris, and how I didn't know he was on Ayreons Universal Migrator album as just one aspect of his voice is utilized on that album, and he never really shows his potential as he does in Helloween.

After reading about their history as a band, and when Deris joined the group, I realized, he is the main vocalist of Helloween and not Kiske. Kiske was the classic vocalist, as Kai was the classic original founder and guitarist for the band, whom was also once their singer. And, I think Andi has amazing vocals, and a great range, and is actually a better singer than Kiske. But I enjoy both, so it's not bad for me.

I hope this lineup has the same longevity as the Iron Maiden reunion. It's only been one tour, and one new album. We've only just gotten a taste of what this lineup is capable of.




Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 13, 2021, 12:19:00 PM
The reunion has already gone beyond my wildest dreams.

I never thought it could have happened to begin with. At best, I'd figure that for the sake of closure one day at Wacken Michael Kiske would show up for the encore and sing three songs. Instead we got a comeback of him and Hansen without anyone else in the band losing the job, a very cool reunion song that celebrated the band's history and showed that the three singers could work, a monumental tour with 3 hours show that was loved by almost everyone, and now we get a new friggin' album. Unbelieavable.

At this point I'm kinda bummed it didn't happen 5 or 10 years later, but the timing had to be right, let's take what we got which is already a lot, and let's look forward to a bright future where every day is October 31th  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 13, 2021, 01:03:32 PM
However, I'm not really feeling it.  I've watched most of the United Alive show and have the CD, but for some reason, I'm not just really taking to the two singer thing.  I discovered Helloween with The Dark Ride.  From there it went Rabbit, Better Than Raw and then the Keeper albums were sprinkled in throughout.  I always preferred the heavier style of the Deris era.  I love the Keeper albums but as I said, that stuff appealed to me more.  I also saw the band on the Gambling with the Devil tour which was killer. 

So I guess I've always seen the band as Andi's band, I think that era is Helloween to me.  But there's something about the 2 singer thing live I find cheesy and yeah, is not really exciting me all that much. 

I totally get that Kade. Makes perfect sense. It had been his band for over 20 years before the reunion. And Helloween didn't just sputter with a bunch of so-so albums. These albums are damn masterpieces. Why fuck with that? So I really understand.


But me? I'm a huge Kiske guy. He's easily my favorite singer and 2nd place is not even close. The Keepers albums (together) are are #4 on my Top 50 (after I&W, Strangers, TNOTB). So those albums are literally among the best music these ears have ever heard. For me.


After Instant Clarity, Kiske disappeared from the metal scene, and put out a bunch of albums. I had to rationalize hard to like them. Musically, they were pretty poor. But that voice..
Thank God Toby Sammett slowly pulled it out of Kiske.

I actually didn't need a Helloween reunion to be make me happy. I was more than thrilled with Unisonic. Just hearing Kiske sing in this style, where he should be, is wonderful.

So now there's a reunion. And it's not just Kiske, but it's Kai as well. Him leaving Helloween two albums before Kiske left had a huge effect on the band. And not for the good.

I would be totally against the reunion if they were fucking over Andi. Seriously.


and witnessing this Helloween reunion has literally been one of the most exciting, gratifying, and meaningful experiences of my musical life.

Regardless of my opinion, I'm glad they did it to get reactions like this.  I'll cop my 'meh' reaction to  have other people feel like this.

Thanks Kade.



The reunion has already gone beyond my wildest dreams.

I never thought it could have happened to begin with. At best, I'd figure that for the sake of closure one day at Wacken Michael Kiske would show up for the encore and sing three songs. Instead we got a comeback of him and Hansen without anyone else in the band losing the job, a very cool reunion song that celebrated the band's history and showed that the three singers could work, a monumental tour with 3 hours show that was loved by almost everyone, and now we get a new friggin' album. Unbelieavable.

I agree with this.



After reading about their history as a band, and when Deris joined the group, I realized, he is the main vocalist of Helloween and not Kiske. Kiske was the classic vocalist, as Kai was the classic original founder and guitarist for the band, whom was also once their singer. And, I think Andi has amazing vocals, and a great range, and is actually a better singer than Kiske. But I enjoy both, so it's not bad for me.
Andi is amazing. And fearless.



It was when I first watched a video for Keeper of The Seven Keys from the reunion live show is when I really gained an interest in them. It was also, how much fun they're having on stage with each other. Kiske and Deris facing each other is fun to watch, and so is seeing both go all out belting those notes. 

And this is the rub. This is why this works. And it's why the Maiden reunion works.


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on June 13, 2021, 01:29:06 PM
The reunion has already gone beyond my wildest dreams.

I never thought it could have happened to begin with. At best, I'd figure that for the sake of closure one day at Wacken Michael Kiske would show up for the encore and sing three songs. Instead we got a comeback of him and Hansen without anyone else in the band losing the job, a very cool reunion song that celebrated the band's history and showed that the three singers could work, a monumental tour with 3 hours show that was loved by almost everyone, and now we get a new friggin' album. Unbelieavable.

At this point I'm kinda bummed it didn't happen 5 or 10 years later, but the timing had to be right, let's take what we got which is already a lot, and let's look forward to a bright future where every day is October 31th  :metal

I'm just bummed I never discovered Helloween sooner, like in Highschool.  :lol

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on June 13, 2021, 01:48:34 PM
The reunion has already gone beyond my wildest dreams.

I never thought it could have happened to begin with. At best, I'd figure that for the sake of closure one day at Wacken Michael Kiske would show up for the encore and sing three songs. Instead we got a comeback of him and Hansen without anyone else in the band losing the job, a very cool reunion song that celebrated the band's history and showed that the three singers could work, a monumental tour with 3 hours show that was loved by almost everyone, and now we get a new friggin' album. Unbelieavable.

At this point I'm kinda bummed it didn't happen 5 or 10 years later, but the timing had to be right, let's take what we got which is already a lot, and let's look forward to a bright future where every day is October 31th  :metal

I remember thinking way back when the tour was announced, that it would be such a dream come true if this seven peace lineup would become permanent! But I also figured that it would be too difficult to work in the long term. Imagine my surprise when they announced that they are continuing with this lineup! :metal

This lineup to me is basically Helloween 2.0. All the numerous lineup changes have lead to this. Sky is the limit on what they are able to accomplish with this group. Iron Maiden went on to create some of their best albums during the reunion era, and I hope that the future holds the same for this reunited Helloween. I can't wait to hear the self titled on June 18th!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 13, 2021, 02:09:43 PM
Just wanted to say that this reunion is still short one person...

(https://i.imgur.com/fFW3L6c.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on June 13, 2021, 02:12:34 PM
The one with only the right hand on the pic?!  :lol
Amazing pic, Tim!!! :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 13, 2021, 03:15:45 PM
 :metal



Another cool interview with Kiske..

https://youtu.be/mOtUMG08ka4?t=454
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 13, 2021, 04:03:55 PM
Just wanted to say that this reunion is still short one person...

Yeah, it's a shame Ingo is not around to be involved.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 13, 2021, 04:06:22 PM
Just wanted to say that this reunion is still short one person...

Yeah, it's a shame Ingo is not around to be involved.  ;D

Here he is!

(https://i.imgur.com/G8USR3S.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 13, 2021, 04:09:53 PM
However, I'm not really feeling it.  I've watched most of the United Alive show and have the CD, but for some reason, I'm not just really taking to the two singer thing.  I discovered Helloween with The Dark Ride.  From there it went Rabbit, Better Than Raw and then the Keeper albums were sprinkled in throughout.  I always preferred the heavier style of the Deris era.  I love the Keeper albums but as I said, that stuff appealed to me more.  I also saw the band on the Gambling with the Devil tour which was killer. 

So I guess I've always seen the band as Andi's band, I think that era is Helloween to me.  But there's something about the 2 singer thing live I find cheesy and yeah, is not really exciting me all that much. 

I totally get that Kade. Makes perfect sense. It had been his band for over 20 years before the reunion. And Helloween didn't just sputter with a bunch of so-so albums. These albums are damn masterpieces. Why fuck with that? So I really understand.


But me? I'm a huge Kiske guy. He's easily my favorite singer and 2nd place is not even close. The Keepers albums (together) are are #4 on my Top 50 (after I&W, Strangers, TNOTB). So those albums are literally among the best music these ears have ever heard. For me.


After Instant Clarity, Kiske disappeared from the metal scene, and put out a bunch of albums. I had to rationalize hard to like them. Musically, they were pretty poor. But that voice..
Thank God Toby Sammett slowly pulled it out of Kiske.

I actually didn't need a Helloween reunion to be make me happy. I was more than thrilled with Unisonic. Just hearing Kiske sing in this style, where he should be, is wonderful.

So now there's a reunion. And it's not just Kiske, but it's Kai as well. Him leaving Helloween two albums before Kiske left had a huge effect on the band. And not for the good.

I would be totally against the reunion if they were fucking over Andi. Seriously.


and witnessing this Helloween reunion has literally been one of the most exciting, gratifying, and meaningful experiences of my musical life.

Regardless of my opinion, I'm glad they did it to get reactions like this.  I'll cop my 'meh' reaction to  have other people feel like this.

Thanks Kade.

And I appreciate all that Tim and as I said, I can see this as a dream come true for yourself and others discovering the band at the time.  Just a different time when I discovered them.  I was able to buy the albums as they came out from Rabbit onwards which is rare for me with these classic bands so the later stuff I really treasure.  I'll admit the last Deris album was the only one that was under par so this reunion did come at the right time.  And yes, having Deris and Sascha involved makes me happy.

With Kiske don't forget Place Vendome.  That first album while not metal, really was another stepping stone in Kiske getting back into this type of music.  I believe we have Dennis Ward to thank just as much as Tobi.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 13, 2021, 04:51:34 PM
I posted an interview with Kiske a few posts ago, and he talks about Kosta and Dennis Ward and how everything led to coming back.
Hell yes, that first Place Vendome album is amazing!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 13, 2021, 05:08:02 PM
Awesome interview with Dani Loble..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqoRPmDDDs0


Really insightful.


Same guy interviews Sasha Gerstner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubj6pR025SY&lc=Ugyd9o-7Zdv3sbrzyRB4AaABAg


They spend the last 5-10 minutes talking about Michael Schenker.


@Kade, this guy is from your neck of the woods. He talks about it at the beginning of the Dani interview.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 13, 2021, 06:04:28 PM
Wondering why Roland Grapow hasn't been involved in any part of the reunion?
Sure he was only onboard for a 6 studio albums, but I do find it a little odd that and in his own words, he was never asked.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on June 13, 2021, 06:09:36 PM
Wondering why Roland Grapow hasn't been involved in any part of the reunion?
Sure he was only onboard for a 6 studio albums, but I do find it a little odd that and in his own words, he was never asked.

Label was probably all..."4 guitarists?! Nah, that's just too much. Best not include Grapow."  :lol

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 13, 2021, 06:28:56 PM
Yup I thought the same thing 4 guitarists too much, but they could have brought him out for say the encores for a few shows at least.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 13, 2021, 06:42:40 PM
I can't back it up, but I didn't think they were on good terms. I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 13, 2021, 07:11:34 PM
Awesome interview with Dani Loble..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqoRPmDDDs0


Really insightful.


Same guy interviews Sasha Gerstner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubj6pR025SY&lc=Ugyd9o-7Zdv3sbrzyRB4AaABAg


They spend the last 5-10 minutes talking about Michael Schenker.


@Kade, this guy is from your neck of the woods. He talks about it at the beginning of the Dani interview.

I'll try and check these tonight mate.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 13, 2021, 07:16:17 PM
Wondering why Roland Grapow hasn't been involved in any part of the reunion?
Sure he was only onboard for a 6 studio albums, but I do find it a little odd that and in his own words, he was never asked.

Both Uli and Roland did not split on good terms.  Weiki felt that they were both taking the sound a little too outside the Helloween mould too much with the Dark Ride I believe.  You can see they both wrote the heavier stuff while Weiki wrote the happy stuff and Andi was somewhere in between.

Weiki apparently fired both of them by email after the Dark Ride tour.  There is a interview (it should be on youtube) at the time the first Masterplan album came out.  It actually came as an enhanced cd with the debut.  Both Uli and Roland are very bitter and they let it know in that interview.  When this all was announced, I never ever expected Roland to be asked.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 13, 2021, 07:47:26 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/252lgNE.jpg)

Thought I'd post this pic..

I just listened to Fear Of The Fallen and the edited Skyfall. I love all three guys singing. Both songs are fucking A amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 13, 2021, 08:27:46 PM
https://sleazeroxx.com/andi-deris-states-roland-grapow-and-uli-kusch-not-part-of-pumpkins-united-as-they-betrayed-helloween/


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 13, 2021, 09:36:27 PM
That's a real shame that even after all these years they can't sit down have a beer and make friends again.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 13, 2021, 11:17:03 PM
https://sleazeroxx.com/andi-deris-states-roland-grapow-and-uli-kusch-not-part-of-pumpkins-united-as-they-betrayed-helloween/

I wish Andi would elaborate a bit more as opposed to just badmouthing them.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 13, 2021, 11:18:38 PM
This is the video I was referring to

https://youtu.be/QBe8ByC4xE0
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 14, 2021, 06:42:49 AM
https://sleazeroxx.com/andi-deris-states-roland-grapow-and-uli-kusch-not-part-of-pumpkins-united-as-they-betrayed-helloween/

I wish Andi would elaborate a bit more as opposed to just badmouthing them.

It was the first thing that came up when I googled it. Could be a translation issue.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 15, 2021, 01:24:05 AM
Excited that CD Japan have shipped my Helloween CD's (Reg and Special Editions)  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 15, 2021, 01:29:55 AM
https://sleazeroxx.com/andi-deris-states-roland-grapow-and-uli-kusch-not-part-of-pumpkins-united-as-they-betrayed-helloween/

I wish Andi would elaborate a bit more as opposed to just badmouthing them.

It was the first thing that came up when I googled it. Could be a translation issue.

I vividly remember an interview after the split where Grapow complained about things in the band, there was a passage that went "we used to play Keeper of the Seven Keys, Kids of the Century, all this cool stuff, and then we couldn't play them anymore, why? [I still remember the interviewer noting that Grapow just mouthed the words without pronouncing them] becuase Andi can't sing them".

That was 2002 and sure enough, in 2003 Keeper of the Seven Keys came back to the set (and remained also for the 2005 tours with arguably better performances). We might never know but a little part of me thinks that Andi got wind of that interview and wanted to prove him wrong.

Or maybe the band decided that it was a smart "business move" to fill the set with more classic Keeper songs, dunno.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on June 15, 2021, 01:12:57 PM
| don't know if this Helloween's biography will be released worldwide, but it will be released here in Brazil in october, so I guess it will be released everywhere. In Italy, already on this month:

http://www.tsunamiedizioni.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=185&category_id=8&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=43&vmcchk=1&Itemid=43&fbclid=IwAR0K3cJ_Uc3NutspES2p7CP07ikweog1Mhp7_IvgNsdrS5sSVPjb0RMbcW4

http://www.metalhammer.it/2021/05/20/tsunami-edizioni-in-arrivo-pumpkins-fly-free-di-massimo-longoni/
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 15, 2021, 01:18:39 PM
D, Metal Hammer IS THE reason I discovered Helloween.


Oh, and I couldn't read a thing on that site, and it didn't seem to have a language chooser.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on June 15, 2021, 02:04:48 PM
Neither did I!  :D Unfortunately italian isn't much close to portuguese like spanish is. But google translator always can help. Anyway, just to share the news, since I guess this will the first relevant Helloween biography (maybe I'm wrong).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on June 15, 2021, 02:22:55 PM
https://sleazeroxx.com/andi-deris-states-roland-grapow-and-uli-kusch-not-part-of-pumpkins-united-as-they-betrayed-helloween/

I wish Andi would elaborate a bit more as opposed to just badmouthing them.

Andi clarifies this more on this interview, about Roland at least (at 30:06 mark):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kINidDJsW-4&t=2008s

In short, Andi said that Roland betrayed the band financially, meaning that Roland used a lot of money from the band, without communicating it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 15, 2021, 02:23:48 PM
My Google browser translated it okay, doesn't mention if it's official or not though.

BTW today 16th June is the official release date of the new album in Japan so it's up on YT already.
I am gonna wait for the CD or at least the FLAC files  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 15, 2021, 02:29:07 PM
It's not on YT here.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 15, 2021, 02:29:32 PM
The book:

They established the canons of power metal, thanks to an original recipe capable of combining speed and power with great melody and lyrics full of irony and positivity. And they have lived more than thirty-five years of history, between dizzying ascents, ruinous falls and unexpected resurrections.
They are Helloween, the "pumpkins" of metal, founded in Hamburg at the beginning of the Eighties by Kai Hansen and Ingo Schwichtenberg and jumped to global success with the arrival of Michael Kiske on vocals and the release of two consecutive albums, the Seven Keys Part 1 and Part 2, unanimously considered to be true milestones of the genre.
Referred to by many as the designated heirs of Iron Maiden to the throne of metal, they soon found themselves with a great future behind them, having to face traumatic line-up changes, painful griefs and heavy flops. A crisis that was overcome in the mid-nineties thanks to the arrival of singer Andi Deris and the perseverance of guitarist Michael Weikath, a unique character, loved as much as hated and seen by many as a moody father-master of the group.
While around them dozens of bands found success by copying their recipe and the ex Kai Hansen carried on the banner of power with his Gamma Ray, Helloween climbed the slope challenging accusations of betrayal to metal and lack of credibility, churning out a record after another, always faithful to their philosophy.
A long ride that culminated in the triumphant reunion of 2016 that repaid the Helloween for all the difficulties faced in the past, taking them around the world for almost two years in full arenas and stadiums, opening yet another new chapter in one of the most interesting stories and troubled by metal. A story that is told here for the first time in depth from the beginning to the present day, enriched by the analysis of all the discs published.

The author:

Son of the Eighties and curious by nature, Massimo Longoni is a musical omnivore who grew up listening to pop, rock, metal, songwriters, hip hop and even a little opera. All genres of which he then had the opportunity to write. He has collaborated with Jam, Guitar Club, Donna Moderna, Onstage, Tv Smiles and songs and for some of these he still writes. He participated in the creation of the Dictionary of pop-rock by Enzo Gentile and Alberto Tonti and in 1000 concerts that changed our lives, edited by Ezio Guaitamacchi. Since 2007 he has been dealing with the entertainment pages of Tgcom24.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 15, 2021, 06:06:59 PM
https://sleazeroxx.com/andi-deris-states-roland-grapow-and-uli-kusch-not-part-of-pumpkins-united-as-they-betrayed-helloween/

I wish Andi would elaborate a bit more as opposed to just badmouthing them.

Andi clarifies this more on this interview, about Roland at least (at 30:06 mark):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kINidDJsW-4&t=2008s

In short, Andi said that Roland betrayed the band financially, meaning that Roland used a lot of money from the band, without communicating it.

Don't know the specifics but it seems weird Roland would have access to the bands money.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 15, 2021, 06:07:41 PM
My Google browser translated it okay, doesn't mention if it's official or not though.

BTW today 16th June is the official release date of the new album in Japan so it's up on YT already.
I am gonna wait for the CD or at least the FLAC files  ;D

Yeah, I might wait for the cd with this one.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 15, 2021, 07:59:01 PM
My Google browser translated it okay, doesn't mention if it's official or not though.

BTW today 16th June is the official release date of the new album in Japan so it's up on YT already.
I am gonna wait for the CD or at least the FLAC files  ;D

Yeah, I might wait for the cd with this one.

You might want to...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 15, 2021, 10:09:43 PM
My Google browser translated it okay, doesn't mention if it's official or not though.

BTW today 16th June is the official release date of the new album in Japan so it's up on YT already.
I am gonna wait for the CD or at least the FLAC files  ;D

Yeah, I might wait for the cd with this one.

You might want to...

Not quite sure where you're heading with this to be honest.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Dittomist on June 15, 2021, 11:02:11 PM
I'm a weak, weak man and couldn't resist listening to one more new song before the album's official release: "Out for the Glory." It's a really fun and explosive opening track, but Kiske might as well be singing in German because I can't make out a single word.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 16, 2021, 07:30:09 AM
It has the exact same intro to South Of Heaven.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 16, 2021, 03:50:17 PM
There are NO words, well one comes to mind, 'epic'  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 16, 2021, 08:05:54 PM
Skyfall is amazing. For the single edit, the only vocal cut from the album version is the second verse which features Andi and Michael, and the outro featuring Kai. If the edit included the second verse, it'd be perfect.

I wish vocally, more of the album took this approach. All three are fantastic on it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Dittomist on June 16, 2021, 09:20:02 PM
I’m loving this album so far! Mass Pollution is insanely cool!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on June 16, 2021, 10:13:41 PM
Liked every song on first listen. That hasn’t happened with a Helloween album in a while.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: the_silent_man on June 17, 2021, 04:30:48 AM
Looking forward to checking this out tomorrow.

Cover art still bothers me in that it's awesome, but that damn Helloween logo is poorly positioned in both versions. It's either directly over the angel's face or over the end of the trumpet.
Annoys me that this couldn't have been more thought through.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 17, 2021, 04:50:02 AM
I prefer the one where the logo isn't over the guy's face. Even if it covers the end of the trumpet, the trumpet is hardly visible in either of the versions.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on June 17, 2021, 06:48:00 AM
The album is awesome - they really put all of the singers to great use.  Best Time is such a catchy song.  Mass Pollution has a killer riff.  I wasn't really into Skyfall when it came out, but the album version is great. 

I would have preferred a few faster and heavier songs, but aside from that, I can't complain.  It's a really strong album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on June 17, 2021, 08:43:15 AM
Definitely the best Kiske/Deris album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 17, 2021, 09:59:53 AM
Definitely the best Kiske/Deris album.

 :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on June 17, 2021, 10:07:46 AM
My Google browser translated it okay, doesn't mention if it's official or not though.

BTW today 16th June is the official release date of the new album in Japan so it's up on YT already.
I am gonna wait for the CD or at least the FLAC files  ;D

Yeah, I might wait for the cd with this one.

You might want to...

Not quite sure where you're heading with this to be honest.

True - it could be hinting at two very different conclusions  :biggrin: Which is it?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 17, 2021, 01:17:39 PM
I liked a lot of it on my first listen. This is going to be such a fun ride.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 17, 2021, 04:44:43 PM
As much as I love Michael Kiske, and holy shit I love Michael Kiske, and Kai Hansen, this really doesn't work for me if Andi and Sasha get fucked.

I didn't notice Andi on the first couple listens because Kiske fucking kills. But the more I listen, the clearer Andi becomes and he is great on this. I still feel like he's a little shortchanged, but the more I listen, the more I find him.

And Sasha's two songs are outstanding. Best Time is an earworm for sure, and Angels...this song is a masterpiece.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 17, 2021, 04:51:50 PM
As much as I love Michael Kiske, and holy shit I love Michael Kiske, and Kai Hansen, this really doesn't work for me if Andi and Sasha get fucked.

I didn't notice Andi on the first couple listens because Kiske fucking kills. But the more I listen, the clearer Andi becomes and he is great on this. I still feel like he's a little shortchanged, but the more I listen, the more I find him.

And Sasha's two songs are outstanding. Best Time is an earworm for sure, and Angels...this song is a masterpiece.

I think it probably comes down to Kiske having such a presence and distinct tone in his voice, it would be hard for him to get lost in a group of singers.  I mean, take Avantasia, you can listen and hear all these different voice, but when a song comes with Kiske, holy shit you take notice.  Haven't heard the album just thinking aloud.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 17, 2021, 04:54:04 PM
Oh totally, and my ears totally perk up when I hear him. But I hear more Andi with each listen.

And make a note of Angels. It's an amazing track.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 17, 2021, 04:55:18 PM
Oh totally, and my ears totally perk up when I hear him. But I hear more Andi with each listen.

And make a note of Angels. It's an amazing track.

Big fan of Sascha since he came in on Rabbit.  Very good songwriter.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on June 17, 2021, 07:14:17 PM
I can't stop listening to this record.  The middle drops off a bit for me because the first 4 songs and the last 3 (excluding Orbit) are so good. 

I felt the opposite - I didn't think Andi was featured enough.  I really wanted a fast, heavy track with him.  I think Andi just kind of blends in because Kiske stands out.  I hear him a lot in the background and doubling up with Kiske at times.

I love that the singers put their egos aside for this reunion.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 17, 2021, 07:17:15 PM
I felt the opposite - I didn't think Andi was featured enough. 

No, I agree with that! I'm just saying that my ears pick him up the more I go. I said I felt he was shortchanged.




I can't stop listening to this record. 

I know the feeling.

Robot King! :metal

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on June 17, 2021, 08:37:02 PM
I'm on the first listenings, but I'm already loving this album. Oddly the song that I liked least was Out for the Glory that it's too much "pure" power metal for my taste, but I already see it being a favorite of many. Fear of the Fallen, Mass Pollution, Angels (I almost hear some Pain of Salvation here?!), Indestructible, Robot King (now this is power metal for my taste!), Orbit/Skyfall are really great. The instrumentation is top notch and the vocal arrangements are really perfect, no complaints!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on June 17, 2021, 08:41:01 PM
Anyone else heard the Eagle Fly Free chorus chord progression in Out for the Glory? Not the first time they reused that chord progression I think.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 17, 2021, 08:45:51 PM
Got through 4/5 listens already, was a good solid first listen, but keeps getting better and better the more I hear it.
Things I noticed, Kai doesn't have much of a vocal presence, not sure what solo's he is playing?
Sonically this sounds amazing, has some compression, but overall prod/mix/master sounds quite dynamic.
I really like every song, makes me so happy to hear this glorious sound once again.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 17, 2021, 10:54:45 PM
Hoping there's some ripper solos on this album too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Dittomist on June 17, 2021, 11:26:11 PM
Yeah, it's craaaaaaazy just how much of an improvement this album is over My God Given Right! All the hard work they put into it really shows. My favorites at the moment are Mass Pollution, Best Time (I'll be shocked if they don't make a video for this one), Down in the Dumps, Angels, and Robot King. And I love how the album ends with Kai Hansen screaming "Somewhere out in space!"
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 18, 2021, 01:10:54 AM
I must have been tired from work and from the heat, 'cause I didn't connect with the songs at first listening. I truly hope the further listenings will improve  :D

Skyfall is amazing though. I wish they would have actually ended the song, I get that being the last track and it's an open ending the fade out has kinda of a reason to be, but since you have to come up with an ending anyway for when you'll play it live, why don't do it already on the album?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on June 18, 2021, 02:31:42 AM
I'm very happy after listening to this album! :metal

Easily their best work since "Gambling with the Devil", even without taking into account that Hansen and Kiske are back. Only song that didn't click instantly was "Angels". It's weird and different, and I love that they are experimenting! But being in between of "Mass Pollution" and "Rise Without Chains" which are both anthemic rockers, it creates a jarring break from the power metal goodness.

Album also sounds absolutely fantastic to my ear! Charlie Bauerfeind did a great job for once. :biggrin: Kiske and Hansen fit in very nicely, and the whole group sounds like a well oiled machine! I absolutely love "Best Time"!! It is in all it's simplicity, one of the best Helloween songs I've ever heard! The ending of "Skyfall" is epic! I love that just before the song fades out, Kai starts singing the chorus of "Somewhere out in Space"! A cool Easter egg !

Going to be listening to this a lot!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 18, 2021, 03:10:58 AM
I'm very happy after listening to this album! :metal

Easily their best work since "Gambling with the Devil", even without taking into account that Hansen and Kiske are back. Only song that didn't click instantly was "Angels". It's weird and different, and I love that they are experimenting! But being in between of "Mass Pollution" and "Rise Without Chains" which are both anthemic rockers, it creates a jarring break from the power metal goodness.

Album also sounds absolutely fantastic to my ear! Charlie Bauerfeind did a great job for once. :biggrin: Kiske and Hansen fit in very nicely, and the whole group sounds like a well oiled machine! I absolutely love "Best Time"!! It is in all it's simplicity, one of the best Helloween songs I've ever heard! The ending of "Skyfall" is epic! I love that just before the song fades out, Kai starts singing the chorus of "Somewhere out in Space"! A cool Easter egg !

Going to be listening to this a lot!

My exact thoughts  :o
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ariich on June 18, 2021, 05:31:36 AM
Only song that didn't click instantly was "Angels". It's weird and different, and I love that they are experimenting! But being in between of "Mass Pollution" and "Rise Without Chains" which are both anthemic rockers, it creates a jarring break from the power metal goodness.
Tastes are an amazing thing, Angels is easily the standout for me so far. A melodic approach that's right up my alley, more so than most modern Helloween.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 18, 2021, 06:09:15 AM
Only song that didn't click instantly was "Angels". It's weird and different, and I love that they are experimenting! But being in between of "Mass Pollution" and "Rise Without Chains" which are both anthemic rockers, it creates a jarring break from the power metal goodness.
Tastes are an amazing thing, Angels is easily the standout for me so far. A melodic approach that's right up my alley, more so than most modern Helloween.

Yes! I think Angels is a mini masterpiece.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: twosuitsluke on June 18, 2021, 06:37:11 AM
I listened to a lot of Helloween's catalogue back about 15 years ago, but the only albums that remained on my ipod were The Keeper of the Seven Keys albums (surprisingly).

There's clearly a bit of a buzz around this album, with TAC leading the charge  :lol  so I guess I should give it a listen and join in. I'm preparing my palette currently by listening to Galneryus' new album
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 18, 2021, 07:18:04 AM
I am currently listening to Angels. Given that plenty of songs on the album deliver the good ol' classic Helloween, it's great to have a handful of tracks that leave you wondering where they came from. Angels is one of them.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on June 18, 2021, 08:25:08 AM
Disclaimer: I like Helloween (I have all of their albums), but I'm not a huge fan (meaning: it's not like I was counting down the days to this release)

So, I don't think I'm too affected by sentimental factors (Kiske, Hansen, the good old times etc.). Well, the impression after the first listen is very, VERY positive. This sounds like a very well crafted album, with great songs and melodies. It seems to me it successfully manages to be "classic" and interesting at the same time. Not phoned in at all. Lots to take in, though (just in term of sheer amount of music!), so I'm excited for further listens.

Also agree with the positive comments on Angels (real cool progression in the chorus), and enjoyed the catchiness of Best Time.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 18, 2021, 09:08:47 AM
Finally decide to check out the two bonus tracks on the EURO 2CD edition.
Golden Times is classic speed metal Helloween and Kiske best vocals from this era, could have and maybe should have been on the album proper.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on June 18, 2021, 11:52:06 AM
Finally decide to check out the two bonus tracks on the EURO 2CD edition.
Golden Times is classic speed metal Helloween and Kiske best vocals from this era, could have and maybe should have been on the album proper.

I did too. Yes, Golden Times is as classic as it gets. Maybe "too" classic, and that's why it's not on the album proper? Agreed on Kiske's vocals being excellent.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 18, 2021, 02:34:33 PM
Ok, second listening was definitively better. Skyfall is by far the best song, there's hardly competition. Out for Glory is a cool opener, and Fear of the Fallen is a solid track. Best Time is cool, but reminds me of Unisonic's Exceptional quite a bit. The rest is a bit of a blur after two listenings but I'm sure the songs will grow on me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 18, 2021, 03:00:25 PM
Definitely gets better with each play, I've heard it almost 10 times and it's grown on me each time.
BTW Japan only bonus track 'We Are Real' is the weakest of all the re-united songs.
Kai takes lead vocals (Deris is heard in the chorus) and it sounds like an average Gamma Ray song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 18, 2021, 03:19:51 PM
I stumbled upon Golden Times last night and gave it a listen. My initial thought was that it didn't deserve to be on the album. I'll hit it again tonight.

Best Time is cool, but reminds me of Unisonic's Exceptional quite a bit.

Oh absolutely. I thought the same right away.



Skyfall is by far the best song, there's hardly competition.

It is so good.




EDIT: Just gave Golden Times a couple more listens and yes..I have no idea what I was thinking. That's a great tune. Apparently another Sasha tune as well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Dittomist on June 18, 2021, 06:22:54 PM
It feels strange complaining about anything considering how much this album fucking rules, but yeah, I wish "Golden Times" were on the actual album rather than "Indestructible" or "Cyanide." Most of the album is high-energy and loud, and so I feel this pleasant, calmer song would have been a nice breather. At least it came with the iTunes download.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 18, 2021, 06:27:22 PM
I would've liked a few more lead vocals parts from Kai. The only other thing I would've changed is that I would've liked the opening track to feature Andi as well, kind of like a united front from the jump. Out For The Glory seems to be all Kiske.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 18, 2021, 06:44:38 PM
Just picked up the 2cd deluxe version.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 18, 2021, 06:45:13 PM
Just picked up the 2cd deluxe version.  :metal

 :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 18, 2021, 06:52:09 PM
Just picked up the 2cd deluxe version.  :metal

 :metal :metal

Surprised we could get it so easily here.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on June 18, 2021, 07:00:53 PM
"ROBOT KING!!!!"

That's gonna be so fun to sing live.

I am loving how the lows are mixed on this release, especially the Toms.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 18, 2021, 07:17:07 PM
Out and about solo this morning so straight in the car.  Promising start.  The first four songs is a great mix of the band's styles and eras.  Not sure on the production and mix yet but some cd's don't seem to sound their best in my car.  Saying that, I haven't been the biggest fan of the production on the last few anyway.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Zoom E on June 18, 2021, 07:17:52 PM
My copy of the CD won’t be shipped until between July 6 - 12. Amazon Canada is really dropping the ball with new releases lately. So until then I will experience the album vicariously via this thread.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 18, 2021, 07:23:06 PM
Out and about solo this morning so straight in the car.  Promising start.  The first four songs is a great mix of the band's styles and eras.  Not sure on the production and mix yet but some cd's don't seem to sound their best in my car.  Saying that, I haven't been the biggest fan of the production on the last few anyway.

I was pleasantly surprised how good the album sounds, as I already stated compression isn't too noticeable.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 18, 2021, 07:42:41 PM
Two songs that I really find interesting are Down In the Dumps and Robot King. Both are Weikath songs.
I like how they both integrate both singers, even Kai in DITD. The choruses are a bit clunky in each, but the musicianship and arrangements are amazing. 4:57 of Robot King is a classy AF touch.

I think both songs are amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 18, 2021, 08:02:36 PM
Part of the Helloween charm has always been the clunky bits, the daft lyrics, the goofy song titles and the humour.

I am now wondering did they do whole song takes with each singer?
See which fitted best and saved them for the official album.
That would lead to believe of other versions in the future ('Tour Edition') of an album of alternate vocals mixes.

Wow 'Golden Times' is classic Helloween, could have been lifted straight from the Keeper album's and written by Sascha  :o
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 18, 2021, 08:06:26 PM
I am now wondering did they do whole song takes with each singer?
See which fitted best and saved them for the official album.
That would lead to believe of other versions in the future ('Tour Edition') of an album of alternate vocals mixes.

I watched a number of interviews this week and it seemed that they did just that, or something along those lines.


I mean, just look at the Skyfall Alternate Vocals Mix..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvNwBdOUP4s


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 18, 2021, 08:07:53 PM
Out and about solo this morning so straight in the car.  Promising start.  The first four songs is a great mix of the band's styles and eras.  Not sure on the production and mix yet but some cd's don't seem to sound their best in my car.  Saying that, I haven't been the biggest fan of the production on the last few anyway.

I was pleasantly surprised how good the album sounds, as I already stated compression isn't too noticeable.

Yeah as I said, could be my system in the car.  It does sound an improvement over the last few.  My stereo at home will help too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 18, 2021, 10:43:46 PM
Just finished Cyanide.  A couple of songs to go but not sure what to think.  It's very good, but first listen didn't blow me away.

Tim, up to Cyanide, I don't really have an issue with the split of vocals.  Kiske definitely more prominent, but I kind of expected that.  But, Andi may be shortchanged, but not by much.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 18, 2021, 11:03:51 PM
I was happy with the first listen and glad I wasn't blown away, those albums for me have a very short life span.
I've listened around 10 times and it's definitely getting better with each play, I'm hearing more things that I had previously not noticed.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 18, 2021, 11:56:54 PM
There's a cool riddle in the booklet where you find hidden pumpkins and numbers and then line up the cd's on a couple of cipher wheels to get a code or something to get something online.  I'll do that later sometime.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 18, 2021, 11:58:01 PM
I was happy with the first listen and glad I wasn't blown away, those albums for me have a very short life span.
I've listened around 10 times and it's definitely getting better with each play, I'm hearing more things that I had previously not noticed.

Yeah, I'm really not going to judge at all yet.  Still lots to hear.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 19, 2021, 12:18:58 AM
The production and mix are surprisingly very good Charlie Bauerfeind has done a great job with the production and the mix (by Ronald Prent) is super clear.
Looking at RP history, he has done a lot of pop, which is evident by just how clear everything is on this record.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 19, 2021, 03:11:00 AM
I've only listened to the album twice and thought Andi was well featured. There are a couple of tracks that are just Andi, if I recall correctly, such as Cyanide and Mass polution. Those songs remind me of the more recent albums, which is great, I wouldn't want the album to be 80s Helloween all over again.

I have noticed, however, that there is less Kai Hansen on vocals, but I do not mind. I don't think they put that much effort into splitting the vocals equally. The priority was to write awesome music, regardless of who is singing which section.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 19, 2021, 03:14:28 AM
Does Kai even want to be a "full" singer, considering that even in Gamma Ray he gave up vocals recently and they hired a new singer?

Maybe I misunderstood the situation but the feel I get is that, yes, there are three singers, but it's actually two singers plus one. Andi and Michi are the singers, Kai is there just as an added bonus, and is not to be considered a full singer with equal status with Andi and Michi (and therefore with his vocals to be expected to be 33% of the album or slightly less). They are the two frontmen, Kai is just the wild card, the jolly, the extra one.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 19, 2021, 04:30:20 AM
Does Kai even want to be a "full" singer, considering that even in Gamma Ray he gave up vocals recently and they hired a new singer?

Maybe I misunderstood the situation but the feel I get is that, yes, there are three singers, but it's actually two singers plus one. Andi and Michi are the singers, Kai is there just as an added bonus, and is not to be considered a full singer with equal status with Andi and Michi (and therefore with his vocals to be expected to be 33% of the album or slightly less). They are the two frontmen, Kai is just the wild card, the jolly, the extra one.

Yeah, I never expected Kai to do much vocals at all.  I think he's actually featured more than I expected.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 19, 2021, 04:40:58 AM
Does Kai even want to be a "full" singer, considering that even in Gamma Ray he gave up vocals recently and they hired a new singer?

Maybe I misunderstood the situation but the feel I get is that, yes, there are three singers, but it's actually two singers plus one. Andi and Michi are the singers, Kai is there just as an added bonus, and is not to be considered a full singer with equal status with Andi and Michi (and therefore with his vocals to be expected to be 33% of the album or slightly less). They are the two frontmen, Kai is just the wild card, the jolly, the extra one.

Yeah, I never expected Kai to do much vocals at all.  I think he's actually featured more than I expected.

I like what he adds in his parts like on Skyfall. I don’t know. I’m not liking for a 1/3 split by any means but a bit here and there.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on June 19, 2021, 08:51:36 AM
Kai's contribution is his songwriting, and he likely spent his songwriting time writing Skyfall. Plus his guitar tone, solos, and riffs.

What I like about the vocals now are how good all 3 blend together. And create a unique harmony that only those 3 could do because of the styles of each singer.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Melphina on June 19, 2021, 09:12:37 AM
I do not like Skyfall as much as everybody else seems to. There are no below average songs on this record, mind, but almost everything else is stronger than Skyfall in my opinion. Andi's vocals are a highlight of this record to me. Each voice is used perfectly and that goes double for Andi. He sounds amazing, and his screamy, shouty singing sounds as good as ever. Mass Pollution and Robot King are fantastic. I think this will be the metal album of the year and to be frank the competition isn't even close.  I haven't been able to stop playing this. Out for the Glory is a perfect power metal song, and when Kiske sings "rule the eternal skies" I get chills. I hope this album goes down as a landmark album in power metal history.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on June 19, 2021, 12:17:10 PM
I do not like Skyfall as much as everybody else seems to. There are no below average songs on this record, mind, but almost everything else is stronger than Skyfall in my opinion. Andi's vocals are a highlight of this record to me. Each voice is used perfectly and that goes double for Andi. He sounds amazing, and his screamy, shouty singing sounds as good as ever. Mass Pollution and Robot King are fantastic. I think this will be the metal album of the year and to be frank the competition isn't even close.  I haven't been able to stop playing this. Out for the Glory is a perfect power metal song, and when Kiske sings "rule the eternal skies" I get chills. I hope this album goes down as a landmark album in power metal history.

I agree. It's a good song. But there's just other songs I like better. Indestructible, Robot King, Best Time, and Out For The Glory, which is a fantastic opener.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 19, 2021, 04:25:15 PM
On my first listen now. The version I bought, the limited edition earbook with black vinyl and 2 CDs doesn't come out until 6/25, so I went and bought the mp3 version on Amazon...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 20, 2021, 03:34:39 AM
Yeah, I don't like the production at all.  Just seems to lack oomph.  Sounds very flat to my ears and I don't know, it sounds muddy and I think the mix actually makes it difficult to hear everything for me personally.  The drums sound like shit too.  Must be me.

I may need to come back to this.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 20, 2021, 03:42:03 AM
I am on my second listen though and Best Time is brilliant, fucking brilliant.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on June 20, 2021, 04:03:21 AM
Yeah, I don't like the production at all.  Just seems to lack oomph.  Sounds very flat to my ears and I don't know, it sounds muddy and I think the mix actually makes it difficult to hear everything for me personally.  The drums sound like shit too.  Must be me.

I may need to come back to this.

I get what you're saying. I think to accommodate there being 3 vocalists & 3 guitarists, they opted to go for a more wall-of-sound approach where it's not designed for everything to be audible at the same time. I'm pretty neutral on it personally (despite me often disliking it in other albums), but it certainly lacks the punch of the previous few Helloween albums.

The songs themselves more than make up for it though, imo. :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 20, 2021, 04:05:38 AM
Yeah, I don't like the production at all.  Just seems to lack oomph.  Sounds very flat to my ears and I don't know, it sounds muddy and I think the mix actually makes it difficult to hear everything for me personally.  The drums sound like shit too.  Must be me.

I may need to come back to this.

I get what you're saying. I think to accommodate there being 3 vocalists & 3 guitarists, they opted to go for a more wall-of-sound approach where it's not designed for everything to be audible at the same time. I'm pretty neutral on it personally (despite me often disliking it in other albums), but it certainly lacks the punch of the previous few Helloween albums.

The songs themselves more than make up for it though, imo. :metal

Thanks IDNDT.  I thought it must have been me.  Yeah, I think you're right, the three guitar thing seems to get a bit lost as does the vocal layers maybe.  I don't think there's much depth in the sound.

Still listening, Mass Pollution is a fav, as is Robot King.  There is some pure Avantasia feel in this one for me,  Indestructible is nice too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 20, 2021, 04:37:13 AM
So, Golden Times is better than most song on the album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 20, 2021, 04:41:58 AM
So, if I look past the production, this is a pretty strong album.  It's basically a late Deris era album with Kiske thrown in and a Gamma Ray epic on the end.  Kai pretty much turns up for a few vocals and some solid soloing but when you listen to the songwriting on the album, it's clear he had no involvement besides Skyfall.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 20, 2021, 07:46:32 AM
I am on my second listen though and Best Time is brilliant, fucking brilliant.

So, Golden Times is better than most song on the album.

Thought you might like Best Time. Both of these songs happen to be Sasha tunes, as is Angels.
I think Angels is amazing.




Still listening, Mass Pollution is a fav, as is Robot King.  There is some pure Avantasia feel in this one for me,  Indestructible is nice too.

I've been listening to some of the interviews for this album, and Andi stated that he wrote both Fear Of The Fallen and Rise Without Chains with having two singers in mind, so that makes sense.



I watched a Kiske interview last night and he said Out For The Glory is actually a song that (Deris-era) Helloween already hadn't but just couldn't get it right enough to put on an album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on June 20, 2021, 01:27:04 PM
Keep going back to this and plenty enjoying what I'm hearing!

Best Time is SO good. I didn't know the Unisonic song - there are definite similarities in the overall mood and, well, a few notes in the chorus  ;) But I do enjoy the Helloween song better. And, again, Angels is excellent as the more "experimental" song (at least in the context of this record's sound).

But, truly, I think it's a very, very good album overall.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 20, 2021, 03:24:58 PM
I can't believe how good Michael Kiske sounds.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 20, 2021, 03:27:01 PM
I can't believe how good Michael Kiske sounds.

There was one song towards the back end where he hits some insanely high notes.  Highest notes I've ever heard from him I think.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 21, 2021, 01:15:19 AM
I can't believe how good Michael Kiske sounds.

He does sound amazing, some of those high notes are just insane.
Deris sounds great too and despite that he is a heavy smoker.
Everyone sounds great such a killer album I can't stop playing it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 21, 2021, 02:36:18 AM
The only issue I am having is that Kiske's pronounciation is a bit odd in my opinion. I have a hard time figuring out the words from time to time, especially in the opener. Other than that, his voice sounds full, and the high notes truly are insane. It's so great to have the man back.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 21, 2021, 04:48:13 AM
I can't believe how good Michael Kiske sounds.

He does sound amazing, some of those high notes are just insane.
Deris sounds great too and despite that he is a heavy smoker.
Everyone sounds great such a killer album I can't stop playing it.

Deris sounds great I think it's Robot King.  Some of his vocals there remind me of the heavier stuff like Push.  That's the shit I like.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 21, 2021, 05:49:45 AM
I love Robot King!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Lowdz on June 21, 2021, 05:56:48 AM
I can't believe how good Michael Kiske sounds.

He does sound amazing, some of those high notes are just insane.
Deris sounds great too and despite that he is a heavy smoker.
Everyone sounds great such a killer album I can't stop playing it.

I like the fact that it's not just Kiske singing. I can't take a whole album of him. Great vocalist that he is, that vibrato really grates on me - always has. Sorry Tim  We're not talking Robert Plant levels of dislike here though :biggrin:
Deris sounds great I think it's Robot King.  Some of his vocals there remind me of the heavier stuff like Push.  That's the shit I like.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on June 21, 2021, 06:53:35 AM
Interesting this. I also feel, although I love Kiske's voice, an entire album of him singing is a bit too much, even in the classic Helloween albums. His voice lacks puch when sometimes is needed. I think they achieved a perfect balance on vocals in this new album. And Deris has a lot of GREAT moments in the album. I have goosebumps at the end of Robot King when Andi kind goes out of nowhere and does that sreaming backing vocal "Kiiii....IIIIIIING!" :o :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Melphina on June 21, 2021, 07:21:31 AM
Interesting comments on Angels. I don't think there's much, if any, experimenting going on in that song; there's nothing on it that makes me raise an eyebrow or go 'wow that's different/new' like, say, half of Rabbit Don't Come Easy. In fact after a dozen or more spins it's the only song I find myself skipping. It's mostly because of the weak chorus melody and how it completely loses energy going into the chorus by dropping the speed entirely. Compare and contrast with songs like Out For The Glory, or Robot King, or Down In The Dumps. Andi is firing on all cylinders every time he's heard on this record, it continues to baffle me how he manages to sound like such a wailing demon this far into his career. The amount of high notes he's knocking out makes me wonder what the recording process for him was like. Robot King gets better every time I hear it. That's a contender for the all-time greatest Helloween songs list as far as I'm concerned.

The production on this doesn't bother me. It's crisp and clear and has a lot of punch. Granted it's not the best sounding metal record ever, but for Helloween, it's sure as shit better than the vast majority of their other albums. It reminds me of Gambling With The Devil. Lots of treble and lots of effects but without sacrificing any punch in the low end.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on June 21, 2021, 11:57:13 AM
Indestructible and Fear of the Fallen are my favourites from the first two listens. Not feeling Mass Pollution and Cyanide at all so far. Also I kinda dislike the spoken words in Best Time's chorus. Not feeling Out for the Glory either.

It's definitely way better than My God-Given Right, and it's also Monday so I might be a bit harsh on the album. I'll keep spinning it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on June 21, 2021, 12:41:37 PM
I love love love "Best Time"! :hefdaddy

I will bet anything that it's going to be a live staple going forward. When they are able to play live again anyway.. :P

There is not a song that I outright dislike on this album. I have even warmed up to "Angels"..
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 21, 2021, 12:44:23 PM
The only track that isn't grabbing me at all is Down in the dumps. Another one I was slightly underwhelmed with was Indestructable, but that one is growing on me. Robot king is also getting better with each listen, even though it really confused me at first.

As for the favorites, the obvious choices are Fear of the fallen, Out for the glory and Skyfall. However, Angels and Rise without chains are pretty much up there as well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 21, 2021, 01:01:12 PM
although I love Kiske's voice, an entire album of him singing is a bit too much,


(https://media0.giphy.com/media/3o6wrztLnEeJJPLplK/200.gif)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Melphina on June 21, 2021, 01:13:16 PM
although I love Kiske's voice, an entire album of him singing is a bit too much,


(https://media0.giphy.com/media/3o6wrztLnEeJJPLplK/200.gif)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 21, 2021, 01:14:29 PM
although I love Kiske's voice, an entire album of him singing is a bit too much,

UGH NO! It's an absolute pleasure to hear him singing this way in this band on this album.


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ErHaO on June 21, 2021, 01:20:56 PM
I can listen to an album with any of these vocalists (even Kai with his weird vocals always manages to write something that suits him). But the magic here for me is the combination. And I prefer Andi here (especially live, judging by United Alive and some stream material). Kiske has a great and unique sound overall, but sometimes I can't make out a single word.

I like the album. Helloween is one of those bands where I am not really a fan of any album, but throughout their years they have made some killer songs.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 21, 2021, 02:13:26 PM
I can listen to an album with any of these vocalists (even Kai with his weird vocals always manages to write something that suits him). But the magic here for me is the combination.

I agree. It really works. Think of how rare a reunion like this is in music. Has anything like this ever happened?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 21, 2021, 08:12:06 PM
Watching some interviews with Sasha tonight... In Best Time, it seems the "Yesterday is history" line in the chorus is Sasha. I guess I assumed it was Kai. Apparently the idea was that it would be Kai and Sasha, but they left Sasha's demo vocal in. Charlie's idea.



Also, Dani recorded this album on Ingo's drums.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 21, 2021, 11:24:56 PM
Watching some interviews with Sasha tonight... In Best Time, it seems the "Yesterday is history" line in the chorus is Sasha. I guess I assumed it was Kai. Apparently the idea was that it would be Kai and Sasha, but they left Sasha's demo vocal in. Charlie's idea.



Also, Dani recorded this album on Ingo's drums.

Yeah, that makes sense.  Thought it must have been Kai but it didn't quite sound like him.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 21, 2021, 11:49:18 PM
I was absolutely confident that was Kai. I still am. Sasha got confused, that has to be Kai!  :lol

And yeah, that is such a cringe line, but you kind of expect it from Helloween.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 22, 2021, 01:07:39 AM
Yeah 100% sounds like Kai, has to be him right?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on June 22, 2021, 01:13:14 AM
Helloween - Eagle Fly Free -Gabriela Guncikova -Marc Hudson -Michael Gilbert -Ken Mary -Gary Schutt (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJs-W-GOqzE&ab_channel=KenTamplinVocalAcademy)

Great cover! Never heard about Ken Mary, solid drummer.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 22, 2021, 02:27:38 AM
Yeah 100% sounds like Kai, has to be him right?
I mean, it's obviously not if Sasha claims that it is his voice on that line. But damn, does it sound like Kai.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 22, 2021, 09:07:29 AM
Some initial thoughts on the new album. I like it. I didn't take to it immediately, however. I'm now on my fourth listen to the album, and its really started to grab me. It could be that I'm not really a huge fan of Andi Deris' voice. I'm totally pro-Michael Kiske. I don't hate Deris by any stretch at all. I just feel Kiske has a superior voice. Deris deserves every bit of credit - without him, there likely would not have been a Helloween. But for me, Helloween was what Helloween was because of how Kiske's voice melded with the songs back in the day.

Anyway, that bit of context said, I really felt they played to each singer's strengths on this one. I'm so glad they were able to make this work, at least for one huge tour and now a new record. Deris and Kiske really mesh well, and Kai's vocals work too, for color and mood changing.

I don't want to go song by song, but after a slow start (I loved Skyfall when it came out, but once I got the record, it took a bit), I'm really starting to dig it now. I have my earbook being delivered this week. But I couldn't wait so I purchased the mp3s on Friday. :)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Lowdz on June 23, 2021, 04:10:27 AM
Helloween - Eagle Fly Free -Gabriela Guncikova -Marc Hudson -Michael Gilbert -Ken Mary -Gary Schutt (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJs-W-GOqzE&ab_channel=KenTamplinVocalAcademy)

Great cover! Never heard about Ken Mary, solid drummer.

Ken Mary is a great drummer.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 23, 2021, 07:35:28 PM
I'm still torn on this album.  I'm struggling with it a little to be honest.  I'll post more later.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 23, 2021, 07:37:43 PM
I'm still torn on this album.  I'm struggling with it a little to be honest.  I'll post more later.

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/70/57/4f/70574fe577a26b8da0bdc804fa803688.gif)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 23, 2021, 08:12:26 PM
I’ll put some thoughts down now while I can at work while it's running through my head.  As I mentioned before, I appreciate the reunion and understand that it had to happen and happy that it did.  I discovered Helloween when I picked up the Dark Ride as a blind purchase as it was discounted.  I’d heard earlier songs before like Eagle Fly Free, but I wasn’t prepared for that happier sounding style of metal just yet.  The Dark Ride blew me away and it was around the time Rabbit Don’t Come Easy was getting released.  That album is probably still my fav Helloween album.  I know that’s a polarizing opinion but it’s nostalgia for me.  I started to appreciate the happier sounding stuff while maintaining the heaviness.  I loved Deris’ voice too.  This allowed me to start to go back through and get into the Keeper albums and along with Jericho.  I followed Helloween from that album forward and it’s been a pleasure.

Ever album has been a winner in my book.  MGGR was pretty underwhelming though but it has its moments.  I had no real expectations for this album and since I wasn’t that excited with the reunion or the Alive show to be honest, I had no real anticipation for this one.  Listening to it a few times now, the production is hard for me to get past.  I think it quite frankly, sounds like shit.  It’s flat, lifeless and has no punch or power and IMO it’s mixed pretty poorly.  Helloween since Rabbit have never had great production for some reason but I always seemed to look past it.  I’m finding it hard to look past here.  The mesh of vocals and guitars I think makes it sound messier and cluttered more than what it needs to be.  The songs are good.  But this is basically a Deris era album featuring Michael Kiske with a kai Hansen written song.  I feel the album isn’t anything different compared to what the band have been doing.  Even though my anticipation was low, I thought with Kiske and Kai back, it would be a more collaborative writing effort with some more classic trademarks.  This album is a perfect continuation of MGGR in my eyes but it just feels Kiske is there because of the reunion.  Kai’s backing vocals at times are a nice touch but you wouldn’t know he’s there and it seems he had to write Skyfall IMO to warrant his involvement.

So, honestly, I love Kiske, but I think I’d like this album better if it were just the five guys, but that’s more likely my issue but as I said, can’t help they are there just because.  The makeup and writing of the album doesn’t seem to mesh with the whole reunion aspect in my book.  Don’t get me wrong, the songs are great and I’ll keep coming back to it, but yeah, the production hurts it a lot.  I’m pleased it’s being so well received but would love to know the reactions with the exact same songs (obviously without Skyfall) without Kiske or Kai.  I truly reckon it would be chalked up as ‘another solid Deris led outing flying the Helloween banner,’ or something like that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Pettor on June 24, 2021, 12:58:45 AM
Haven't listened to a new Helloween album since Keeper part 3, which I liked, since I never felt that connected to the style of power metal they make. Andi doesn't have a voice I am specially interested in hearing more from so this new album got me interested. Time has changed as well I guess since Kiske was once that one holy voice (together with Daniel Heiman from Lost Horizon) that just blew everything else out of the water. Keeper (the song) was also that one magic epic that I could spin over and over. Today it's not that special anymore. It's so over the top and the high vocals nearly become to much at some point. Haven't had any urge to listen to Helloween until I recently watched Kiske sing Keeper live (insane performance!) and remembered parts of why I once loved it. Should also mention that I got really into Gamma Ray again which was a band I always liked more than Helloween due to their many times awesome epics (Tribute To The Past, Heal Me, Armageddon etc. are amazing).

Anyyyyyway, that's the state going into this album. I was a bit hesitant if I would really get through an album with 14 songs. Thankfully Out of The Glory is a pretty great start for an album like this. Fun to hear Kiske again actually! However the first pretty straight forward tune that hits me is Best Time. Such a simple song but still got me hooked with that quite ridiculous Helloween vibe. But haha just hearing Kiske taking some high vocals for that final chorus is enough to give some goose bumps  ;D Been humming to the chorus over and over now.

Over the course of the remaining songs it's a bit hit and miss. A lot of the songs feels very straight forward template Helloween. I guess if you really like that template it's just glory all the way but for me it does get a bit same same. Would have liked something strange or unexpected. Kiske is nice to listen to but sometimes those constantly high pitched vocals becomes a bit too much. I definitely outgrown the need for that. Maybe like swearing in church but someone like LaBrie that can breathe a bit between the high vocals (and whose low register voice is quite different from the high pitch one) just feels more comfortable and gives a bit of needed dynamic range in my book.

Angels is a cool song btw. It has some parts where more emphasis goes to the keyboard layers which I like. Otherwise the songs can usually become the quite usual drum + guitar parts without any part of melody that stands out.

I would easily trim the songs on this album a bit. Skyfall is such a standout song and spinning the album becomes a bit difficult since it starts strong and then becomes a bit tedious from Rise Without Chains until Skyfall finally hits.

So regarding the main highlight then. I did listen to the Skyfall single edit when it came and liked it. It's really cool and has a lot of unique stuff that makes it different from the bunch. The "Little alien" part is maybe the main highlight of the whole album. SOOOO much Gamma Ray going on there  :metal Overall feels like a classic Helloween song that could been part of the Keeper albums.

For some strange reason the album doesn't end with Skyfall but there's two more songs. I still haven't been able to listen to those really. It feels overwhelming for me. I think there's a good reason most progressive bands,or even Helloween once, usually ends with the main epic as the finale. Behind The Surface with DT is one of the only good "cooldown" songs I know of.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on June 24, 2021, 01:09:20 AM
For some strange reason the album doesn't end with Skyfall but there's two more songs. I still haven't been able to listen to those really. It feels overwhelming for me. I think there's a good reason most progressive bands,or even Helloween once, usually ends with the main epic as the finale. Behind The Surface with DT is one of the only good "cooldown" songs I know of.

Skyfall is the album closer. The ones after are bonus tracks.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on June 24, 2021, 02:45:50 AM
I’ll put some thoughts down now while I can at work while it's running through my head.  As I mentioned before, I appreciate the reunion and understand that it had to happen and happy that it did.  I discovered Helloween when I picked up the Dark Ride as a blind purchase as it was discounted.  I’d heard earlier songs before like Eagle Fly Free, but I wasn’t prepared for that happier sounding style of metal just yet.  The Dark Ride blew me away and it was around the time Rabbit Don’t Come Easy was getting released.  That album is probably still my fav Helloween album.  I know that’s a polarizing opinion but it’s nostalgia for me.  I started to appreciate the happier sounding stuff while maintaining the heaviness.  I loved Deris’ voice too.  This allowed me to start to go back through and get into the Keeper albums and along with Jericho.  I followed Helloween from that album forward and it’s been a pleasure.

Ever album has been a winner in my book.  MGGR was pretty underwhelming though but it has its moments.  I had no real expectations for this album and since I wasn’t that excited with the reunion or the Alive show to be honest, I had no real anticipation for this one.  Listening to it a few times now, the production is hard for me to get past.  I think it quite frankly, sounds like shit.  It’s flat, lifeless and has no punch or power and IMO it’s mixed pretty poorly.  Helloween since Rabbit have never had great production for some reason but I always seemed to look past it.  I’m finding it hard to look past here.  The mesh of vocals and guitars I think makes it sound messier and cluttered more than what it needs to be.  The songs are good.  But this is basically a Deris era album featuring Michael Kiske with a kai Hansen written song.  I feel the album isn’t anything different compared to what the band have been doing.  Even though my anticipation was low, I thought with Kiske and Kai back, it would be a more collaborative writing effort with some more classic trademarks.  This album is a perfect continuation of MGGR in my eyes but it just feels Kiske is there because of the reunion.  Kai’s backing vocals at times are a nice touch but you wouldn’t know he’s there and it seems he had to write Skyfall IMO to warrant his involvement.

So, honestly, I love Kiske, but I think I’d like this album better if it were just the five guys, but that’s more likely my issue but as I said, can’t help they are there just because.  The makeup and writing of the album doesn’t seem to mesh with the whole reunion aspect in my book.  Don’t get me wrong, the songs are great and I’ll keep coming back to it, but yeah, the production hurts it a lot.  I’m pleased it’s being so well received but would love to know the reactions with the exact same songs (obviously without Skyfall) without Kiske or Kai.  I truly reckon it would be chalked up as ‘another solid Deris led outing flying the Helloween banner,’ or something like that.

I disagree with almost all the points you made about the new album, wolfking!

But that's okay, we all have opinions. :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 24, 2021, 04:59:18 AM
Lol, fair enough bear, I fully expect that.

I somewhat agree with Pettor.  Skyfall is probably the highlight and the only to me that makes sense in relation to the reunion and the only song with an old school Kiske Helloween feel.

Although, Best Time may actually be my fav here.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Melphina on June 24, 2021, 07:08:10 AM
I’ll put some thoughts down now while I can at work while it's running through my head.  As I mentioned before, I appreciate the reunion and understand that it had to happen and happy that it did.  I discovered Helloween when I picked up the Dark Ride as a blind purchase as it was discounted.  I’d heard earlier songs before like Eagle Fly Free, but I wasn’t prepared for that happier sounding style of metal just yet.  The Dark Ride blew me away and it was around the time Rabbit Don’t Come Easy was getting released.  That album is probably still my fav Helloween album.  I know that’s a polarizing opinion but it’s nostalgia for me.  I started to appreciate the happier sounding stuff while maintaining the heaviness.  I loved Deris’ voice too.  This allowed me to start to go back through and get into the Keeper albums and along with Jericho.  I followed Helloween from that album forward and it’s been a pleasure.

Ever album has been a winner in my book.  MGGR was pretty underwhelming though but it has its moments.  I had no real expectations for this album and since I wasn’t that excited with the reunion or the Alive show to be honest, I had no real anticipation for this one.  Listening to it a few times now, the production is hard for me to get past.  I think it quite frankly, sounds like shit.  It’s flat, lifeless and has no punch or power and IMO it’s mixed pretty poorly.  Helloween since Rabbit have never had great production for some reason but I always seemed to look past it.  I’m finding it hard to look past here.  The mesh of vocals and guitars I think makes it sound messier and cluttered more than what it needs to be.  The songs are good.  But this is basically a Deris era album featuring Michael Kiske with a kai Hansen written song.  I feel the album isn’t anything different compared to what the band have been doing.  Even though my anticipation was low, I thought with Kiske and Kai back, it would be a more collaborative writing effort with some more classic trademarks.  This album is a perfect continuation of MGGR in my eyes but it just feels Kiske is there because of the reunion.  Kai’s backing vocals at times are a nice touch but you wouldn’t know he’s there and it seems he had to write Skyfall IMO to warrant his involvement.

So, honestly, I love Kiske, but I think I’d like this album better if it were just the five guys, but that’s more likely my issue but as I said, can’t help they are there just because.  The makeup and writing of the album doesn’t seem to mesh with the whole reunion aspect in my book.  Don’t get me wrong, the songs are great and I’ll keep coming back to it, but yeah, the production hurts it a lot.  I’m pleased it’s being so well received but would love to know the reactions with the exact same songs (obviously without Skyfall) without Kiske or Kai.  I truly reckon it would be chalked up as ‘another solid Deris led outing flying the Helloween banner,’ or something like that.

I disagree with almost all the points you made about the new album, wolfking!

But that's okay, we all have opinions. :tup

Yeah same, especially while giving praise to one of the absolute worst Helloween albums (MGGR) but saying this one sounds like shit confounds me. This album rules and the production rocks imo.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Pettor on June 24, 2021, 07:16:12 AM
For some strange reason the album doesn't end with Skyfall but there's two more songs. I still haven't been able to listen to those really. It feels overwhelming for me. I think there's a good reason most progressive bands,or even Helloween once, usually ends with the main epic as the finale. Behind The Surface with DT is one of the only good "cooldown" songs I know of.

Skyfall is the album closer. The ones after are bonus tracks.

Ahhh that makes sense. Spotify never wrote them as bonus tracks (which is usually the case). Somehow that will make it a bit easier to grasp them. They will still have the issue of coming after Skyfall and e.g. Pain of Salvation, Sonata Arctica etc. have sometimes placed the bonus tracks in the normal flow of songs to make them a bit easier to grasp. I think that would possibly have been a good idea here :)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on June 24, 2021, 07:16:33 AM
I like the album's production. My only personal disappointment is that the drums sound lacks punch and heaviness, although it does sound pretty clear.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 24, 2021, 07:19:05 AM
For some strange reason the album doesn't end with Skyfall but there's two more songs. I still haven't been able to listen to those really. It feels overwhelming for me. I think there's a good reason most progressive bands,or even Helloween once, usually ends with the main epic as the finale. Behind The Surface with DT is one of the only good "cooldown" songs I know of.

Skyfall is the album closer. The ones after are bonus tracks.

Ahhh that makes sense. Spotify never wrote them as bonus tracks (which is usually the case). Somehow that will make it a bit easier to grasp them. They will still have the issue of coming after Skyfall and e.g. Pain of Salvation, Sonata Arctica etc. have sometimes placed the bonus tracks in the normal flow of songs to make them a bit easier to grasp. I think that would possibly have been a good idea here :)

It should be mandated by law to incorporate bonus tracks in the proper tracklist. How annoying it is to have the obvious album closer and then a random song.

Of course in some cases it's difficult, take Viper King - where do you place such an oddball song in d/t's tracklist? but in Helloween's case the additional songs could be put into the proper tracklist.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on June 24, 2021, 07:21:09 AM
About the style of the songs, besides Skyfall, I agree with wolfking that they sound closer to Deris era, but I notice that they really adapted the melodies to Kiske's voice  - which already does a major difference - and I think, maybe because all the band seems to be involved in the song's arrangements (based on some interviews), there's a more progressive edge to them.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 24, 2021, 07:27:52 AM
But this is basically a Deris era album featuring Michael Kiske with a kai Hansen written song.  I feel the album isn’t anything different compared to what the band have been doing.
This is a good point. It is important to remember that, even though Kiske and Hansen perform on the album, it's not like they were actively involved in the writing process. This is why a lot of the stuff is reminiscent of the recent Helloween albums. Robot king, for example, reminds me of Claws quite a bit.

That being said, it sounds like Weikath, Deris and Gerstner really pulled it together this time around in terms of songwriting, because a lot of this album consists of what would have been the highlights on Straight out of hell and My God-given right - same style, but much better. There are no tracks like Wanna be God, If God loves rock and roll, Live now and Asshole to drag the album down.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on June 24, 2021, 08:02:01 AM
But this is basically a Deris era album featuring Michael Kiske with a kai Hansen written song.  I feel the album isn’t anything different compared to what the band have been doing.
This is a good point. It is important to remember that, even though Kiske and Hansen perform on the album, it's not like they were actively involved in the writing process. This is why a lot of the stuff is reminiscent of the recent Helloween albums. Robot king, for example, reminds me of Claws quite a bit.

That being said, it sounds like Weikath, Deris and Gerstner really pulled it together this time around in terms of songwriting, because a lot of this album consists of what would have been the highlights on Straight out of hell and My God-given right - same style, but much better. There are no tracks like Wanna be God, If God loves rock and roll, Live now and Asshole to drag the album down.

Yes, that's exactly how I feel about the album too. The key (for me) is that they really stepped up the songwriting vs. the most recent 2-3 records. No real throwaway tracks - I mean, Helloween are clearly known for goofier songs/moments in their albums, but I 100% agree some of the tracks you mention above were just, uhm, bad?  ;D While there are "lighter-hearted" moments in this album  (e.g. Mass Pollution), there is nothing I feel like skipping. It's a pretty consistently good batch of songs, some of them great.

I actually appreciate they didn't pander too much to the "nostalgia" effect - to me, this is a continuation of what they have been doing for a while, just with better songs. Whether this was because of Kiske and Hansen being back to the fold, and the chemistry they brought to the table (regardless of actual songwriting contributions), I'm not sure. Maybe they just took their time to better craft the songs.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 24, 2021, 09:41:37 AM
It's also not odd for Helloween to pull it together in terms of songwriting when it's necessary. When people dismissed the band after Chameleon, they knocked it out of the park with Master of the rings. When the fans were underwhelmed by The Legacy, they stepped up with Gambling with the devil. This is kind of similar.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ariich on June 24, 2021, 10:39:58 AM
Yeah I have to say, I'm enjoying this album more than anything they've done since The Dark Ride. I like the early Deris era a lot (it's when I got into the band) but everything since has been a bit inconsistent and often the melodies haven't really been grabbing me.

The new album isn't anything new or unexpected (and I wasn't looking for that anyway), but I'm finding it very enjoyable and well-written and there's a lot of good hooks. I also generally like the full production, although there are a few moments here and there that lack punch.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 24, 2021, 01:53:19 PM
I haven't listened to a new Helloween album this much in many years, well at least 30 to be precise!
I couldn't care less who has written the songs, there is definitely chemistry, magic and a feeling that has been missing for me from Helloween's music for many years.
You can tell they spent a lot of time on the song writing, arrangements and vocals and it shows.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Zantera on June 24, 2021, 02:04:51 PM
I haven't listened to this new album yet but as someone who used to listen to Helloween a lot in my late teenage years, I think this whole concept of getting these guys back involved is really cool, especially when the reception seems to be as good as it is. As someone who gets into band discographies and get a kick out of the whole 'legacy' of a band, it's quite cool to see a band release something this late in their career which could be viewed as a sort of an epic finale (even if there is more to come). I'm definitely curious to check this out based just on that alone, even if I haven't listened to a Helloween album front-to-back in 10 years or so.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 24, 2021, 04:09:24 PM
This popped up in my youtube feed. I've never heard this..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpkdJZNei8s
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: bl5150 on June 24, 2021, 06:17:11 PM
This popped up in my youtube feed. I've never heard this..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpkdJZNei8s

Released on a Noise compilation called Death Metal  :lol    I actually like that song/style better than plenty of their others from the very early days.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 24, 2021, 06:43:29 PM
I’ll put some thoughts down now while I can at work while it's running through my head.  As I mentioned before, I appreciate the reunion and understand that it had to happen and happy that it did.  I discovered Helloween when I picked up the Dark Ride as a blind purchase as it was discounted.  I’d heard earlier songs before like Eagle Fly Free, but I wasn’t prepared for that happier sounding style of metal just yet.  The Dark Ride blew me away and it was around the time Rabbit Don’t Come Easy was getting released.  That album is probably still my fav Helloween album.  I know that’s a polarizing opinion but it’s nostalgia for me.  I started to appreciate the happier sounding stuff while maintaining the heaviness.  I loved Deris’ voice too.  This allowed me to start to go back through and get into the Keeper albums and along with Jericho.  I followed Helloween from that album forward and it’s been a pleasure.

Ever album has been a winner in my book.  MGGR was pretty underwhelming though but it has its moments.  I had no real expectations for this album and since I wasn’t that excited with the reunion or the Alive show to be honest, I had no real anticipation for this one.  Listening to it a few times now, the production is hard for me to get past.  I think it quite frankly, sounds like shit.  It’s flat, lifeless and has no punch or power and IMO it’s mixed pretty poorly.  Helloween since Rabbit have never had great production for some reason but I always seemed to look past it.  I’m finding it hard to look past here.  The mesh of vocals and guitars I think makes it sound messier and cluttered more than what it needs to be.  The songs are good.  But this is basically a Deris era album featuring Michael Kiske with a kai Hansen written song.  I feel the album isn’t anything different compared to what the band have been doing.  Even though my anticipation was low, I thought with Kiske and Kai back, it would be a more collaborative writing effort with some more classic trademarks.  This album is a perfect continuation of MGGR in my eyes but it just feels Kiske is there because of the reunion.  Kai’s backing vocals at times are a nice touch but you wouldn’t know he’s there and it seems he had to write Skyfall IMO to warrant his involvement.

So, honestly, I love Kiske, but I think I’d like this album better if it were just the five guys, but that’s more likely my issue but as I said, can’t help they are there just because.  The makeup and writing of the album doesn’t seem to mesh with the whole reunion aspect in my book.  Don’t get me wrong, the songs are great and I’ll keep coming back to it, but yeah, the production hurts it a lot.  I’m pleased it’s being so well received but would love to know the reactions with the exact same songs (obviously without Skyfall) without Kiske or Kai.  I truly reckon it would be chalked up as ‘another solid Deris led outing flying the Helloween banner,’ or something like that.

I disagree with almost all the points you made about the new album, wolfking!

But that's okay, we all have opinions. :tup

Yeah same, especially while giving praise to one of the absolute worst Helloween albums (MGGR) but saying this one sounds like shit confounds me. This album rules and the production rocks imo.

The term 'giving praise' is somewhat embellishing what I actually said.

But for the record, I would rank this new one above MGGR.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 24, 2021, 06:45:48 PM
But this is basically a Deris era album featuring Michael Kiske with a kai Hansen written song.  I feel the album isn’t anything different compared to what the band have been doing.
This is a good point. It is important to remember that, even though Kiske and Hansen perform on the album, it's not like they were actively involved in the writing process. This is why a lot of the stuff is reminiscent of the recent Helloween albums. Robot king, for example, reminds me of Claws quite a bit.

That being said, it sounds like Weikath, Deris and Gerstner really pulled it together this time around in terms of songwriting, because a lot of this album consists of what would have been the highlights on Straight out of hell and My God-given right - same style, but much better. There are no tracks like Wanna be God, If God loves rock and roll, Live now and Asshole to drag the album down.

That's my point.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 24, 2021, 06:48:53 PM
This popped up in my youtube feed. I've never heard this..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpkdJZNei8s

Yeah, I've heard that one.  Old school.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 24, 2021, 07:06:07 PM
  I’m pleased it’s being so well received but would love to know the reactions with the exact same songs (obviously without Skyfall) without Kiske or Kai.  I truly reckon it would be chalked up as ‘another solid Deris led outing flying the Helloween banner,’ or something like that.

So this is an interesting thought. I don't know if it's that simple though. I've watched a bunch of interviews and Andi states that he wrote Fear Of The Fallen and Rise Without Chains specifically for two singers, and Sasha wrote Angels with Kiske specifically in mind. And Out Of The Glory was already a Deris Era track that they could never make work for an album.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 24, 2021, 09:44:07 PM
The songs simply wouldn't be the same with them both. I am sure they added to them by way of melodies and different ideas.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 25, 2021, 12:28:57 AM
  I’m pleased it’s being so well received but would love to know the reactions with the exact same songs (obviously without Skyfall) without Kiske or Kai.  I truly reckon it would be chalked up as ‘another solid Deris led outing flying the Helloween banner,’ or something like that.

So this is an interesting thought. I don't know if it's that simple though. I've watched a bunch of interviews and Andi states that he wrote Fear Of The Fallen and Rise Without Chains specifically for two singers, and Sasha wrote Angels with Kiske specifically in mind. And Out Of The Glory was already a Deris Era track that they could never make work for an album.
I find it refreshing to hear Kiske's vocals on a Gerstner song, as well as two vocalists on a Deris song. It gives new flavors to a familiar sound. I also have a hard time imagining Deris singing Out of the glory. The sheer brightness and positivity of the melodies and chord progressions immediately demand Kiske on vocals.

In my opinion, had this album been released without Skyfall and only with Deris on vocals, I think it would be as well received as Gambling with the devil and 7 Sinners were. Which would be awesome at this point in their careers.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 25, 2021, 01:02:31 AM
  I’m pleased it’s being so well received but would love to know the reactions with the exact same songs (obviously without Skyfall) without Kiske or Kai.  I truly reckon it would be chalked up as ‘another solid Deris led outing flying the Helloween banner,’ or something like that.

So this is an interesting thought. I don't know if it's that simple though. I've watched a bunch of interviews and Andi states that he wrote Fear Of The Fallen and Rise Without Chains specifically for two singers, and Sasha wrote Angels with Kiske specifically in mind. And Out Of The Glory was already a Deris Era track that they could never make work for an album.

You're right, it's probably not that simple mate, and maybe the songs I'm still discovering and getting to know that's the issue.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 25, 2021, 01:05:07 AM
It seems as though I'm a bit of a lone wolf with my thinking of this album, which is probably a good thing for the band and the fans so who am I?  It's funny, I had no real expectations for it yet I'm picking it to shit and not sure why.  I'll give the songs more time to evolve. 

I guess I just realised I'm a Helloween Deris era fanboy and I should be thankful that Andi is still around because he is probably the hero out of all this, especially with the amount of songwriting on here from him.  If Andi were kicked out for Kiske, I would be devastated, Sascha too.  Gotta look at the positives.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 25, 2021, 02:56:55 AM
Noticed Weiki is holding a Jackson guitar in the CD booklet, did he stop playing Gibson's?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on June 25, 2021, 05:05:41 AM
It seems as though I'm a bit of a lone wolf with my thinking of this album, which is probably a good thing for the band and the fans so who am I?  It's funny, I had no real expectations for it yet I'm picking it to shit and not sure why.  I'll give the songs more time to evolve. 

I guess I just realised I'm a Helloween Deris era fanboy and I should be thankful that Andi is still around because he is probably the hero out of all this, especially with the amount of songwriting on here from him.  If Andi were kicked out for Kiske, I would be devastated, Sascha too.  Gotta look at the positives.

I have probably listened to Deris era Helloween more than Kiske era. I would also be very unhappy if Deris and Gerstner would have been kicked out. Although Andi owns 1/3 of the Helloween name and brand, so it would have been pretty much impossible for the rest to continue without him.

Anyway, I see only positives with this change! This to me, is now the definitive Helloween lineup! Something truly incredible can come up from this. I think their best work is yet to come!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 25, 2021, 05:08:19 AM
It seems as though I'm a bit of a lone wolf with my thinking of this album, which is probably a good thing for the band and the fans so who am I?  It's funny, I had no real expectations for it yet I'm picking it to shit and not sure why.  I'll give the songs more time to evolve. 

I guess I just realised I'm a Helloween Deris era fanboy and I should be thankful that Andi is still around because he is probably the hero out of all this, especially with the amount of songwriting on here from him.  If Andi were kicked out for Kiske, I would be devastated, Sascha too.  Gotta look at the positives.

I have probably listened to Deris era Helloween more than Kiske era. I would also be very unhappy if Deris and Gerstner would have been kicked out. Although Andi owns 1/3 of the Halloween name and brand, so it would have been pretty much impossible for the rest to continue without him.

Anyway, I see only positives with this change! This to me, is now the definitive Helloween lineup! Something truly incredible can come up from this. I think their best work is yet to come!

This is a good point.  Things may come together even more on the next album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 25, 2021, 05:09:08 AM
Noticed Weiki is holding a Jackson guitar in the CD booklet, did he stop playing Gibson's?

I noticed that right away too.  I'm not sure but it looked funny at first glance!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on June 25, 2021, 05:13:19 AM
Is this an official alt. mix?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvNwBdOUP4s&ab_channel=AntonisSkar

I can't tell if the sound is unclear or not but that's Kai singing the first part on the verse right? On the album it's Kiske the whole verse or am I beeing deceived?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 25, 2021, 06:02:30 AM
That’s the alternative vocals mix that was released with the Skyfall Edit single.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Evermind on June 25, 2021, 10:45:33 AM
Coming around on this album, definitely their best in a while. It's not classic Helloween, obviously, but I like more than half of the songs here which is good. I respect Deris, but Kiske really makes this album shine for me. It's not even the high notes, it's just his voice works really well as a counterpoint to Andi's rougher voice.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Melphina on June 25, 2021, 10:48:43 AM
Coming around on this album, definitely their best in a while. It's not classic Helloween, obviously, but I like more than half of the songs here which is good. I respect Deris, but Kiske really makes this album shine for me. It's not even the high notes, it's just his voice works really well as a counterpoint to Andy's rougher voice.

It's like peanut butter and jelly. The two work so well together.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 25, 2021, 03:12:22 PM
Coming around on this album, definitely their best in a while. It's not classic Helloween, obviously, but I like more than half of the songs here which is good. I respect Deris, but Kiske really makes this album shine for me. It's not even the high notes, it's just his voice works really well as a counterpoint to Andi's rougher voice.

I love him all throughout his range.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on June 25, 2021, 04:04:50 PM
That’s the alternative vocals mix that was released with the Skyfall Edit single.
Ok, thanks. I thought it was diffrent but couldn't find info on it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 25, 2021, 04:12:40 PM
'Helloween' has debuted on the official German Charts at number 1.
First time ever the band has been at the top of their home country charts.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 25, 2021, 04:24:35 PM
'Helloween' has debuted on the official German Charts at number 1.
First time ever the band has been at the top of their home country charts.

I watched an interview with Ken Mary last night and apparently the new F&J is at #9. Germany doing it right!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 25, 2021, 07:40:07 PM
The part at :50 of Mass Pollution totally reminds me of Alex Harvey.

And :20 of Angels feels straight out of Heaven's Cove.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 25, 2021, 08:24:11 PM
'Mass Pollution' reminds of 'Riding On The Wind', the riff and vocals in the first chorus, sounds somewhat similar to my ears  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 25, 2021, 08:31:45 PM
'Mass Pollution' reminds of 'Riding On The Wind', the riff and vocals in the first chorus, sounds somewhat similar to my ears  :metal

Hmm..I'm trying, brother. :lol

Riding On The Wind is a Top 10 Priest tune for me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 25, 2021, 08:54:58 PM
https://youtu.be/BRlKD1-QALY
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 25, 2021, 08:57:17 PM
Coming around on this album, definitely their best in a while. It's not classic Helloween, obviously, but I like more than half of the songs here which is good. I respect Deris, but Kiske really makes this album shine for me. It's not even the high notes, it's just his voice works really well as a counterpoint to Andi's rougher voice.

I think my favorite line from Kiske on the entire album is in Skyfall where he goes: "The dark, the fear of the night
And the pain settles down deep within"


Followed by Andi's amazing "Coming home to a place still unknown And the hope as I dream is undying"
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 25, 2021, 08:59:28 PM
https://youtu.be/BRlKD1-QALY

 :metal

Love the comments.

Popeye being strangled.
 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 25, 2021, 09:15:30 PM
https://youtu.be/BRlKD1-QALY

 :metal

Love the comments.

Popeye being strangled.
 :rollin

My sister asked me many years ago, why do they call it death metal?'
I answered, 'because the singer sounds like he is being strangled to death'.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 26, 2021, 12:13:33 PM
The album is coming together for me. I like how it doesn't pander to nostalgic people - here's another Eagle, here's another Dr. Stein.... it's "just" a modern Helloween album with the added benefit of Kiske's vocals, and a monumental epic by Kai Hansen. Solid stuff.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 26, 2021, 05:51:50 PM
My CD was delivered today!!!

(https://i.imgflip.com/3bonz0.gif) (https://imgflip.com/gif/3bonz0)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 26, 2021, 05:57:16 PM
Got mine last week from CD Japan, waiting for the vinyl versions now.
More restrictions where I live so I can't travel to my 'local' metal shop in person.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 27, 2021, 04:18:34 AM
My CD was delivered today!!!

(https://i.imgflip.com/3bonz0.gif) (https://imgflip.com/gif/3bonz0)

 :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 27, 2021, 09:06:09 AM
To this day, that is one of my favorite scenes in the movie. I get choked up only looking at the GIF.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on June 28, 2021, 02:35:02 PM
This album grows on me every day. I really dig the old school feel to it while still sounding fresh. I love the section 4:00 in Out for the Glory with the riffs and bass lines and King Diamond:esque screams.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Melphina on June 28, 2021, 02:45:03 PM
Check out what arrived for me today with a couple of other purchases. Click to enlarge. This is the prettiest looking vinyl I've ever owned, hats off to the band for such awe inspiring artwork.

(https://i.imgur.com/5hawaxC.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/3QbN77P.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5zhzUzd.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/aTImI60.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 28, 2021, 03:09:18 PM
That looks amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ErHaO on June 28, 2021, 03:14:29 PM
Check out what arrived for me today with a couple of other purchases. Click to enlarge. This is the prettiest looking vinyl I've ever owned, hats off to the band for such awe inspiring artwork.

(https://i.imgur.com/5hawaxC.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/3QbN77P.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5zhzUzd.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/aTImI60.jpg)

Damn, is that the "regular" picture disc version? I usually don't buy picture discs but that looks ace.

I love that recently some bands have been returning to good artwork.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Melphina on June 28, 2021, 03:16:50 PM
It is this version. I wasn't expecting to get it so quickly. I ordered it exactly one week ago (Monday night) and it shipped Friday. https://shop.nuclearblast.com/en/products/sound/vinyl/2pic-lp/helloween-helloween-picture-vinyl-import-.html

I'm not even going to play it. This thing is staying in its package forever and will just be taken out to admire occasionally. That's the only reason I buy new vinyls; I only listen to 'older' vinyls on my record player.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 28, 2021, 03:50:18 PM
Picture Disc vinyl are great to look at, but quality is poor and I never play mine.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 28, 2021, 04:11:45 PM
That's a magnificent looking picture disc indeed.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 29, 2021, 01:50:59 AM
The best thing about it is Cyanide leading into Orbit and Skyfall. Damn, I wish Down in the dumps was among the bonus tracks on the CD issue as well.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 29, 2021, 05:02:42 AM
The best thing about it is Cyanide leading into Orbit and Skyfall. Damn, I wish Down in the dumps was among the bonus tracks on the CD issue as well.  :lol

That's interesting with that tracklisting.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Melphina on June 29, 2021, 07:26:50 AM
Down in the Dumps is one of my favorites. It's such a fierce song and Andi's screams are the cherry on the top.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 29, 2021, 04:32:28 PM
The best thing about it is Cyanide leading into Orbit and Skyfall. Damn, I wish Down in the dumps was among the bonus tracks on the CD issue as well.  :lol

That's interesting with that tracklisting.

I love Down In The Dumps. The vocals on that are ridiculous and the vocal harmonies and melodies are great. If I could make one switch, I'd swap out Cyanide for Golden Times.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 29, 2021, 07:39:00 PM
This album is a clinic in vocal harmonies. In an interview with Kiske, he said that Dennis Ward was basically in charge of the vocals. Instead of the guys hammering out which parts they'd sing, Ward created a roadmap of who'd sing what. They said that 60% of the vocals were as planned by Ward, but that the other 40% were decided in studio after hearing each singer sing.

Kiske also said the Kai expected to sing Skyfall, and was pretty adamant about it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ErHaO on June 30, 2021, 04:06:17 AM
I really liked Skyfall when I first heard it, but as I like it more with each listening, I now really love the song. Same applies to the entire album to some extent.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on June 30, 2021, 04:27:59 AM
I really liked Skyfall when I first heard it, but as I like it more with each listening, I now really love the song. Same applies to the entire album to some extent.
Yea it's been a real grower the whole album for me.

Right now favourites are:

Out for the Glory (2:30  :metal)
Fear of the Fallen (4:30 layered vocal section)
Robot King (Love the straight to the point chorus with the high vocals)
Golden Times
Skyfall

This album is a clinic in vocal harmonies. In an interview with Kiske, he said that Dennis Ward was basically in charge of the vocals. Instead of the guys hammering out which parts they'd sing, Ward created a roadmap of who'd sing what. They said that 60% of the vocals were as planned by Ward, but that the other 40% were decided in studio after hearing each singer sing.

Kiske also said the Kai expected to sing Skyfall, and was pretty adamant about it.
Yea there's so many great vocal layers in the mix. Who is actually singing the really high pitched parts?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 30, 2021, 06:09:06 AM
Who is actually singing the really high pitched parts?

Most likely it's Kiske, but I think Deris can get up there too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on June 30, 2021, 07:03:46 PM
Also, Dani recorded this album on Ingo's drums.
Oh interesting, the drums sounds so huge especially the toms. I wonder what kind of afterwork that's been done from the acoustic stage.

Found a video of Daniel playing on the Keepers kit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXZH50QM6GQ&ab_channel=Helloween

Also stumbled upon some footage of Ingo in action. As a drummer sometimes i'm blown away how ahead of it's time some were, I mean hearing someone blasting away on doublepedals in 1989 wasn't exactly as common as it is today. Altough I was 7 at that time so how would I know I guess. :lol

Helloween - Eagle Fly Free (Ingo Schwichtenberg) 1989 Live in Japan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbf7sxR1D8w&ab_channel=KaySchwichtenberg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 30, 2021, 07:42:16 PM
Also stumbled upon some footage of Ingo in action. As a drummer sometimes i'm blown away how ahead of it's time some were, I mean hearing someone blasting away on doublepedals in 1989 wasn't exactly as common as it is today. Altough I was 7 at that time so how would I know I guess. :lol

Helloween - Eagle Fly Free (Ingo Schwichtenberg) 1989 Live in Japan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbf7sxR1D8w&ab_channel=KaySchwichtenberg)

I've seen that before and yes, it is ridiculous. :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on July 01, 2021, 07:48:15 AM
This popped up on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZX3kwkAaNs

Full concert from the Master of the Rings tour. Could be fun...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 01, 2021, 08:51:27 PM
This popped up on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZX3kwkAaNs

Full concert from the Master of the Rings tour. Could be fun...

I was watching part of that the other day. Very cool.




Was just watching an interview with Andi. He mentioned that the band's original running order had Fear Of The Fallen as the first track, but the record company wanted Out For The Glory.


Down In The Dumps continues to grow on me. Such great melodic vocal lines throughout the entire song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on July 01, 2021, 10:14:41 PM
Was just watching an interview with Andi. He mentioned that the band's original running order had Fear Of The Fallen as the first track, but the record company wanted Out For The Glory.

I think they made the right call on that one. The transition from the big anthemic outro of Out For The Glory to the acoustic intro of Fear Of The Fallen is probably my favourite transition on the album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on July 02, 2021, 02:04:18 AM
Robot king snuck up on me and I cannot stop replaying it for two days now. Why is this song so good?

Also, the fact that there is a song called Robot king just delights me. It's so Helloween to be cracked up by a song title.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on July 02, 2021, 02:24:16 AM
Yea I love that about Helloween, it's like bandmeeting: "let's do a song about a robot....that is a king with the title Robot King!" Everyone: Hell yeah!  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on July 04, 2021, 07:44:31 AM
Robot King…any relation to Pleasure Drone?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 06, 2021, 05:10:40 PM
So I was just watching another Kiske interview on youtube, and the guy asked him if there were plans to do another Unisonic album.

Kiske mentioned that before the Pumpkins United was happening, they were starting to put plans together to make a third album, but that Kai was constantly off doing other things like his Hansen & Friends and reissuing some Gamma Ray stuff.

So they approached Gus G, and he initially said he'd do it, and they even started exchanging ideas. He was playing with Ozzy at the time, but pulled out because he didn't want to be a replacement guitarist in another band. He would end up leaving Ozzy's band and he came back to the Unisonic guys, but by that time, the Helloween reunion was underway. A blown chance..
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 06, 2021, 05:46:28 PM
Kiske and Gus G would have been an interesting collaboration.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 06, 2021, 05:48:49 PM
Yeah definitely. Unisonic isn't Kai's band. He was a late addition to the lineup.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on July 06, 2021, 08:21:39 PM
Finally figured out why the chorus melody of Best Time sounded so familiar to me, it’s the same melody as one of the main melodies in DT’s In the Name of God (10:24) except for the last 2 notes.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 06, 2021, 08:30:40 PM
I can see that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on July 06, 2021, 08:34:18 PM
Out for the Glory is such a fantastic song! Wasn’t a big fan at first because of the Eagle Fly Free chorus "reprise" but now I love it! :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 06, 2021, 08:39:04 PM
Out for the Glory is such a fantastic song! Wasn’t a big fan at first because of the Eagle Fly Free chorus "reprise" but now I love it! :metal

It took me a couple of listens to get that song down.

I love the part after the solos at 5:38 where where Kiske sings "I won't wake up". It like takes it to another level.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on July 06, 2021, 08:43:04 PM
Yeah it’s a great part and the solos right before it are awesome too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 06, 2021, 08:46:02 PM
Probably time I give this album another shot.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 06, 2021, 08:48:09 PM
 :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 06, 2021, 08:50:19 PM
With the new Helloween album, I've been listening to their entire discography.

I just made a Helloween-Deris Era playlist on my iPod and 's 56 songs and 5 1/2 hours long!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 07, 2021, 12:39:38 AM
With the new Helloween album, I've been listening to their entire discography.

I just made a Helloween-Deris Era playlist on my iPod and 's 56 songs and 5 1/2 hours long!

Too short.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 07, 2021, 02:46:17 PM
 :lol




So I forget which interview mentioned that Out Of The Glory was not brand new, but I just watched an interview with Dani, and he mentioned the first time he recorded drums for it were for Gambling With The Devil. Then they tried it again, (and he rerecorded his parts) a couple of albums later. He said Weiki added a bunch of stuff for this version and they finally made it work.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 07, 2021, 02:48:41 PM
:lol




So I forget which interview mentioned that Out Of The Glory was not brand new, but I just watched an interview with Dani, and he mentioned the first time he recorded drums for it were for Gambling With The Devil. Then they tried it again, (and he rerecorded his parts) a couple of albums later. He said Weiki added a bunch of stuff for this version and they finally made it work.

I thought right away that song felt very similar to The Saints from the Gambling album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 07, 2021, 08:53:12 PM
Ran through the new album this morning in the car. (Well, I'm up to Skyfall) and I enjoyed it much more than when I first got it.  The production isn't as distracting as it was at first although it's still not great.  I actually like that the band have just continued on the style they have been doing in the Deris era.  While I don't think this album is up there with the BTR-Gambling run, it fits pretty well in the 7 Sinners/SOOF mould with a bit more consistency. 

Best Times still might possibly be my fav, but I may be alone here, but I actually think Down in the Dumps could be the best song here.  This song is hidden away at the back but basically sums up every era of Helloween.  The verses is pure melodic old school, the chorus is Deris era of all kinds and the instrumental section brings Rabbit earlier Deris era to mind.  I can hear parts of Gambling, Hell, BTR and even MOTR/TTOTO.  Pure perfect mix of what the band is about. 

I will say, Weiki has upped his game with the songwriting on this album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 08, 2021, 05:54:17 AM
Alright, Skyfall is decent but it doesn't wow me.  Does feel a bit kind of thrown on the end to somewhat warrant Kai's involvement.

Now I mention Down in the Dumps but my fav actually might be Golden Times.  That's some brilliant classic sounding Helloween.  Best chorus on the album I think.  Fuck me why this is a bonus track. 

Top 3 for me are;

Golden Times
Down in the Dumps
Best Time

Controversial top 3 but I make no apologies.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on July 08, 2021, 06:23:21 AM
Down in the Dumps is good, and I love the intro!

Golden Times is indeed excellent! I would have happily traded Cyanide or Angels for Golden Times on the regular album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 08, 2021, 06:24:30 AM
Down in the Dumps is good, and I love the intro!

Golden Times is indeed excellent! I would have happily traded Cyanide or Angels for Golden Times on the regular album.

Yeah, it's baffling why it's not a regular album track.  Would love to hear how Andi would tackle it too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 08, 2021, 04:47:09 PM
I'll say this..when I have a 5 minute errand to run, and I can only listen to one song, it is always Down In The Dumps. There are so many melodic vocal lines and Michael and Andi sound amazing together. I love the subtle shifts in who's taking the lead in the vocal mix.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 08, 2021, 05:28:19 PM
I'll say this..when I have a 5 minute errand to run, and I can only listen to one song, it is always Down In The Dumps. There are so many melodic vocal lines and Michael and Andi sound amazing together. I love the subtle shifts in who's taking the lead in the vocal mix.

Those high notes Kiske reaches near the end are damn impressive too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ErHaO on July 09, 2021, 05:08:34 AM
I am not a huge fan of the chorus in Down in the Dumps, but everything else is great, same for Golden Times (but I don't dislike the choruses either).

I actually prefer the alternate vocal mix of Skyfall, of which vocal duties are more equally divided amongst the three singers.




Also, I am not super familiar with Halloween music, so I went on to listen to some albums I never heard. I think I prefer the more modern albums with Andi. But that is partially because some (emphasis on some, and some includes Keeper pt 2 for example) of that late 80's/early 90's German speed/power metal sound that I am not overly fond of. It often sounds thin/demo-ish to me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 09, 2021, 06:12:17 AM
I'll post this here;

New live video from upcoming Gamma Ray CD/DVD.

https://youtu.be/texJxGWwADg

Damn good.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ErHaO on July 09, 2021, 07:11:30 AM
I'll post this here;

New live video from upcoming Gamma Ray CD/DVD.

https://youtu.be/texJxGWwADg

Damn good.

That does sound really good.

I only really know Land of the Free as an album and a bunch of individual Gamma Ray songs. What is a good Gamma Ray album to check out aside from Land of the Free (which I find excellent)?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Melphina on July 09, 2021, 07:26:53 AM
Somewhere Out In Space would be my next stop, my two cents.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on July 09, 2021, 08:19:46 AM
Finally heard the new album and I’m super impressed. After MGGR, which sounded like leftover tracks thrown together, I was worried the reunion came a few albums too late. But no, they have really upped their game on this one. And this is from someone who was never a huge Kiske fan, but a HUGE Deris fan.
The songwriting and production goes for something more then just the basic super heavy sound theyve gone with the last ten years or so. Out For The Glory is the perfect intro song. The album sounds glorious. There is so much colour to the songs. If I had to compare it to any albums it would be Keepers Legacy,  but so much more.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on July 09, 2021, 08:45:23 AM

That does sound really good.

I only really know Land of the Free as an album and a bunch of individual Gamma Ray songs. What is a good Gamma Ray album to check out aside from Land of the Free (which I find excellent)?

I haven't been following Gamma Ray for a long time now, but I would definitely recommend the albums with Ralph Scheepers (i.e. the first 3 Gamma Ray albums) - especially the first (Heading for Tomorrow) and the third (Insanity and Genius)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 09, 2021, 01:00:11 PM
I'll post this here;

New live video from upcoming Gamma Ray CD/DVD.

https://youtu.be/texJxGWwADg

Damn good.

Wait..who's the fucking dude singing?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Melphina on July 09, 2021, 01:02:59 PM
I'll post this here;

New live video from upcoming Gamma Ray CD/DVD.

https://youtu.be/texJxGWwADg

Damn good.

Wait..who's the fucking dude singing?

Frank Beck has been Gamma Ray's second lead singer since 2015. https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gamma-ray-hires-frank-beck-as-its-new-lead-singer/
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 09, 2021, 01:21:14 PM
Huh..I guess I missed that. I'm not sure how I feel about it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 09, 2021, 04:54:39 PM
Huh..I guess I missed that. I'm not sure how I feel about it.

When it was all announced I was not pleased with it, Kai is Gamma Ray for me of course.  They obviously haven't released any studio material with him and I haven't followed any live stuff with him because I wasn't interested, but this performance, I quite surprised with.  Kai still sings most of the time and they sound great together.  Looking forward to this live album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 09, 2021, 04:55:41 PM
I'll post this here;

New live video from upcoming Gamma Ray CD/DVD.

https://youtu.be/texJxGWwADg

Damn good.


That does sound really good.

I only really know Land of the Free as an album and a bunch of individual Gamma Ray songs. What is a good Gamma Ray album to check out aside from Land of the Free (which I find excellent)?

Most albums are quality, but Powerplant and Somewhere Out in Space.

A good introduction is Blast From the Past though, great re-recorded compilation.

Saying all that, No World Order is my personal fav.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 09, 2021, 05:38:07 PM
I like the SOIS-PP-NWO run. They have a nice sweet spot in the middle of their discography.

I'd also recommend The Awesome Foursome live album. Great collection of songs.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 09, 2021, 05:47:01 PM
I like the SOIS-PP-NWO run. They have a nice sweet spot in the middle of their discography.

I'd also recommend The Awesome Foursome live album. Great collection of songs.

Those 3 are their peak for sure.  NWO made my top 50.  Powerplant might have as well.

That live album has a killer setlist!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 10, 2021, 06:21:01 AM
This popped up on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZX3kwkAaNs

Full concert from the Master of the Rings tour. Could be fun...

Just watching a little of this now.

Wow, second song is Ride the Sky, unexpected.  Andi sounds surprisingly solid on this one.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2021, 08:22:28 PM
So I watched this video tonight..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueIj5YFxtuQ

Probably the best fan footage of the Pumpkins United tour. Unfortunately, some songs are cut (Halloween, Keeper, How Many Tears), but most of the show is in tact. The footage is excellent and the sound is amazing.

What's great about this is that it really shows how much the band seems to be enjoying themselves, Kiske seems to be battling a cold or something. Not that he doesn't hold back, as he's great as usual. Some funny parts, like Sasha's backing vocals during Eagle Fly Free.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 11, 2021, 04:36:01 AM
It's a quiet Sunday evening and I've decided to do a bit of running commentary on this album.  A few thoughts and my opinions as I listen through.  Decided to do this because it seems I've been the most critical in here in regards to the album.  After a few listens it is growing on me nicely.

Out for the Glory - Tim mentioned South of Heaven and he's bang on.  It's kind of a weird intro for the type of song it is.  Nevertheless, once it kicks in, the verse has a nice memorable up and down kind of melody and Kiske makes his entrance known.  The chorus is classic Helloween and classic Weiki.  Tim mentioned that in an interview they wrote this around Gambling I think?  The Saints is the song that comes to mind here constantly as I listen to this.

Interesting that they said it didn't work til now.  Would love to hear Andi on this.  Kai's additions in the vocal department is cool and welcome but misleading for the rest of the album.  Classic Helloween solo section with sounds like Weiki taking control here.  Sounds like Sascha comes in at 5:05 to add some slickness and then at 5:19 it may be Kai?  The solos on the album are one thing that I haven't really paid much attention to.  Nothing really has stood out yet in that department truthfully.  I love the Occassion Avenue kind of reprise at 6:06.  One thing I do enjoy is the key change in the chorus, that's worth mentioning.  Great opener.


Fear of the Fallen - I really enjoyed this one when released on youtube.  You can tell this is Andi's song and when you here his vocals, I feel at home.  Great songwriter.  That main riff reminds me of Gambling again, Paint a New World I think is what I'm thinking but I'd have to check.  I like how the chorus comes in pretty quick after a short verse, doesn't waste any time.  Our first hearing of the interplay between the two and I'm warming to it all. 

I think for this one though, I would have liked Andi to do the full sing with Kiske doing backing maybe.  Kiske sang the full opener and would have been cool for Andi to kind of have his opener too, but it's fine how it is.  The solos come along pretty quickly and pretty stock standard.  Sascha is the first cab off the rank here.  Then 2:48 is definitely Kai all the way through to the harmonies again.  Great key change in there for Kai's solo also, that's class.  4:20, I love that 'listen' from Andi in the background.  The 'listen to your heart' section is probably a top 3 moment of the album, just brilliant.  Pretty top tier Deris track that would be a highlight on any of his albums.


Best Time - I love this song and loved it right away.  So easy to get into and really fun.  The melody that the whole song revolves around is pure bliss.  The chorus is just georgeous.  Would have liked Andi to take lead in one of the choruses though but it kind of sounds like Sascha wrote it for Kiske.  Sascha's little parts now we know it's him is quirky and cool.  Pretty sure all the leads here are Sascha, makes sense since it's his song.  Funny Deris wrote it with him but does bugger all vocals, interesting. 


Mass Pollution - Again, this has Andi written all over it and I enjoyed this one right away too.  It's good to hear his vocals again.  It seems Kiske has about 75% of the vocals on the first three songs which probably gave Tim the impression that Andi was dudded but luckily it evens up a little.  The verse here is pure Rabbit Come Easy for me, maybe even a little Dark Ride.  The chorus has a killer groove and a really catchy melody.  The chorus however reminds me more of Straight Out of Hell I think.

That riff at 2:04 reminds me heavily of something from Andi's wonderful Bankers solo album.  The solo is Sascha in the first part, after that climb, I think there's a Maiden style solo from each one.  Sascha I think first, then Kai, then Weiki finishes it off.  Could be wrong on some of these so don't hold me to them.  Cool tune but a very typical Deris era song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 11, 2021, 05:05:38 AM
Angels - Yeah, I finding it hard to get into this one.  I appreciate the experimenting and them trying something different but I don't know.  The chorus is decent enough I guess but seems a bit below the first four songs.  Again, we have Kiske as the main man.  Maybe Tim was right, maybe the split is far in favour of Kiske.  Just nothing here really sounds like Helloween.  Could be an odd Place Vendome song or even a Unisonic song, not sure.  I can hear now that Sascha wrote a lot of stuff here for Kiske as it's hard to imagine Andi singing this one truthfully.

I do like that DT like transition into the solo.  Get Invisible Man vibes too.  The solo of course is Sascha.  His lead playing and dare I say leadership in that department would have been sorely missed if he wasn't here.  When Andi enters, that's probably the best moment of the song.  Even though I'm not that sold on the song, you know what I like?  Andi takes the lead but listen to how Kiske echoes Andi.  The words 'desire' and 'higher' Kiske replicates Andi's diction and Kiske sings those words different to how he would sing them normally.  Perfect call and answer and that's fucking class.  The song is a grower, it's fine and will probably grow more.


Rise Without Chains - Another Deris number.  Sascha and Andi really take control on this album.  I like they are still the main men and obviously aren't intimidated by Kai and Kiske.  I guess I'm liking it more by realising that.  even though I said it's a standard Deris album, that's exactly what I should like I guess because that's the Helloween I grew up with.  Pretty cutting choppy riff but I like it.  Andi smokes on this one.  Again, not much verse work, and pretty quick into the chorus.  I like the classic nature of the chorus.  That odd time in there is very clever and works well.  Not sure what album I hear this one on.  This one actually gives me MOTR/TTOTO vibes which is cool.  I think this one they fucking nail the interplay.  First pre chorus and chorus by Andi then the second by Kiske, this is what I'd like to see more of.

Standard solo part with some nice melodies straight off.  After the melodies, the first solo is Kai, then 3:03 is unmistakbly Sascha.  I love what happens at 3:09, I'll have to pick the guitar up and see what they are doing there.  Like it resolves to a major.  They share that last chorus which is brilliant.  The call and answer things works well here again.  Yeah, really nice song.


Indestructible - A Markus song and hearing it, that makes sense.  Although sounds a bit Gamma Ray with the intro but nice and heavy here.  This one for me is just okay.  Sounds like it's from Straight out of Hell, especially that pre chorus.  Kai's addition here in the chorus pricks the ears up.  He probably should have done a bit more in the vocal deparment.  Listening now, I didn't think he did much lead work either, but really listening, I was wrong.  That's him on that short solo before the second verse too.  Great lyric here with the Gambling with the devil reference. 

The pre chorus actually reminds me of MGGR, but that's fine.  The chorus has Unisonic vibes too.  The solo I think goes Sascha, Kai, Weiki, Sascha....I think.  The cool little melody in the back end of the solo section sounds like something Sascha would do.  If anything, Weiki sounds a bit shortchanged in the solo department, but as albums went on, it seemed like he was happy for Sascha to be the main guy.  This song is fine, nothing more.


Robot King - Speaking of Weiki, it seems like he knocked this one out of the park.  I mentioned before but his songs are some of the best he's done for a while.  Nice key change right away in that opening section.  Love hearing Andi on this one.  That verse is fantastic.  The songwriting follows the singers and Kiske fits perfectly in that pre chorus.  Not sure if the part at 1:15 is the chorus or the robot king part is really, but nevertheless, this section reminds me heavily of Avantasia.  The melodies are pure Tobi, I love it.  You do have to love the twists and turns this song takes.  Takes a few listens but again great songwriting from Weiki.  I will say, the lyrics are one thing I haven't followed yet so I can't comment on the content or the writing of the lyrics.

That Robot King chorus part is fantastic, Andi rips!  That first section of the solo is pure classic Weiki Helloween.  Nice tone he has here actually.  He's always been great at creating melodies and bringing them out in his solo sections.  Gotta love that classical section at around 4:25.  Classic cheesy over the top outro too.  Highlight this song.


Cyanide - Another Deris song and probably not the best song on this album.  There is however nothing wrong with this song, but it does feel a bit filler.  Definitely you get a SOOH/MGGR vibe.  Even a 7 Sinners vibe slightly comes to mind too.  The chorus is awkward at first but it grows on you.  There's some heavy shit going on in the background on that chorus though which is sweet.  The verse is pretty typical too and I will say the transitions into the chorus is quite good.  Andi does sound powerful here too.

Sascha on the solo on this one once again.  He and Andi certainly do have a great chemistry and working relationship by the sounds.  The good thing about this song which helps it is that it's so short.  It's aptly placed in the album too but wouldn't have been mad if it was a bonus track.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 11, 2021, 05:33:22 AM
Down in the Dumps - I mentioned the other day that this one was my fav, and I think I still stand by that.  It's funny as Weiki written songs aren't normally at the top of the lists for me with Helloween, especially Deris era.  That almost 80's intro is so good before it kicks, just a great atmosphere.  The main riff drives so hard but is so simple yet so crushing.  A bit heavier for Weiki's style normally.  The change into that verse is brilliant.  Love hearing Kai in the background too.  Again, you can't help but to think of the Saints, All Over Nations, those types of songs here.  The melodies for Andi's section is fantastic, really really good.  Then we get Kai which carries the melodies even more, good stuff.

Back into the heavier chorus the transition seem like it would be disjointed but quite the opposite.  Get a Keeper 3/Rabbit vibe from this song, especially those verses.  Saying that, as I did teh other day, this song pretty much sums up Helloween of every era yet it all connects well.  Kiske hitting some high notes there too.  Weiki again with those beautiful melodies in the middle.  At 4:22 I think we have Sascha, then I think moves to Kai with some nice melodies.  5:16, highest notes ever from Kiske??  I can see this being one underrated tune.


Orbit - Follow the Sign anyone?  Surely not intentional....pffft!  That little Happy Happy Helloween easter egg in there too is a nice touch.

Skyfall - Yeah, I'm still struggling with this one.  It's a good song.  That main melody is really really good and memorable, but I still can't help but to feel this song is to warrant Kai's involvement.  If he had a hand in some other songs or something maybe but this feel out of place.  While enjoyable and welcome, still out of place.  The verses strongly remind me of From the Ashes from Land of the Free 2.  Actually a lot of the riffing here reminds me of that album.  Anyway, Kiske sounds good and chorus is really really nice.  You can't help but to sing along here truthfully. 

I don't know what to think about the mid section with Kai's singing.  Cheesy as fuck and teh song feels like it's starting to drag a little.  Once it kicks into the solos though, we're back on course.  Pure generic Gamma Ray though with the Hangar 18 section.  I do love that fast bit afterwards with Andi.  This song needs more Andi.  I'll have to listen to the solos more carefully or watch the video but I'm starting to look to see how long is left of this song.  7:38 is a pure rip off from Armageddon from Powerplant, pretty blatant that.  There's probably more too throughout the song. It's good to get back to the main melody as I feel the whole mid section was a bit disjointed.  The outro though is cool and a great finale.  Funny song this, parts are really good and other parts are just bland and not needed.  Anyway, somewhere out in space, not sure what I think of that little easter egg.


Golden Times - WTF is this doing on the second cd?  Rivals DITD as the best song here.  A shame there's no Andi but this song is a ripper.  Sascha fucking nails this one.  That chorus, hmmm....probably the best of the whole album.  Classic, melodic, just beautiful.  The 'shine in the dark, and guide through the night' line is just fucking amazing and Kiske sounds incredible. 

I don't know what album I'd place this one truthfully.  Sascha seemed to have nailed some old school Helloween vibes here but I can't place it anywhere.  Great metal mid section and Sascha all over this one.  Again, at 2:57 hitting some old school vibes and that's something Weiki would do.  Listening to this part, I think this song could fit on Rabbit pretty well.  I think the first part of the solo actually may be Weiki.  That middle part of the solo though is Kai, nice solo that one.   Sascha in Gambling style finishes things off nicely.  Wonderful song, just wonderful.  I wish there were more songs in this vein actually.  As the song finishes, this might beat DIID for the best song for me.


Save My Hide - Ha, this is a fun song.  A bit of a Deris solo type song but it rocks hard.  I love the lyrics, and I think we all can relate to them at some points in our life.  The chorus is melodic as fuck too and catchy as hell.  I'd rate this songs up there in the rankings too actually.  That melody in the solo part is damn cool too, perfect and nothing more is needed.  Even though I'd take it over a number of album tracks, you can see why this is a bonus track.  Not much to say on this one, short, catchy, well done, great song.


So there you have it.  I was super critical on this at the start, but loving this band since 2001 I knew this album had to grow.  And it's growing nicely.  Still not sold on the production but it's nowhere near as bad as I thought it was at the start.  Nice addition to the Helloween catalog and exciting to see where the band go from here.  Love seeing Andi and Sascha steering the ship also, both those guys ARE Helloween to me.


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on July 11, 2021, 11:09:17 AM
Great write-up, that was an enjoyable read!

I pretty much agree with everything, as far as the "bigger" songs are concerned. Kind of funny that I'm normally not a huge fan of the happiest of the happy Helloween choruses, but I'm really enjoying Weikath's songs in this one (which generally tend to be those kinds of songs). I'm with you Down in the Dumps is especially great in that regard. It has a kind of "ferociousness" (by Helloween standards, of course) that's really exciting to hear. They are all truly firing away on that one.

And speaking of classic sound, yes, I agree Golden Times should have been on the album proper. Great song.

Totally feel the Time of the Oath vibe on Rise Without Chains, both in the riff and the chorus.

The only thing I'd say - I enjoy Angels a lot. A little different, and it sounds great to me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ariich on July 11, 2021, 02:46:59 PM
I like the SOIS-PP-NWO run. They have a nice sweet spot in the middle of their discography.

I'd also recommend The Awesome Foursome live album. Great collection of songs.

Those 3 are their peak for sure.  NWO made my top 50.  Powerplant might have as well.
Agreed, those three are easily their best IMO. My favourite is definitely SOIS but the other two are solid as well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 11, 2021, 03:57:18 PM
Kade, I was hoping you'd do a solo breakdown.


I've been watching a ton of interviews for the album. Sasha is a real interesting cat. The guy is a Schenker fanatic, so I try and spot his solos by if it sounds like Schenker.

Yeah, the story behind Best Time is that when they all met in April 2019 to play their demos to each other, Sasha had Best Time. It may have been his pop version. He had the chorus, but had no verses, just a space for them. Andi loved the song, so when they convened to record the album, Andi and Sasha banged out the rest of the song in an hour in a hotel room. So Andi basically wrote the verses.

I love that they left his vocals in. I love the "There's nowhere left that we can go
Pushing on to higher goals"
part. It's actually my favorite part of the song.

With Angel, he was sending the track to Kiske beforehand, so I think the demo he presented already had Kiske on it. That's a great tune and it's my sleeper on the album. I love everything about it, especially the instrumental part in the middle.
Sasha is a guy I can definitely root for. He's so humble, but talented as hell. He's been in Helloween for over 17 years, and I'm glad he's not getting edged aside. Weiki seems content on just doing his thing, but Kai will fucking take over if you let him.

I'll buy anything Michael Kiske is on, but to me, what makes this whole thing special is the inclusiveness and camaraderie of everyone.

------------

Andi's writing for the album is really inconsistent for me. Fear Of The Fallen and Rise Without Chains are great tunes, but Mass Pollution and Cyanide are easily my bottom two on the album. Even Save My Hide is a straight away B-side. I'd even take We Are Real over Cyanide. I like that We Are Real has Andi and Kai singing together. I certainly would've been happy for Golden Times to replace Cyanide.


I had to check the Armageddon reference for Skyfall, as I simply don't recall Gamma Ray tunes by title. Yeah, I can see it I guess. I love the middle part where Kai is singing. It adds a lot more depth to the track. I could do without the yeah yeah yeah part before he begins though.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 11, 2021, 04:44:59 PM
Kade, here is Eagle Fly Free from the video I posted last night. Sasha owns the backing vocals! Especially after the solos.

https://youtu.be/ueIj5YFxtuQ?t=3183
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 11, 2021, 06:34:26 PM
Kade, here is Eagle Fly Free from the video I posted last night. Sasha owns the backing vocals! Especially after the solos.

https://youtu.be/ueIj5YFxtuQ?t=3183

I'll watch tonight mate.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 11, 2021, 07:01:14 PM
Kade, I was hoping you'd do a solo breakdown.


I've been watching a ton of interviews for the album. Sasha is a real interesting cat. The guy is a Schenker fanatic, so I try and spot his solos by if it sounds like Schenker.

Yeah, the story behind Best Time is that when they all met in April 2019 to play their demos to each other, Sasha had Best Time. It may have been his pop version. He had the chorus, but had no verses, just a space for them. Andi loved the song, so when they convened to record the album, Andi and Sasha banged out the rest of the song in an hour in a hotel room. So Andi basically wrote the verses.

I love that they left his vocals in. I love the "There's nowhere left that we can go
Pushing on to higher goals"
part. It's actually my favorite part of the song.

With Angel, he was sending the track to Kiske beforehand, so I think the demo he presented already had Kiske on it. That's a great tune and it's my sleeper on the album. I love everything about it, especially the instrumental part in the middle.
Sasha is a guy I can definitely root for. He's so humble, but talented as hell. He's been in Helloween for over 17 years, and I'm glad he's not getting edged aside. Weiki seems content on just doing his thing, but Kai will fucking take over if you let him.

I'll buy anything Michael Kiske is on, but to me, what makes this whole thing special is the inclusiveness and camaraderie of everyone.

------------

Andi's writing for the album is really inconsistent for me. Fear Of The Fallen and Rise Without Chains are great tunes, but Mass Pollution and Cyanide are easily my bottom two on the album. Even Save My Hide is a straight away B-side. I'd even take We Are Real over Cyanide. I like that We Are Real has Andi and Kai singing together. I certainly would've been happy for Golden Times to replace Cyanide.


I had to check the Armageddon reference for Skyfall, as I simply don't recall Gamma Ray tunes by title. Yeah, I can see it I guess. I love the middle part where Kai is singing. It adds a lot more depth to the track. I could do without the yeah yeah yeah part before he begins though.

I'll have to hunt down We Are Real.  Haven't heard that one yet.

That bolded part has me thinking.  Since Skyfall seems a bit different, I wonder if it was Kai's decision or the Andi/Sascha/Weiki's decision for him not to be any more involved if that even was a decision.  Or maybe it's just he doesn't have time to contribute more than what he does.  I was surprised at his involvement with the solos however which was a pleasant surprise.  I think Kai would have been much more challenging in the ego department than Kiske if you ask me.  Glad he hasn't taken over as from Skyfall he would have made it sound like a totally different band.  But so far so good.

Yeah, Sascha is a cool guy.  I wasn't sure on him at first after Roland who I really like, but he's made himself a mainstay and an integral member as much as Andi and Weiki for me.

The album is growing nicely, I've accepted what it is.  I'm not sure how it will stack up against some of the older Deris stuff but it's very good.  And it's probably my ears but for some reason, I think my ripped Mp3 version sounds clearer than the cd.  :huh:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 11, 2021, 07:19:19 PM

That bolded part has me thinking.  Since Skyfall seems a bit different, I wonder if it was Kai's decision or the Andi/Sascha/Weiki's decision for him not to be any more involved if that even was a decision.  Or maybe it's just he doesn't have time to contribute more than what he does.  I was surprised at his involvement with the solos however which was a pleasant surprise.  I think Kai would have been much more challenging in the ego department than Kiske if you ask me.  Glad he hasn't taken over as from Skyfall he would have made it sound like a totally different band.  But so far so good.

When they met up to present their demos, Kai didn't have anything. He would finish Skyfall later.

In a Kiske interview I watched, Kai kind of expected to sing all of Skyfall. They even recorded him singing the whole thing, and was adamant about it, but he was outvoted by EVERYONE involved.

Kiske actually laments the fact that Kai didn't write more. I would bet if they do a follow up, he'll contribute more.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 11, 2021, 07:53:52 PM
So I found this interview with Roland tonight. I set it for the spot where he says they asked Kiske to join Masterplan before they asked Jawn. I had never heard this. Is this old news?

https://youtu.be/pd5ImklrLvc?t=88
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 11, 2021, 08:08:03 PM

That bolded part has me thinking.  Since Skyfall seems a bit different, I wonder if it was Kai's decision or the Andi/Sascha/Weiki's decision for him not to be any more involved if that even was a decision.  Or maybe it's just he doesn't have time to contribute more than what he does.  I was surprised at his involvement with the solos however which was a pleasant surprise.  I think Kai would have been much more challenging in the ego department than Kiske if you ask me.  Glad he hasn't taken over as from Skyfall he would have made it sound like a totally different band.  But so far so good.

When they met up to present their demos, Kai didn't have anything. He would finish Skyfall later.

In a Kiske interview I watched, Kai kind of expected to sing all of Skyfall. They even recorded him singing the whole thing, and was adamant about it, but he was outvoted by EVERYONE involved.

Kiske actually laments the fact that Kai didn't write more. I would bet if they do a follow up, he'll contribute more.

Listening more, I'm kind of glad Kai didn't write more.  I love Kai and Gamma Ray but even though I mentioned I felt like this is just a Deris era album with Kai and Kiske thrown in, the more I'm happier with that outcome.  I listened to the album again on my rounds this morning for work and Skyfall is a great song I must say, but I just can't help but to feel like it doesn't really feel like a part of the album, if that makes sense.

We'll see the result on the next album if Kai is involved more.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 11, 2021, 08:10:05 PM
This is amazing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9ZgI-q64KE

I mean, high heels?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 11, 2021, 08:13:28 PM
Listening more, I'm kind of glad Kai didn't write more.  I love Kai and Gamma Ray but even though I mentioned I felt like this is just a Deris era album with Kai and Kiske thrown in, the more I'm happier with that outcome.  I listened to the album again on my rounds this morning for work and Skyfall is a great song I must say, but I just can't help but to feel like it doesn't really feel like a part of the album, if that makes sense.

We'll see the result on the next album if Kai is involved more.

It's the crown jewel! I love it!

The vocals are amazing on it, especially Kiske when he smacks you in the face in that first verse.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 11, 2021, 08:37:27 PM
Listening more, I'm kind of glad Kai didn't write more.  I love Kai and Gamma Ray but even though I mentioned I felt like this is just a Deris era album with Kai and Kiske thrown in, the more I'm happier with that outcome.  I listened to the album again on my rounds this morning for work and Skyfall is a great song I must say, but I just can't help but to feel like it doesn't really feel like a part of the album, if that makes sense.

We'll see the result on the next album if Kai is involved more.

It's the crown jewel! I love it!

The vocals are amazing on it, especially Kiske when he smacks you in the face in that first verse.

I can easily see why people think Skyfall is the opus.  I'm not disputing that but I'm not sure exactly where I'd rank it.  I'll think about it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ErHaO on July 12, 2021, 03:27:56 AM
I'll post this here;

New live video from upcoming Gamma Ray CD/DVD.

https://youtu.be/texJxGWwADg

Damn good.


That does sound really good.

I only really know Land of the Free as an album and a bunch of individual Gamma Ray songs. What is a good Gamma Ray album to check out aside from Land of the Free (which I find excellent)?

Most albums are quality, but Powerplant and Somewhere Out in Space.

A good introduction is Blast From the Past though, great re-recorded compilation.

Saying all that, No World Order is my personal fav.


I like the SOIS-PP-NWO run. They have a nice sweet spot in the middle of their discography.

I'd also recommend The Awesome Foursome live album. Great collection of songs.

Thanks, I will check it out!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 12, 2021, 05:22:14 AM
I was totally wrong about Golden Times on two counts.  First being is that the first solo is Kai, middle one is Weiki and then Sascha.

Secondly, it's the best song on the whole damn thing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 12, 2021, 05:32:48 AM
So I found this interview with Roland tonight. I set it for the spot where he says they asked Kiske to join Masterplan before they asked Jawn. I had never heard this. Is this old news?

https://youtu.be/pd5ImklrLvc?t=88

Yeah I don't think I've heard that before.  His guest spot on Heroes then makes sense.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 12, 2021, 05:38:17 AM
Kade, here is Eagle Fly Free from the video I posted last night. Sasha owns the backing vocals! Especially after the solos.

https://youtu.be/ueIj5YFxtuQ?t=3183

Haha very nice.  He harmonizes pretty well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 12, 2021, 06:02:01 AM
Bloody hell! We Are Real is a shocker.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 12, 2021, 03:59:13 PM
Bloody hell! We Are Real is a shocker.

Yes, I love that it's Andi and Kai together. That's a cool dynamic. Love how Markus wrote himself a nice bass solo in the song. :lol

I'd take this and Golden Times and take out Mass Pollution and Cyanide.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 12, 2021, 04:24:38 PM
Bloody hell! We Are Real is a shocker.

Yes, I love that it's Andi and Kai together. That's a cool dynamic. Love how Markus wrote himself a nice bass solo in the song. :lol

I'd take this and Golden Times and take out Mass Pollution and Cyanide.

Shocker is Aussie slang for bloody awful!  :lol

No way I'd swap any song here for it.  But I'll try it again.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on July 12, 2021, 04:49:42 PM
Bloody hell! We Are Real is a shocker.

Yes, I love that it's Andi and Kai together. That's a cool dynamic. Love how Markus wrote himself a nice bass solo in the song. :lol

I'd take this and Golden Times and take out Mass Pollution and Cyanide.

Shocker is Aussie slang for bloody awful!  :lol

No way I'd swap any song here for it.  But I'll try it again.
Thanks for that, you actually made me check it out because of that word... :laugh:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 12, 2021, 05:05:57 PM
I'm probably being harsh.  I'm guessing Weiki wrote it?  Seems like a song they would normally chuck on an album.  Most albums have a Can Do It, Do You Feel Good type of song like this.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 12, 2021, 05:10:50 PM
I'm probably being harsh.  I'm guessing Weiki wrote it?  Seems like a song they would normally chuck on an album.  Most albums have a Can Do It, Do You Feel Good type of song like this.

It's a Markus track. I just find it fun and anthemic.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Zoom E on July 12, 2021, 05:54:23 PM
I'm probably being harsh.  I'm guessing Weiki wrote it?  Seems like a song they would normally chuck on an album.  Most albums have a Can Do It, Do You Feel Good type of song like this.

The lyrics are pretty cringe-worthy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 12, 2021, 06:02:19 PM
I'm probably being harsh.  I'm guessing Weiki wrote it?  Seems like a song they would normally chuck on an album.  Most albums have a Can Do It, Do You Feel Good type of song like this.

It's a Markus track. I just find it fun and anthemic.

Ah!  I was tossing up between the two.  Gut said Markus but head said Weiki.

I have the urge to listen to this some more.  Running through it again this morning in the car.  Glory is a wonderful song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Zoom E on July 12, 2021, 06:02:45 PM
Fear of the Fallen is my current favourite tune. I love the vocal harmonizations between Kiske and Deris, especially in the last minute, “liiiisten, liiiisten”  : :metal

I agree with TAC on Angel being a great song and probably one of the strongest cuts on the album.

Skyfall took me a while to latch onto, but now I'm loving it. It could never match the brilliance of the epic Hallowe’en, but I think it might come close to rivaling Keeper of the Seven Keys (the song).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 13, 2021, 07:49:57 PM
Fuck yes!

https://youtu.be/5xJSVK9q1hM
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 13, 2021, 07:56:42 PM
Fuck yes!

https://youtu.be/5xJSVK9q1hM

That song is a great deep underrated cut from TTOTO.  This performance is detuned quite a bit though.  The middle section rips and Sascha does a great job on that Roland solo.  Does his things but keeps all the key melodies in check.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 13, 2021, 08:01:20 PM
From the same tour..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLtpwUlXp5w

Sascha starts this off with a great Schenkerific solo, including bending the neck.


Fuck yes!

https://youtu.be/5xJSVK9q1hM

That song is a great deep underrated cut from TTOTO.  This performance is detuned quite a bit though.  The middle section rips and Sascha does a great job on that Roland solo.  Does his things but keeps all the key melodies in check.

Before The War is a great tune.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 14, 2021, 06:39:14 AM
I always really enjoyed Andi singing Future World.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: kirksnosehair on July 15, 2021, 12:34:34 PM
New album is pretty good.  Never was much of a fan of these guys, but I'm enjoying it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on July 17, 2021, 05:37:12 PM
I guessing this might not be news for most but i'm really really diggin Grosskopf bass work on this release, there's lots of cool melodic lines here and there and also I just find the bassmix to be perfect atleast with headphones. You hear the bass so clearly but still not overpowering the overall mix. I'm not sure if that's common for the bass in Helloween?

Some examples:

Out for the glory 1:04-1:12
Fear of the fallen 2:09-2:15
Mass Pollution: 0:10-0:20
Angels: 2:25-2:30 and 4:15-4:20
Rise without chains: 0:36-0:49, 1:46-1:59 and 3:54-3:56
Skyfall: 2:16-2:20

Edit: Typo






Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 17, 2021, 05:39:45 PM
Markus
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on July 17, 2021, 07:12:55 PM
Markus
?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 17, 2021, 07:17:53 PM
Markus is the bass player.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on July 18, 2021, 01:08:51 AM
 :facepalm: Holy brainfart!

I was like yea I know his name is Markus Weikath...

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on July 18, 2021, 03:11:55 PM
Really nice cover of Eagle Fly Free. Michael Gilbert and Ken Mary from Flotsam & Jetsam are part of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJs-W-GOqzE
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on July 20, 2021, 09:02:21 AM
I’m actually kinda glad Kai didn’t write more because that might’ve resulted in him having bigger vocal parts, and I’m not a big fan of his voice.

Angels IMO is the worst song on the album. Sascha is really hit or miss on the last few albums. His best songs were on Gambling, Rabbits, And Keepers Legacy. Nowadays he seems to be experimenting a lot, which isn’t a bad thing, but it’s just not resulting in good songs.

The best songs on the new album come from Weiki.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on July 25, 2021, 06:53:39 AM
Random thought: Nabatea would slay with some vocals from Kiske. He can take the verses and the high chorus, Deris can do the harsher bits and the middle section.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NotePad on July 25, 2021, 07:59:25 AM
Random thought: Nabatea would slay with some vocals from Kiske. He can take the verses and the high chorus, Deris can do the harsher bits and the middle section.

There’s a lot of songs I’d like to hear Kiske sing. As much as I prefer Deris’ voice, Weiki and co have definitely written songs that would be perfect for Kiske and would fit perfectly on a keepers record. Imagine Helloween recording Falling Higher or Salvation back in ‘88 with Kiske and putting it on Keepers.
When I first heard Out For The Glory I was breathtaken. Weiki’s songwriting and Kiske’s voice just work so gloriously together.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on July 25, 2021, 02:41:17 PM
I’m actually kinda glad Kai didn’t write more because that might’ve resulted in him having bigger vocal parts, and I’m not a big fan of his voice.

Angels IMO is the worst song on the album. Sascha is really hit or miss on the last few albums. His best songs were on Gambling, Rabbits, And Keepers Legacy. Nowadays he seems to be experimenting a lot, which isn’t a bad thing, but it’s just not resulting in good songs.

The best songs on the new album come from Weiki.

I agree and I don't think I'd say that about any Deris era album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on August 08, 2021, 08:41:26 PM
Golden Times is a pretty great song and I think the first vocal melody ("In my dreams The world would be") sounds great but I hate how every time it’s repeated (the vocal melody not the lyrics) it sounds kinda out of tune or something. Basically it only sounds great one time and I think that sucks. Just a random observation.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 08, 2021, 08:43:35 PM
Golden Times is a pretty great song and I think the first vocal melody ("In my dreams The world would be") sounds great but I hate how every time it’s repeated (the vocal melody not the lyrics) it sounds kinda out of tune or something. Basically it only sounds great one time and I think that sucks. Just a random observation.

Hmmm...can't say I've noticed.

That's still by far my fav song on the whole thing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on August 08, 2021, 08:47:20 PM
Out of tune is probably not the right way to describe it, it just sounds slightly off to me.

Anyway I do think the song should have been on the album instead of Cyanide or Indestructible.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on August 22, 2021, 09:45:18 AM
Out of tune is probably not the right way to describe it, it just sounds slightly off to me.

Anyway I do think the song should have been on the album instead of Cyanide or Indestructible.
Hmm interesting observation, I think I know what you mean. Can't say it's out of tune but the notes on the words Be and Dreams sounds a bit cleaner the first time and the second time it kinda collides with the harmony or something. Kinda sounds like it's not the same notes as the first time but i'm not sure. Was that it?

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 18, 2021, 07:40:18 PM
So I may have linked The Charismatic Voice reaction video to Keeper Of The Seven keys a few months ago. Not checking, but here's the link..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j202wF41ZgY

This is the same lady who did the most recent JLB interview posted on the DT Side.

Well, she just released a reaction to Halloween. It's really awesome!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqVZHDQb-T8
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on October 19, 2021, 12:27:15 AM
I'm subscribed to the Charismatic Voice!

Her "reaction" videos are cut above the rest! I love how she is able to analyze the song and the singer.

I'm still listening to the self titled album a lot! Could be a contender for my album of the year.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 20, 2021, 08:12:25 PM
I'm still listening to the self titled album a lot! Could be a contender for my album of the year.

I've spent a lot of time over the last month listening to the new Maiden and DT. I have actually spun the Helloween a couple of times in the past week, and I still love it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 01, 2022, 04:12:28 AM
https://youtu.be/UtwyV0j76Ic

Cool video of Weiki talking about Robot King.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on February 01, 2022, 01:44:08 PM
https://youtu.be/UtwyV0j76Ic

Cool video of Weiki talking about Robot King.

...and this man leads one of the most influential metal bands of all time. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 01, 2022, 01:54:45 PM
https://youtu.be/UtwyV0j76Ic

Cool video of Weiki talking about Robot King.

...and this man leads one of the most influential metal bands of all time. :lol

Yeah haha.  He certainly seems like an interesting character.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on February 02, 2022, 02:11:26 AM
Weiki fascinates me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Eldomm on February 03, 2022, 12:38:42 AM
Weiki is the boss!  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 30, 2022, 07:40:03 PM
So, Helloween finally begins their tour this week..

Wed May 4  Manchester
Thurs May 5   London

And then 6+weeks later in Europe. Can't wait to see the setlist. When the album was released, I watched a ton of interviews, and I got the feeling they were going to dust off Twilight Of The Gods.


Any of our English DTFers going?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 08:07:36 PM
They have so much stuff they could play it always feels songs and opportunities are left out, but it can't be helped..  Will be interesting what they choose.  Need more deep cuts from BTR/TDR/Rabbit.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 30, 2022, 08:10:03 PM
They have so much stuff they could play it always feels songs and opportunities are left out, but it can't be helped..  Will be interesting what they choose.  Need more deep cuts from BTR/TDR/Rabbit.

I would love a version of The King Of 1000 Years with Kiske on it, or even Occasion Avenue.

They have Hammerfall opening, so their shows won't be anywhere near the length of the Pumpkins United show. When I saw them...it was just them.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 08:11:12 PM
They have so much stuff they could play it always feels songs and opportunities are left out, but it can't be helped..  Will be interesting what they choose.  Need more deep cuts from BTR/TDR/Rabbit.

I would love a version of The King Of 1000 Years with Kiske on it, or even Occasion Avenue.

They have Hammerfall opening, so their shows won't be anywhere near the length of the Pumpkins United show. When I saw them...it was just them.

Great opening band though, that's a great bill.  Yeah, decent call on those two epics though,  They've done the old ones and these two have always held up to them IMO.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 30, 2022, 08:12:45 PM
I'd lose my shit if they opened with King Of 1000 Years.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on April 30, 2022, 08:22:40 PM
I'd lose my shit if they opened with King Of 1000 Years.

It's a fucking great idea actually.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on May 01, 2022, 03:21:46 AM
I'd lose my shit if they opened with King Of 1000 Years.

It's a fucking great idea actually.

Well, that was the norm for the Legacy tour back in 2005.

And yes, that's one of the songs that should be played, character wise the entire lyrics are from the point of view of the devil so it would feel weird to swap singers, but hey, Kiske would slay that chorus!!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 01, 2022, 03:27:46 AM
I'd lose my shit if they opened with King Of 1000 Years.

It's a fucking great idea actually.

Well, that was the norm for the Legacy tour back in 2005.

And yes, that's one of the songs that should be played, character wise the entire lyrics are from the point of view of the devil so it would feel weird to swap singers, but hey, Kiske would slay that chorus!!!

That's a great DVD.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 01, 2022, 07:46:36 PM
That is a great DVD. The band looks like they're having so much fun.


I can't believe you can still buy tickets to this week's shows.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on May 03, 2022, 01:19:02 AM
I'm going to make a bold prediction, and say that "Open Your Life" will be played live in the coming tour! Sascha has been featuring that song a lot in his Instagram stories! :tup

Some other deep cuts, I would like them to dust of include:
King for a 1000 Years (Obviously)
Midnight Sun
A Handful of Pain
Twilight of the Gods
Invisible Man
The Departed (Sun is Going Down)

Can't believe the Finland show is still a year away! It was supposed to be in spring 2020, if I remember correctly.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on May 03, 2022, 03:22:11 AM
I got to hear A Handful of Pain live  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 03, 2022, 03:56:14 AM
I'm going to make a bold prediction, and say that "Open Your Life" will be played live in the coming tour! Sascha has been featuring that song a lot in his Instagram stories! :tup

Some other deep cuts, I would like them to dust of include:
King for a 1000 Years (Obviously)
Midnight Sun
A Handful of Pain
Twilight of the Gods
Invisible Man
The Departed (Sun is Going Down)

Can't believe the Finland show is still a year away! It was supposed to be in spring 2020, if I remember correctly.

Open Your Life and A Handful of Pain would be incredible.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 03, 2022, 02:30:15 PM
I'm going to make a bold prediction, and say that "Open Your Life" will be played live in the coming tour! Sascha has been featuring that song a lot in his Instagram stories! :tup


I pulled up his instagram, but I couldn't find any reference. Can you post a link? Not because I don't believe you, I'm interested in seeing it.


Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on May 03, 2022, 03:18:59 PM
I'm going to make a bold prediction, and say that "Open Your Life" will be played live in the coming tour! Sascha has been featuring that song a lot in his Instagram stories! :tup


I pulled up his instagram, but I couldn't find any reference. Can you post a link? Not because I don't believe you, I'm interested in seeing it.

If it's been posted in the stories, they go away after 24 hours....
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 03, 2022, 03:32:19 PM
Oh..


Anything else I've missed in regards to the upcoming shows?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on May 04, 2022, 04:03:24 AM
I'm going to make a bold prediction, and say that "Open Your Life" will be played live in the coming tour! Sascha has been featuring that song a lot in his Instagram stories! :tup


I pulled up his instagram, but I couldn't find any reference. Can you post a link? Not because I don't believe you, I'm interested in seeing it.

If it's been posted in the stories, they go away after 24 hours....

Yeah, it was posted in the stories, so they are not readable anymore. I remember him posting stories about his new signature guitars, and quite a few of them featured "Open Your Life".

This could be a total shot in the dark, and mean nothing. :lol We'll see when the information about the setlist goes to Setlist.fm. First show is supposed to be today!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 07:23:46 AM
Yes tonight!

I wonder if there are any active Helloween forums where the songs might be updated to by someone at the show.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 02:07:45 PM
So, there's a setlist up on Setlist FM, which is weird because it's only 9pm in Manchester right now.
It is stated as a "stage setlist"..so maybe someone has seen it.

Skyfall
Eagle Fly Free
Mass Polution
Future World
Save Us
Where The Rain Grows
(unknown)-Kai Medley
Forever And One
Straight Out Of Hell
First Time
How Many Tears

Encore:
A Tale The Wasn't Right
Power
Keeper Of The Seven Keys

Encore 2:
I Want Out





What do you think? Is it bullshit?

Two shocks..
No Best Time, considering it's the thingy being released in a couple of weeks, and First Time? No way they play anything from Chameleon.

I wonder if someone mistook Best Time for First Time. That seems way more plausable.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 04, 2022, 02:34:07 PM
I could do without Forever and One again.  Mass Pollution isn't the greatest track from the new album to highlight.  Where the Rain Grows and Straight Out of Hell are a couple of couple deep cuts.  Save Us though is a great pick.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 02:49:54 PM
I'm going to keep refreshing it. The Kai medley has been updated to be:
Metal Invaders / Victim of Fate / Gorgar / Ride the Sky / Heavy Metal in the Law

I still think it'll be Best Time instead of First Time.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 04, 2022, 03:11:57 PM
I'm going to keep refreshing it. The Kai medley has been updated to be:
Metal Invaders / Victim of Fate / Gorgar / Ride the Sky / Heavy Metal in the Law

I still think it'll be Best Time instead of First Time.

 :lol  Yeah, no way they are playing First Time........surely.

Gorgar is a fucking cool song, always really liked that one.  And seeing some of VOF come back out is insane.  Would have liked Starlight instead of MI or HMITL however.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 03:14:03 PM
Yup, as expected, First Time has been edited to Best Time with Dr. Stein added in after it.

So this seems to be what we have..


Skyfall
Eagle Fly Free
Mass Polution
Future World
Save Us
Where The Rain Grows
Kai Medley: Metal Invaders / Victim of Fate / Gorgar / Ride the Sky
Heavy Metal Is The Law
Forever And One
Straight Out Of Hell
Best Time
Dr. Stein
How Many Tears

Encore:
A Tale The Wasn't Right
Power
Keeper Of The Seven Keys

Encore 2:
I Want Out






Apparently HMITL was played in full..
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 03:17:49 PM
Would have liked Starlight instead of MI or HMITL however.

The Medley on Pumpkins United was Starlight/Ride The Sky/Judas/HMITL

At least they switched it out.

And the Kai Medley was the best part of the show. Holy shit!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 04, 2022, 03:26:37 PM
Would have liked Starlight instead of MI or HMITL however.

The Medley on Pumpkins United was Starlight/Ride The Sky/Judas/HMITL

At least they switched it out.

And the Kai Medley was the best part of the show. Holy shit!

I didn't give a lot of time to Pumpkins United, so completely forgot Starlight was in there.  Fair enough adding Gorgar and VOF then.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 03:32:40 PM
I'm just glad they kept that part of the show.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 04, 2022, 03:41:22 PM
I'm just glad they kept that part of the show.

Indeed.

Got my hopes up for Open Your Life too so that sucks.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 04, 2022, 03:42:40 PM
Found an updated set.  It us Best Time, not First Time.

Apparently How Many Tears has a Skyfall reprise.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 04:14:25 PM
Found an updated set.  It us Best Time, not First Time.

Yup!

Yup, as expected, First Time has been edited to Best Time with Dr. Stein added in after it.



So, the three new songs are Skyfall, Mass Pollution and Best Time. Interesting. Only three.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 04, 2022, 04:57:02 PM
I think 3 songs is a fine number.  Mass Pollution as I said is strange IMO.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 05:02:02 PM
I think 3 songs is a fine number.  Mass Pollution as I said is strange IMO.

You basically had two Deris only tracks, Mass Pollution and Cyanide to choose from. Both are my two least faves on the album.
I really expected Out For The Glory to be played. It would've worked in the spot held by Eagle Fly Free.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2022, 06:13:16 PM
Footage!!!

Kai Medley (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e7WTwXzwVQ)

Future World (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puPphiFhFrk)

Best Time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GArJOO85b1I)
So happy they gave Sasha a solo section. Fucking nice!

Dr. Stein (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0U10EGSDzQ)

A Tale The Wasn't Right (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNfIaYLm6E0)


I have to say that Helloween looked like a band that had been off the road for two years. They needed a shot of energy.


Hammerfall
We Make Sweden Rock (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tZsT9K5fGE)

I don't consider Hammerfall a great live band but they were UP for this gig.




EDIT:
Skyfall/Eagle Fly Free (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kayUbGSRw4w)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 04, 2022, 09:34:06 PM
That Skyfall/Eagle Fly Free video was great.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on May 04, 2022, 09:44:49 PM
Looks like my "Open Your Life" hunch was wrong. :P

Oh well, a good setlist regardless. They are playing it a bit safe, although I believe that they are going to rotate some new songs in, that we have not seen yet.

Only 3 songs from the "Self Titled" is a surprise.

Thumbs up for "Save Us" and "Where The Rain Grows". :tup

As soon as I heard "Best Time", I knew it was going to be a live banger!! Can't wait to see some pro shot footage of it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 05, 2022, 01:02:28 AM
I'm actually excited that they played Save Us. I've been wanting to hear Kiske sing that live, and now it's happened.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on May 05, 2022, 07:09:29 AM
I like that setlist!  Save Us is a great song and I'm glad Best Time and Mass Pollution are being played from the new album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 06, 2022, 01:51:48 PM
Full London show!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7nNpi4AKEI

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 06, 2022, 03:07:30 PM
I'll have to find some time to try and check some of these vids.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 06, 2022, 07:21:24 PM
Running through the self titled, paying more attention on Mass Pollution and the lyrics.......yeah.....okay....I guess I can see why they are playing it.  :\
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 06, 2022, 08:41:15 PM
Full London show!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7nNpi4AKEI

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy



Just finished watching this....

Phenomenal show. The band seemed much looser than the previous night in Manchester.

Love the drum riser and the stage. They make good use of the platforms on each side of the stage.

As much as I wasn't crazy about the transition from Skyfall to Eagle Fly Free, I thought the Skyfall reprise at the end of How Many Tears was awesome.

Loved the interplay between Kai and Sascha. That's the kind of thing that makes this reunion believable and it makes me feel all warm inside. ;D

Kiske and Andi are so strong on their own, but what's amazing is how different they are from each other, but also how well they complement each other. They are phenomenal performers.

When I saw them on the Pumpkins United tour, the one guy I was most impressed with was Dani. He was in total control of the whole concert. The show ran through him, and it still does.

Markus is a tremendous bassist.

Power is one of the best tracks in their catalog.



(https://scontent-bos3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/280140595_558730535616516_1332014779592761888_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-6&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=ghPE-Zg0iToAX_E-7gF&_nc_ht=scontent-bos3-1.xx&oh=00_AT-IvnN0rXA2NTafmozZWY4pTG1g7kFMbUR5X3OmQX97xw&oe=627AC443)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 06, 2022, 08:51:45 PM
I'll have a watch through this later.  I'm interested to see how Skyfall is as an opener.  I think Out for the Glory though would have been a fabulous opener.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 06, 2022, 08:59:27 PM
Yeah, I agree, but for the concert, I think you have to get both singers out for the first number.
Skyfall is a great opener, one I actually hadn't considered.

Halloween was fucking awesome as an opener on the last tour. That why I thought King Of 1000 Years would work great. Would love to hear Kiske and Deris together on that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 06, 2022, 09:04:30 PM
Yeah, I agree, but for the concert, I think you have to get both singers out for the first number.
Skyfall is a great opener, one I actually hadn't considered.

Halloween was fucking awesome as an opener on the last tour. That why I thought King Of 1000 Years would work great. Would love to hear Kiske and Deris together on that.

Yeah, that's what I figured.  Maybe if they didn't do the Pumpkins United tour this may have been on the cards to re-introduce Kiske but Skyfall makes perfect sense.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on May 07, 2022, 04:26:37 AM
I'll have a watch through this later.  I'm interested to see how Skyfall is as an opener.  I think Out for the Glory though would have been a fabulous opener.

I hope they rotate "Out For The Glory" and "Fear of the Fallen" into the setlist at some point. "Mass Pollution" is not a bad song, but I would rather hear those two instead.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on May 07, 2022, 04:38:50 AM
Mass Pollution is  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 07, 2022, 05:14:23 PM
I checked Skyfall and Eagle on that London vid last night and the band are fucking tight.  Even guitar wise, it was nice.  Andi sounds incredible, he really does.  Kiske sounds slightly underdone but there's moments where he sounds amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on May 08, 2022, 08:51:47 AM
I prefer Fear of the fallen over Skyfall but I can see how Skyfall is a great opener.
Cool stage setup with Kiske and Andi on each side and the drums a mile up as usual.  :laugh:
As a drummer i've always wondered what it's like to be so seperated from your bandmates like that but I guess you get used to it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: NoseofNicko on May 08, 2022, 11:04:54 PM
Really been digging Angels lately. I think it’s become one of my top 5 favorite songs on the album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 28, 2022, 02:14:04 AM
Saw them in Italy last night!!!  :metal

It basically turned out into a mini festival - they had Sabaton with them, and they basically played their full show with the full production, plus Beast in Black (ultra cheesy power metal band from Finland, you either despise them or just give in to their "love child of Abba and Judas Priest" songs like I did), and a local band (Moonlight Haze).

This was my setlist:

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/helloween/2022/ippodromo-del-galoppo-di-san-siro-milan-italy-3bb36c38.html

The band was tight and great, I got spoiled seeing the three hour reunion show which made us all metal kids in a candy store, with Christmas and Halloween happening together  ;D, but now that the "wooooow Kiske and Hansen are back!" surprise factor wore off, I still got to see an awesome band who pioneered a genre still playing an awesome show.

Andi Deris, to my pleasure, is still the house master. Kiske was there to make us all feel in the '80s again, and only the lack of hair betrayed the passage of time because f'k yeah, you closed your eyes during Eagle Fly Free and you could pretend it was 30 years ago again, but Deris still was the frontman, the showman, the most entertaining one on stage, the one who talked more out of the three singers. Heck, probably even Kai Hansen talked more than Kiske. Deris absolutely destroys Kiske when it comes to frontman duties and stage presence (hey, probably Kiske even likes it that way), and it took Deris giant balls to go along with the reunion leaving aside his fears - if he had any - that he'd be shunned by fans for Kiske. He's still in command, and I bet he's probably happy of finally being rid of having to sing Eagle Fly Free and Future World (and being compared to Kiske for it). I can't think of any other band that could pull off a reunion with the classic singer, with the "newest" singer still being the undisputed leader of the stage. Probably because Helloween is the only case where the "replacement singer" lasted that long creating so many good albums and a legacy of his own.

Kai Hansen's medley was also an highlight of the show. I finally got to hear Victim of Fate even if not in full, whooho!!!! oh, to be kids again and hearing those Kai Hansen songs.... and seeing him playing next to Weikath.... and hearing Kiske singing those songs like time hasn't passed.... I mean, I'm old but not THAT old, Kiske was already history when I started to listen to power metal  :lol so for the second time seeing one of the very best bands of the genre pull out a convincing show with two (basically three) singers was totally worth the stress of going there the day after having returned from holidays. Back home by plane at 2 AM in the morning, and in the early noon straight to the concert. No regrets  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 28, 2022, 06:17:58 AM
Awesome review, Andrea. I loved reading it.

You are right about Andi. That guy has giant fucking balls. He and Kiske are so different, especially personality wise on stage, but they really do work so well together. Andi is all class, and he and Kiske really seem to actually like each other. They make a great team. They even sound great together.

I couldn't wait for the Manchester/London shows a couple of months ago. A bit disappointed they didn't introduce some different older tracks, but I'm glad they kept the Kai part. It's a fucking amazing part of the show, and gives the show a whole 'nuther dimension.

They all have great on stage chemistry that really makes this work.

And I remember being in awe of Dani Loble. That guy was flawless and in command of every track.



I need US dates!!!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on August 29, 2022, 04:25:14 AM
Andi Deris earned his spot in Hellowen. He is the band as much as Weikath, Hansen and Kiske are.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on August 29, 2022, 11:00:20 AM
Really hope they come back to the States. I had a ticket to their show in LA. Something happened that required me to miss the whole thing. I've been a fan since 1987, and was so excited. One of my major regrets. I can't believe I had to skip it. It was the right thing to do, but a huge bummer. Been hoping for another chance. Set list looks awesome.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on September 09, 2022, 10:52:15 AM
So I need to throw this out there.

I find myself just not all that impressed with the latest Helloween record. It's fine, and it's cool to have Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske back. But I feel the record...doesn't know what it wants to be. Using both vocalists live, and the live stuff - totally makes sense. And Skyfall, its a great track. But Skyfall is the highlight of the album to my ears. The rest sort of...just don't know if they are supposed to be power metal songs written for a tenor, or more hard rock/metal made for not as dynamic of a singer. And that combination sort of throws me.

It could be simply that I love the Keeper I & II records so much (I basically consider them one fully record) that it is biasing me. But I just can't get into self-titled Helloween album. Am I the only one?

I'm an unabashed Kiske fan. I'm not so fond of Deris. He is a great songwriter for sure. Good singer. But Kiske's voice and the style of those first two Keeper records is what drew me to Helloween...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on September 09, 2022, 11:28:41 AM
I'd probably enjoy the s/t album less if I wasn't as into Andi Deris as I eventually came to be a handful of years ago.  I love his era of Helloween, where they went heavier and grittier as opposed to the clean power metal style of the Keepers albums.  Songs like Mr. Torture, Paint a New World and Bells of the 7 Hells are pure headbangers.

I was expecting more of Kiske and Kai on the new album, but it works fine for me.  I see Kai as the speed/thrash metal singer, Andi as the heavy, grittier singer guy and Kiske as the clean guy.  They seem to divide that up fairly well.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 09, 2022, 02:11:21 PM
So I need to throw this out there.

I find myself just not all that impressed with the latest Helloween record. It's fine, and it's cool to have Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske back. But I feel the record...doesn't know what it wants to be. Using both vocalists live, and the live stuff - totally makes sense. And Skyfall, its a great track. But Skyfall is the highlight of the album to my ears. The rest sort of...just don't know if they are supposed to be power metal songs written for a tenor, or more hard rock/metal made for not as dynamic of a singer. And that combination sort of throws me.

It could be simply that I love the Keeper I & II records so much (I basically consider them one fully record) that it is biasing me. But I just can't get into self-titled Helloween album. Am I the only one?

I'm an unabashed Kiske fan. I'm not so fond of Deris. He is a great songwriter for sure. Good singer. But Kiske's voice and the style of those first two Keeper records is what drew me to Helloween...

Interesting post.

I think it was easy to get caught up in expecting a perfect album. The thing is, it is not a perfect album, with its own hierarchy of songs.

You're right on this...Skyfall is the highlight of the album. It's also the only Kai track. And for some reason, he expected to be the vocalist on it. One of the album's shortfalls is not having any more Kai tracks, but for some reason, he only wrote one.

I think Down In The Dumps, Out For The Glory, Fear Of The Fallen, Rise Without Chains, and Robot Man are all excellent tracks, and musically, all I was hoping for. Plus the vocal recording and mixing is masterclass. Dennis Ward did an amazing job with the vocals, pushing up Kiske (while still clearly hearing Andi) on a first chorus, and then pushing up Andi (while still clearly hearing Kiske) in the next chorus. With the exception of FOTF and RWC, as great as these tunes are, they have dumb AF lyrics. Which brings me to my second shortfall, which is that Kiske didn't write any lyrics.

If they do another album, we need more music from Kai and Kiske to write lyrics.

This brings me to the two Sasha tunes, Best Time and Angels. These are great tunes and are the two tracks that feel fresh. Angels is phenomenal.

Markus' Indestructible has really grown on me. It's straight ahead, but I really like it.

Andi's two tracks, Cyanide and Mass Pollution are both disappointing. I just don't think they're that great.



It took me a long time to come around to Andi, but he carried Helloween on his back for years, and really gave them this lengthy career. There are some great Andi albums all the way through their discography.
Plus, I really like Andi. He has balls of steel. He doesn't shy away from any track. He's an extremely strong and varied vocalist.


Now, as a whole, I expect a better album the next time around, but I am more than happy with the s/t. I still listen to it regularly. My biggest fear is that it will be a one and done.



Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 10, 2022, 05:54:28 PM
So I need to throw this out there.

I find myself just not all that impressed with the latest Helloween record. It's fine, and it's cool to have Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske back. But I feel the record...doesn't know what it wants to be. Using both vocalists live, and the live stuff - totally makes sense. And Skyfall, its a great track. But Skyfall is the highlight of the album to my ears. The rest sort of...just don't know if they are supposed to be power metal songs written for a tenor, or more hard rock/metal made for not as dynamic of a singer. And that combination sort of throws me.

It could be simply that I love the Keeper I & II records so much (I basically consider them one fully record) that it is biasing me. But I just can't get into self-titled Helloween album. Am I the only one?

I'm an unabashed Kiske fan. I'm not so fond of Deris. He is a great songwriter for sure. Good singer. But Kiske's voice and the style of those first two Keeper records is what drew me to Helloween...

To be honest, I hated it when it came out.  I thought it sounded like shit and the hype wasn't warranted.  I've grown to really like the album.  I'm a Deris man all the way.  I discovered the band with TDR and went from there.  I was kinda 'meh' hearing Kiske on record with Andi.  I think it's a very good Deris album with Kiske on vocals.  Kai has some nice leads and I actually wish he had a few more vocal lines.

Saying all that though, it's funny because my fav track is actually the Kiske only bonus track, Golden Times.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 10, 2022, 05:57:04 PM
I definitely want a Kai vocal on the next album, or at least an extended Kai vocal part in a song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 10, 2022, 06:02:23 PM
I definitely want a Kai vocal on the next album, or at least an extended Kai vocal part in a song.

His little bits were really cool, but I'm a Gamma Ray fanboy, but yeah something like a Kai and Andi song would be interesting.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on September 10, 2022, 07:06:05 PM
I definitely want a Kai vocal on the next album, or at least an extended Kai vocal part in a song.

He does a full lead vocals on 'We Are Real' which is an exclusive Japan bonus track from the last album.
Unfortunately it by far the worst song of the 'reunion' era.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on September 10, 2022, 07:09:56 PM
I definitely want a Kai vocal on the next album, or at least an extended Kai vocal part in a song.

He does a full lead vocals on 'We Are Real' which is an exclusive Japan bonus track from the last album.
Unfortunately it by far the worst song of the 'reunion' era.

I think I checked that and didn't make it through the whole song from memory.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 27, 2022, 12:19:10 PM
(https://cdn.vor.us/event/507782/4ac90d203ba84036a20993fa8b9694e9.image!png.20694976.png.SQ.png)


 :metal :metal :metal




Full listing!

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb2a43_5e04fb5f771443a2a04675a6cf6ad8da~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1229,h_690,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/WEB%20UnitedForces_2023_USA_16x9.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on September 27, 2022, 12:59:58 PM
I'll have to keep my eyes open for when tickets go on sale.  Friday night show in LA.  I'm down for that!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on September 27, 2022, 01:00:58 PM
I'll definitely be at the Denver show. Not gonna miss this.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 27, 2022, 01:02:25 PM
I'll have to keep my eyes open for when tickets go on sale.  Friday night show in LA.  I'm down for that!

Tickets for Worcester go on sale tomorrow.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on September 27, 2022, 01:05:23 PM
I'll have to keep my eyes open for when tickets go on sale.  Friday night show in LA.  I'm down for that!

Tickets for Worcester go on sale tomorrow.

Well...alright...just checked, and so does the LA show.   :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on September 27, 2022, 01:15:43 PM
So I need to throw this out there.

I find myself just not all that impressed with the latest Helloween record. It's fine, and it's cool to have Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske back. But I feel the record...doesn't know what it wants to be. Using both vocalists live, and the live stuff - totally makes sense. And Skyfall, its a great track. But Skyfall is the highlight of the album to my ears. The rest sort of...just don't know if they are supposed to be power metal songs written for a tenor, or more hard rock/metal made for not as dynamic of a singer. And that combination sort of throws me.

It could be simply that I love the Keeper I & II records so much (I basically consider them one fully record) that it is biasing me. But I just can't get into self-titled Helloween album. Am I the only one?

I'm an unabashed Kiske fan. I'm not so fond of Deris. He is a great songwriter for sure. Good singer. But Kiske's voice and the style of those first two Keeper records is what drew me to Helloween...

I have to agree.

Maybe not on the details, but the general feeling.... the album is good, of course. And it's way better than My God Given Right. But it's not "OMG the Pumpkins are back and I have goosebumps all over the place just like when I saw the show!!!" good. Skyfall is a masterpiece, but the difference between that song and the rest of the album is striking.

It's not that it sucks, it's not that it has bad songs, it's not that there ain't memorable stuff and it's not like we needed a carbon copy of Eagle Fly Free or Future World, but.... I guess since the reunion shows went so good, and Pumpkins United (the song) was so funny, catchy and cheesy in the right way, that it seemed they could really deliver Helloween's best album in 15-20 years or whatever, but it didn't happen.

Of course expectations were insanely high, but the ingredients for a mindblowing masterpiece were all there. I mean, cancel the reunion, therefore leaving the lineup at it was pre Kiske and Hansen, and scrap Skyfall off the album - you remain with just another modern Helloween album that probably falls mid of the road against the most recent outputs.

I still like the album generally, but definitively I have no big wow factor hearing it. Probably it's even a miracle the reunion went so well, and now that they've known each other a little more, the next album will truly be a "Pumpkins reunited" album. Because Helloween (I really dislike self titled albums however) in the end it's just another recent Helloween album with Helloween's usual songwriters, with a couple vocalists more and a big epic written by Kai Hansen. I'd really like the songwriters to mix up more and not stay separate - give us a Hansen / Deris song, an Hansen / Weikath song, as said let Kiske write a lyric etc.... something more of a collaborative effort so to speak.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on September 27, 2022, 01:56:58 PM
If anyone can help with the presale code for San Francisco, I'd appreciate it. I am NOT, after missing out on two Helloween shows (2008 due to my wife being VERY pregnant) and the last tour in LA, come hell or high water, I am going to June 3, 2022, at The Warfield.

I am excited as all hell for this.  :metal

MM - yes, Skyfall is outstanding. The rest...just as you said...nothing memorable.

But, that doesn't dull my anticipation for FINALLY SEEING HELLOWEEN LIVE WITH KISKE!!!  :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on September 27, 2022, 02:04:57 PM
I forgot to add that I'm a total Deris fanboy btw, and well proud of it  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on September 27, 2022, 03:34:09 PM
If anyone can help with the presale code for San Francisco, I'd appreciate it.

Oh...yeah...same for LA (presale tomorrow and regular on sale Friday).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on September 27, 2022, 03:34:51 PM
I'm very tempted to annoy you with my presence on that Friday, Paul.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 27, 2022, 03:35:41 PM
The Worcester presale code is WOOSTA.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on September 27, 2022, 03:36:09 PM
 :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on September 27, 2022, 03:43:40 PM
Bring it on, Brian!  I have a friend here at work who won't commit to a show that far into the future.

And Tim, for real???   :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 27, 2022, 04:00:12 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/X4lFrQq.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on September 27, 2022, 04:01:08 PM
 :lol

Where's you get the code?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on September 27, 2022, 04:02:43 PM
Only Helloween would make the code WOOSTA. That's just classic. I lived in that state for three years, and I cracked up every time someone said that town's name.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 27, 2022, 04:04:37 PM
A guy at work showed it to me on his phone. He knows I'm a fan. He gets alerts from something called Mass Concerts.

I've had a feeling that there was an announcement coming.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ShadowWalker on September 28, 2022, 07:59:40 AM
If anyone has presale codes for NY or MD, I would greatly appreciate the help!

GT
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on September 28, 2022, 11:05:22 AM
Only Helloween would make the code WOOSTA. That's just classic. I lived in that state for three years, and I cracked up every time someone said that town's name.

Woburn is even better!

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the code for the LA show....
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ShadowWalker on September 28, 2022, 01:47:32 PM
Only Helloween would make the code WOOSTA. That's just classic. I lived in that state for three years, and I cracked up every time someone said that town's name.

Woburn is even better!

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the code for the LA show....

I spent $6 to join the Knotfest website to get the code and it appears they never bothered to post it. $6 down the drain...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Beedle on September 28, 2022, 02:31:05 PM
Only Helloween would make the code WOOSTA. That's just classic. I lived in that state for three years, and I cracked up every time someone said that town's name.

Woburn is even better!

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the code for the LA show....

I spent $6 to join the Knotfest website to get the code and it appears they never bothered to post it. $6 down the drain...

Hey, try using PUMPKINS (for the MD show at least)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on September 29, 2022, 08:54:47 AM
GOT MY TICKETS!

AXS has the show for San Francisco at the Warfield. I wasn't missing this, so you could buy expensive, premium seats yesterday (Wednesday) on the app. So I nailed lower loge, row AA (that's front row). Clear sight lines for fucking HELLOWEEN!!!!!! I didn't even care how much they cost. I got the perfect seats to enjoy this. SO excited.  :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ShadowWalker on September 29, 2022, 09:09:06 AM
Only Helloween would make the code WOOSTA. That's just classic. I lived in that state for three years, and I cracked up every time someone said that town's name.

Woburn is even better!

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the code for the LA show....

I spent $6 to join the Knotfest website to get the code and it appears they never bothered to post it. $6 down the drain...

Hey, try using PUMPKINS (for the MD show at least)

Yeah, I had checked the Knotfest site a little before the presale ended and that indeed was the code. Was able to score tix for NY and MD with it. Thanks for posting that. If I had seen it earlier in the day, I would have definitely used it.

GT
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 02, 2022, 03:08:35 PM
Well, I'm PUMP(kin)ED.

Back to back nights of power metal goodness with Helloween. Managed to score good seats for LA and great seats for San Fran. I couldn't pass on LA. So excited to finally see Kiske and Hansen on stage as part of Helloween doing the Keeper 1 and 2 material. Been a diehard since 88!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 02, 2022, 04:15:42 PM
Well, I'm PUMP(kin)ED.

Back to back nights of power metal goodness with Helloween. Managed to score good seats for LA and great seats for San Fran. I couldn't pass on LA. So excited to finally see Kiske and Hansen on stage as part of Helloween doing the Keeper 1 and 2 material. Been a diehard since 88!  :metal

 :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on October 02, 2022, 06:41:11 PM
Well, I'm PUMP(kin)ED.

Back to back nights of power metal goodness with Helloween. Managed to score good seats for LA and great seats for San Fran. I couldn't pass on LA. So excited to finally see Kiske and Hansen on stage as part of Helloween doing the Keeper 1 and 2 material. Been a diehard since 88!  :metal

Whereabouts is your seat for the LA show?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 03, 2022, 12:20:43 PM
Center section, row Q, on the aisle. Was going to go closer on the side, but decided to go with the clearest view and probable better sound. A friend is flying in for both LA and SF with me. And the choices for two seats together over the weekend, after the ticket sales were open for a bit, was limited. But still, LA will be great. The best seats are our SF seats though. Dead center, front row of the loge at The Warfield. Totally clear view.

I toyed for a minute getting the floor/pit in LA. But remembering how bad the crowd was (as in obnoxious) for Fates Warning in Hollywood a few years back, I opted for seats. I'm too old (and way too short) to deal with pointless drama and tall dudes blocking my view.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 14, 2022, 08:38:01 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGOyhJBpy3U

WOW!



Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 17, 2022, 12:35:53 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGOyhJBpy3U

WOW!

Will. Not. Watch. I want to see "Skyfall" for myself live in June (and hopefully as much Keeper 1 and Keeper 2 material as possible).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 17, 2022, 12:58:02 PM
Well, it was just the opening track of the show, and it was amazing. I've watched a lot of their tour already.
Kiske was struggling for a bit a month or so ago, but he's much stronger here.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 17, 2022, 01:15:11 PM
Oh, I know. I just want to experience it for myself. I'm glad you posted it though. Hyped up!

If the setlist is carried over to 2023, I'll be pleased. Five from Keeper 2, one from Keeper 1, and Skyfall. I'm good with that. Would like one more from Keeper 1, but I'll take this.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on December 09, 2022, 01:03:46 PM
Just ordered my Christmas gift which was...



HELLOWEEN TICKETS!!!!


I'm actually excited to see Hammerfall. They did a lot to get me back into metal after taking a break for my kids' early years. They also kicked a lot of other bands' asses to get back into gear.
I know 60% of the band has changed since Legacy/Renegade, but I'm thrilled to see Joacim Cans live.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on December 09, 2022, 01:06:56 PM
 :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on March 21, 2023, 12:24:59 PM
https://chaoszine.net/helloween-is-working-on-new-material-for-next-album/
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on March 21, 2023, 02:05:41 PM
https://chaoszine.net/helloween-is-working-on-new-material-for-next-album/

Good to hear! Looking forward to this.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 21, 2023, 04:15:58 PM
I hope it's gonna be a more collaborative effort this time around. The self titled, lack of fantasy for the title aside, was good but it was essentially a modern era Helloween album (Helloween as we knew them before the reunion) with a Hansen epic and Kiske singing as well. I hope that now that they know each other even better it's gonna really sound like a full "pumpkins united" effort!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on March 21, 2023, 04:22:49 PM
I actually watched that interview yesterday. I almost posted a link too..

It didn't come across as anything was imminent as far as new material. This is a clickbait internet article.


Seems Helloween is starting to pop their heads out of the sand with the tour picking back up. They had a press release about tickets being available now for the US tour, and Hammerfall recently released a lyric video for one of the recent songs.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on March 22, 2023, 09:09:47 AM
I admit that I didn't saw the video, I've only read the what it was highlighted, but I got the impression that at least they are planning to record a new album, which is really nice and I think it was the first time that they said that. Sure, it seems that they are at the very early stages of that.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on March 22, 2023, 09:20:39 AM
I admit that I didn't saw the video, I've only read the what it was highlighted, but I got the impression that at least they are planning to record a new album, which is really nice and I think it was the first time that they said that. Sure, it seems that they are at the very early stages of that.

He was asked if there was any writing going on for a next album, and he mentioned that Kai has been writing more stuff. He said Kai contacted him recently to send him a demo of a song he was working on and that it had a Queen vibe to it. He hoped the band would have the "balls" to do it.

It was just really general in nature. It's actually an excellent interview and he was quite forthcoming on a lot of stuff. It wasn't some generic interview at all.

He did mention that there were plans for a third Unisonic album but with Gus G instead of Kai (who was busy at the time).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: devieira73 on March 22, 2023, 11:56:54 AM
I see... well, let's hope for another album, the last one was amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 22, 2023, 05:27:08 PM
He did mention that there were plans for a third Unisonic album but with Gus G instead of Kai (who was busy at the time).

Wow, this would be awesome.

Also, seems like Gamma Ray might be no more.  That's a damn shame if that is the case, but you can't fault Kai for making Helloween the priority.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 24, 2023, 01:53:57 PM
Ladies and gentemen, I struck absolute GOLD today. We were offered an interview with "one member of Helloween" to promote the upcoming North American tour. I didn't know who I was going to get, but on Monday I got the confirmation that it would be with Sascha Gertsner. Not my choice, by any stretch. I had questions for him, joined the call...and instead of Sascha, Michael Kiske was there!!!! I had to think on my feet and adapt the questions here and there, but can't complain. Michael has been an idol of mine since 1988, and it was awesome talking to him!!!

 (https://i.postimg.cc/3xnjDR1H/350b25cd-4555-4dac-a5f7-a6af0b31f901.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on March 24, 2023, 02:24:40 PM
That's awesome!!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on March 24, 2023, 07:48:10 PM
Michael was interviewed on the Sea Of Tranquility's channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZtvkTI-COI
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on March 24, 2023, 08:14:36 PM
That's awesome Rodrigo!!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on March 25, 2023, 02:30:57 AM
Congrats Rodrigo!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 29, 2023, 04:49:41 PM
Here it is everyone...hope you like it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l3bSrjnIO8

 Any views, likes, comments, shares and subscribes are a way to support our site, and costs ZERO dollars. If you could help me with that, it would be much appreciated!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on March 30, 2023, 09:10:25 AM
Here it is everyone...hope you like it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l3bSrjnIO8

 Any views, likes, comments, shares and subscribes are a way to support our site, and costs ZERO dollars. If you could help me with that, it would be much appreciated!

This is really great. Thank you, Rodrigo. Watching it now. Love Kiske.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 30, 2023, 09:17:16 AM
Here it is everyone...hope you like it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l3bSrjnIO8

 Any views, likes, comments, shares and subscribes are a way to support our site, and costs ZERO dollars. If you could help me with that, it would be much appreciated!

This is really great. Thank you, Rodrigo. Watching it now. Love Kiske.  :metal

Thanks!!!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 12, 2023, 04:43:50 PM
Rodrigo, I've been meaning to go back to this...

If you didn't know that Kiske was going to be there until you literally opened the call, then I have to say that you did a great job with it. I assume a lot of the questions could be addressed generally to anyone in the band, about the tour, the last album, but you were really good here, especially mentioning things like Instant Clarity, Place Vendome, and Supared.

I also think Kiske helped you out a lot too because he was in a great mood, and seemed generally loosened up. Not sure in what order you got him in that day, but he was sufficiently warmed up and quite talkative.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on April 12, 2023, 05:56:41 PM
Rodrigo, I've been meaning to go back to this...

If you didn't know that Kiske was going to be there until you literally opened the call, then I have to say that you did a great job with it. I assume a lot of the questions could be addressed generally to anyone in the band, about the tour, the last album, but you were really good here, especially mentioning things like Instant Clarity, Place Vendome, and Supared.

I also think Kiske helped you out a lot too because he was in a great mood, and seemed generally loosened up. Not sure in what order you got him in that day, but he was sufficiently warmed up and quite talkative.

Thanks! Yeah, he was great. If I knew it was going to be him, I'd have more direct questions, maybe about the time when they did Pink Bubbles and Chameleon, two albums that did not go well with the fans. I was prepared for Sascha and had a lot of questions about guitar solos, writing an album with three guitar players etc. Luckily I knew about his other projects.

If you want to see me facing a VERY challenging interviewee, check out the one I did with Kip Winger. He takes his sweet time to come up with his replies, and seems to be disengaged and not willing to talk. He warmed up to it on the second half of our chat.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on April 12, 2023, 06:50:49 PM
Thanks! Yeah, he was great. If I knew it was going to be him, I'd have more direct questions, maybe about the time when they did Pink Bubbles and Chameleon, two albums that did not go well with the fans.

He actually talked about that time period with the Metal Voice guys.




If you want to see me facing a VERY challenging interviewee, check out the one I did with Kip Winger.

Not a chance!   :rollin
That'd be too challenging for the viewer. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: bl5150 on April 13, 2023, 06:34:48 AM

If you want to see me facing a VERY challenging interviewee, check out the one I did with Kip Winger. He takes his sweet time to come up with his replies, and seems to be disengaged and not willing to talk. He warmed up to it on the second half of our chat.

I thought he (and the interview) was fine ..........he seemed a bit tired/under the weather but he's always been very low key and considered in his interviews.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on April 13, 2023, 08:27:02 AM
re: Kip Winger

I interviewed him twice over the years. Once during the promotion cycle for Winger IV, and the other for Karma. Great guy, very engaging and thoughtful answers. I think you may have caught him on a bad day.

Anyway, stoked for the Helloween tour!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 04, 2023, 05:28:43 AM
https://youtu.be/GwXOdqC8jTU

Proshot Monsters of Rock concert from last month.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 04, 2023, 07:21:47 AM
https://youtu.be/GwXOdqC8jTU

Proshot Monsters of Rock concert from last month.

I literally watched this entire show yesterday. Three more weeks. I'm so psyched!

A little bummed that there'll be no surprises in the setlist. I know this is an abbreviated setlist, but even the full set list they've played so far has a few new tracks and every other track they played on the Pumpkins United show. They only part that was altered was the Kai part, which still kicks ass.
Kiske sounds pretty damned good here.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 21, 2023, 09:46:06 PM
Just got back.

Pics and a review tomorrow after work.

WOW!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 22, 2023, 04:18:49 AM
 :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 22, 2023, 08:28:31 AM
Just got back.

Pics and a review tomorrow after work.

WOW!!

THank you for a couple pics last night. June 3 can't get here soon enough. Looks amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: cramx3 on May 22, 2023, 08:34:49 AM
I also saw them last weekend (in NYC)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FwnukO8XsAEz5rV?format=jpg&name=large)

I need to do my write up as well, but my videos came out well (I think).  Interested to read Tim's thoughts since he's big on Helloween compared to me (and this was my first time seeing them).

Helloween - Future World LIVE @ Terminal 5 New York City, NY 5/20/2023 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNv1aQwIZAY)

Helloween - Best Time LIVE @ Terminal 5 New York City, NY 5/20/2023 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEKSu0MGyA0)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on May 22, 2023, 10:45:11 AM
Damn...I sort of forgot about this.  I'll be seeing them next Friday!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 22, 2023, 10:50:18 AM
I AM SO EXCITED.

I was, as Paul knows, going to do two shows, but it was back to back nights and travel, and just couldn't do the gig down in LA. But bring on San Fran.

37 years since I first heard them, I am finally seeing them live. I saw the setlist, so I'm happy with it (pt. 1 could be more represented, but the pt. 2 material makes up for it). And the pictures - that looks amazing, and similar to a few years back when I sadly had tickets for LA and couldn't go.

NO STOPPING ME ON JUNE 3. I'll be there at like 3 p.m. waiting in line, even though I have reserved seats (first row, no one in front of me, in the lower lodge!) CAN'T WAIT!!!! Debating on wearing a pumpkin costume I'm so excited.  :lol  (not really, but...)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 22, 2023, 11:24:29 AM
Okay F this. I just booked a quick trip to Vegas to see Helloween on June 1. I waited 37 years. I deserve to see this band twice with my man Kiske. CANNOT WAIT.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: cramx3 on May 22, 2023, 11:43:15 AM
Okay F this. I just booked a quick trip to Vegas to see Helloween on June 1. I waited 37 years. I deserve to see this band twice with my man Kiske. CANNOT WAIT.

 :metal :metal Kiske did not disappoint
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 22, 2023, 12:41:20 PM
I also saw them last weekend (in NYC)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FwnukO8XsAEz5rV?format=jpg&name=large)

I need to do my write up as well, but my videos came out well (I think).  Interested to read Tim's thoughts since he's big on Helloween compared to me (and this was my first time seeing them).

Helloween - Future World LIVE @ Terminal 5 New York City, NY 5/20/2023 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNv1aQwIZAY)

Helloween - Best Time LIVE @ Terminal 5 New York City, NY 5/20/2023 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEKSu0MGyA0)


Marc, I watched your clips yesterday. In fact the big video (about an hour) showed up in my feed 3 minutes after you loaded it and I'll have you know that I was the first "like" for the video. I was about to add a comment, but I didn't want to let the youtubeverse know that I wasn't going to be home last night.

I didn't realize you were going, as I don't go into the Concerts thread a lot, as I don't go to many concerts.

I literally sat through your entire long video yesterday afternoon. It totally primed me. :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 22, 2023, 01:04:37 PM
So first off....Hammerfall!


(https://i.imgur.com/H2VAdKh.jpg)


Believe it or not, I was just as excited to see Hammerfall as I was Helloween. OK, maybe a stretch, but Hammerfall is the #1 band that I became a fan of as an actual adult with a family that I have yet to see, They were #1 on my concert bucket list. Joacim Cans is one of my favorite singers and he did not disappoint.

I've seen videos of them before, and I was afraid a bit because they never hit me as a great live band. But that all changed last night. They were tight as hell. The band actually seems really cool. Even Oskar, and I hope that's gray hair and not dyed blonde, which looks ridiculous, but that dude is the real deal. I've always considered him goofy, but he really impressed me.

My only complaints are that I didn't love the setlist, and they definitely were using piped in backing gang style vocals. But they were powerful.

They're playing a number of headline shows in between the Helloween shows. In fact, they're in the middle of a 11 night stretch. I would definitely recommend getting in there to see them. The place was packed last night even for Hammerfall.

(https://i.imgur.com/inV718e.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/rxh5mjx.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/inV718e.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Rl1iY1c.jpg)



Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: cramx3 on May 22, 2023, 01:21:10 PM
Marc, I watched your clips yesterday. In fact the big video (about an hour) showed up in my feed 3 minutes after you loaded it and I'll have you know that I was the first "like" for the video. I was about to add a comment, but I didn't want to let the youtubeverse know that I wasn't going to be home last night.

I didn't realize you were going, as I don't go into the Concerts thread a lot, as I don't go to many concerts.

I literally sat through your entire long video yesterday afternoon. It totally primed me. :metal

I was hoping you'd catch the video, (and thanks for the thumbs up), but also, if you watched right after upload, you didn't get to see it in full HD as that takes an extra hour or so for youtube to process. 

As for Hammerfall, I thought they were solid (as usual from my experience) and a fun show live, but they just don't really make me want to go listen to an album of their music. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 22, 2023, 02:33:18 PM
As for Hammerfall, I thought they were solid (as usual from my experience) and a fun show live, but they just don't really make me want to go listen to an album of their music.

They have a fairly limited scope of what they do. For someone like me, who grew up musically in the 80's, they're a great mashup of bands like Dio/Priest/Accept/Saxon/Dokken. It hits a spot for me.

Like I said, they were the #1 band on my concert bucket list and they did not disappoint.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: cramx3 on May 22, 2023, 02:36:49 PM
As for Hammerfall, I thought they were solid (as usual from my experience) and a fun show live, but they just don't really make me want to go listen to an album of their music.

They have a fairly limited scope of what they do. For someone like me, who grew up musically in the 80's, they're a great mashup of bands like Dio/Priest/Accept/Saxon/Dokken. It hits a spot for me.

Like I said, they were the #1 band on my concert bucket list and they did not disappoint.

I can see that and even with the piped in backing vocals, they are still a fun live band.  My gf was digging it and loved the blond hair  :lol I'll do my write up of the show tomorrow.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 22, 2023, 03:59:28 PM
I have an opportunity to see Hammerfall headline...if I like what I hear at my two upcoming shows that they are opening for Helloween.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 22, 2023, 04:06:30 PM
SPOILER FREE REVIEW!!


(https://i.imgur.com/b6L1UOf.jpg)


So this was my third time seeing Helloween. The first time was in 1987, and then not again until the Pumpkins United tour in 2018. I ignored the Deris Era for the most part, only seriously giving it a chance about 10-12 years ago. During that time, I have been an all things Kiske guy. His voice, to me, is spiritual. I had long written off ever seeing him sing live again. But that all changed with the Helloween Reunion. It really was a dream come true for me.

For this tour, the setlist was quite a bit shorter because of having an opening band. If I had a complaint, it would be that other than the three new songs and ONE classic Kiske song added, EVERYTHING else was part of the Pumpkins United setlist.

Let me start with the elephant in the room, and that is Michael Kiske. So it's easy for me to sing his praises. Reading this, it'd be kind of expected, but let me say this...he was fucking INCREDIBLE. I mean, he struggled in some early legs on this tour last year. I was actually getting worried. But he is in tip top shape right now. I spent yesterday watching Marc's video, and Kiske sounded amazing. The songs he is singing on this tour are ridiculous. He is strong and powerful, and he is hitting the notes.
UNREAL.

And Andi sounded amazing as well. That guy is powerful, and he doesn't crack. He is the most fearless vocalist I have ever heard. He's sharing the stage with Kiske, and Andi is holding his own, easily. Plus, they actually sound great together. Their voices have a great and unique blend that really works.

But Andi and Kiske also have this great personal chemistry together. This jumped out at me the United tour and it's what really makes this so effective. Considering they had literally never met before the Reunion idea came about, hearing them talk about it is actually heartwarming.

One thing that was noticeably different about Kiske was his audience interaction. He's really a reluctant frontman, and on the United tour, he really stepped into the background when possible. Last night, he was out front and engaging with the audience. He really seems way more comfortable in his own skin. And he should. Vocally, he blew my doors off, but he has a lot of personality and he really let it show.

The other thing that jumped out at me was just how engaged with his bandmates Michael Weikath was. On the United tour, he just seemed grumpy. I know that's his look and style, but last night, he was making playful faces with the other guys. He was more involved with working the stage as opposed to standing in his spot. It was actually refreshing to see.

Both of these developments led to something I didn't notice the first time around and that is that the stage actually felt too small for all of them. Obviously, they play much larger stages than they did in Worcester, but there was a bit of clumsiness as they walked around the stage. It's not really a negative, but with the two developments I just mentioned, Kiske and Weiki being more active around the stage, it's a great trade off.

And fucking Kai Hansen. :hefdaddy
His portion of the show was the best part of the United show, and it did not disappoint last night. He even came out and sang without a guitar to start. It was really cool. He did a lot of talking to the crowd during the show and he really owned the thing.

Is there a happier person on earth besides Markus? He is the most underrated bassist in music. He is audible in the mix and he is all up and down that bass. He's the one guy that smiles more than Dave Murray, and I didn't think that was possible.

I love Sasha, and the dude can flat out play. He had a cool solo spot, and he played a number of solos in the songs, but I don't know..he seemed like he was an outsider at points. It's hard to describe. maybe it's how he looks, but I don't know..I hope the band doesn't forget about him because I think he really has a lot to offer, and I would love to see him more involved vocally.

Finally, Dani blew me away the first time around. That dude holds the whole thing together and he really stood out. He didn't stand out last night like he did the first time, but probably because it's a thing you can only experience once. He was on point throughout, and like I said, he holds it all together. Helloween will never be confused with Dream Theater, but they throw a bit more at you musically than the typical power metal band.

Anyway, those are my Spoiler Free thoughts. Helloween is a Top 5 band for me. I'm already itching for the next time.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 22, 2023, 04:14:42 PM
SO. FUCKING. EXCITED!

10 DAYS!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 22, 2023, 04:18:11 PM
Some pics..

(https://i.imgur.com/kfrauE6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KLuWuJf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QtHyOPr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1dueRuC.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7VGzaSc.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/b0vErCF.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/vtHIOai.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ww9rgyf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZXMsIo0.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7WiNqw4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/hRWhX0W.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CU0szb5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/UuMaRgM.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Zoom E on May 22, 2023, 08:10:03 PM
TAC and Cram, you are getting me all psyched. Great photos.  :metal

By happenstance, I will be in San Francisco in the first week of June, so I bought tickets just recently for the June 3 show. Like Samsara, this will be my first Helloween show even though I’ve been a fan forever. I never thought I’d ever get to see them with Kiske and Hansen. It has been a long time coming.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 22, 2023, 08:15:27 PM
Awesome review and photos Tim!  :metal

I have hope they may come here again one day.  I saw them on the Gambling with the Devil tour in a small club and they fucking ripped!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on May 23, 2023, 07:12:52 AM
Unless something drastically changes, I'll be skipping this Friday's show in Chicago.  It was always going to be a day of the show decision for me, but we need some serious family time this weekend at home, instead of me skipping out of parenting duties to go headbang.  It sucks, but those are the decisions you have to make when you have kids.  I wish the bands were doing a more extensive tour and hitting additional cities (Milwaukee).  Looks like a fun show though.  I love the stage that they brought with!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 23, 2023, 07:58:35 AM
TAC and Cram, you are getting me all psyched. Great photos.  :metal

By happenstance, I will be in San Francisco in the first week of June, so I bought tickets just recently for the June 3 show. Like Samsara, this will be my first Helloween show even though I’ve been a fan forever. I never thought I’d ever get to see them with Kiske and Hansen. It has been a long time coming.

If you've never seen a show at the Warfield, it's a great and historic theater, but NOT a great area. Just FYI. They've tried to improve it in the last several years, and there is a mall across the street and up a few blocks. But be mindful of the area.

Also, the pit area at The Warfield gets jammed pretty quickly, as it isn't very big. If you have a GA ticket, I recommend showing up early and standing on the level above the pit, on the rail. My wife and I have reserve seats in the lower loge. We just don't want to fight with the masses.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: cramx3 on May 23, 2023, 08:17:28 AM
And fucking Kai Hansen. :hefdaddy
His portion of the show was the best part of the United show, and it did not disappoint last night. He even came out and sang without a guitar to start. It was really cool. He did a lot of talking to the crowd during the show and he really owned the thing.

I'm not a huge Kai fan, based on his work with Avantasia and what I had previously sampled from Helloween.  It's no surprise then that his voice was my least favorite of the show.... but he was still pretty good and "owned the thing" seems legit.  I would have said that guys the band leader based on what I saw.  He was pretty good and entertaining live even if he's not my favorite singer.

I love Sasha, and the dude can flat out play. He had a cool solo spot, and he played a number of solos in the songs, but I don't know..he seemed like he was an outsider at points. It's hard to describe. maybe it's how he looks, but I don't know..I hope the band doesn't forget about him because I think he really has a lot to offer, and I would love to see him more involved vocally.

Don't know much about the guy, but I couldn't tell he felt like an outsider because of the band or because of my own thoughts of him just having a different and younger look to him.  He also has a unique looking guitar.  Regardless, I felt the same way.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 23, 2023, 10:52:20 AM
So, I'm psyched to finally see them twice - Vegas and SF. But I've been a fan since 87, so I have some thoughts on the band's evolution.

Sascha Gerstner has been with them for over 20 years. He writes a handful of tracks on every album starting with Rabbit Don't Come Easy. So while on stage, he's probably a bit overshadowed by the return of Kai Hansen on guitar, and of course the mercurial Mr. Weikath on the other guitar, Sascha more than holds his own, at least from a band contribution standpoint. I mean, in a celebration of Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt. 1 and Pt. 2, obviously, he's going to be the most understated guy on the stage at that point. But after 21 years, and all the songwriting credits, he's just as big a part of Helloween as anyone.

I'm not as big of a fan of Andi Deris as some, but I also give him a tremendous amount of respect and credit for basically saving the band. When he came in, his songwriting and ability to keep the band moving forward was just what they needed. His voice isn't nearly as dynamic and powerful as Kiske's is, but what Andi has contributed since Master of the Rings in 1994 has been phenomenal. I am SO GLAD that he and Kiske seem to genuinely love singing with one another, as their voices very much complement one another. Kiske will always be "my guy," and the first two Keeper records are on a pedestal, but Deris has my respect and admiration and always will.

I re-listened to the self-titled 2021 record today, after not being huge on it, other than Orbit>Skyfall. I am still not over the top about it, but "Best Time" stood out. I'm really looking forward to what they all do next once all the personalities in the band now have re-learned, or learned how to work with one another, writing-wise. It has to be difficult now, with so many writers in the band. Hopefully Hansen can get more involved, and they can figure out a way to keep that "Keeper spirit" that was in "Skyfall" and spread that throughout the next record, without taking away from what the other writers want to do.

BRING ON JUNE 1 AND JUNE 3!  :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Zoom E on May 23, 2023, 01:38:55 PM
TAC and Cram, you are getting me all psyched. Great photos.  :metal

By happenstance, I will be in San Francisco in the first week of June, so I bought tickets just recently for the June 3 show. Like Samsara, this will be my first Helloween show even though I’ve been a fan forever. I never thought I’d ever get to see them with Kiske and Hansen. It has been a long time coming.

If you've never seen a show at the Warfield, it's a great and historic theater, but NOT a great area. Just FYI. They've tried to improve it in the last several years, and there is a mall across the street and up a few blocks. But be mindful of the area.

Also, the pit area at The Warfield gets jammed pretty quickly, as it isn't very big. If you have a GA ticket, I recommend showing up early and standing on the level above the pit, on the rail. My wife and I have reserve seats in the lower loge. We just don't want to fight with the masses.  :lol

Thanks for the warning about the area. I know SF is a bit sketchy nowadays, so I was wondering about that. Guess we will hightail it out of there after the show.

My days of GA tickets and standing on the floor are long behind me  :lol. We have seats in the lower balcony.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 23, 2023, 01:42:09 PM
Can't believe my Denver show trek starts next week. So excited to see these guys.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 23, 2023, 02:12:52 PM
I'm not as big of a fan of Andi Deris as some, but I also give him a tremendous amount of respect and credit for basically saving the band. When he came in, his songwriting and ability to keep the band moving forward was just what they needed. His voice isn't nearly as dynamic and powerful as Kiske's is, but what Andi has contributed since Master of the Rings in 1994 has been phenomenal. I am SO GLAD that he and Kiske seem to genuinely love singing with one another, as their voices very much complement one another. Kiske will always be "my guy," and the first two Keeper records are on a pedestal, but Deris has my respect and admiration and always will.

Totally agree. I remember getting the first pair of CD singles on Import. They were Mr. Ego and Perfect Gentleman. Andi's voice was not what I was looking for fronting Helloween. I didn't even like it, honestly. I basically ignored Helloween for years. I still don't hold Rings in very high regard, but if that first album was Time Of The Oath, and the advance single was Power, it might've worked for me.

But Sam, you are dead on with all you say. I connect with Kiske like no other singer, so there's always that, but Andi is versatile as hell, and has some amazing pipes. But he has huge fucking stones and he goes toe to toe with Kiske. There's no one I respect more in music than Andi Deris. He is gracious and classy. And you'll see that he's also a great frontman.


I re-listened to the self-titled 2021 record today, after not being huge on it, other than Orbit>Skyfall. I am still not over the top about it, but "Best Time" stood out. I'm really looking forward to what they all do next once all the personalities in the band now have re-learned, or learned how to work with one another, writing-wise. It has to be difficult now, with so many writers in the band. Hopefully Hansen can get more involved, and they can figure out a way to keep that "Keeper spirit" that was in "Skyfall" and spread that throughout the next record, without taking away from what the other writers want to do.

And Best Time is Sasha's song! I love that they kept Sasha's vocals in the song. He also wrote Angels, which might be the most interesting song on the album.
The thing about the album is that it's just a collection of songs, and there's no real collaboration. Everyone came to the table with their songs. Kiske with none, and Kai with just one. Kiske has already confirmed that Kai is already working on new songs so his writing I would expect to be much more represented. I love the album, but I don't know if I was expecting too much or what. I thought the Pumpkins United song was fantastic.
I would expect the next album to be a bit more seasoned and stronger.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 23, 2023, 02:13:34 PM
TAC and Cram, you are getting me all psyched. Great photos.  :metal

By happenstance, I will be in San Francisco in the first week of June, so I bought tickets just recently for the June 3 show. Like Samsara, this will be my first Helloween show even though I’ve been a fan forever. I never thought I’d ever get to see them with Kiske and Hansen. It has been a long time coming.

I'm very happy that you'll be finally seeing them.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: cramx3 on May 23, 2023, 02:21:47 PM
I re-listened to the self-titled 2021 record today, after not being huge on it, other than Orbit>Skyfall. I am still not over the top about it, but "Best Time" stood out. I'm really looking forward to what they all do next once all the personalities in the band now have re-learned, or learned how to work with one another, writing-wise. It has to be difficult now, with so many writers in the band. Hopefully Hansen can get more involved, and they can figure out a way to keep that "Keeper spirit" that was in "Skyfall" and spread that throughout the next record, without taking away from what the other writers want to do.

And Best Time is Sasha's song! I love that they kept Sasha's vocals in the song.

When I was listening to lots of Helloween last week, Best Time was by far my favorite track I sampled. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on May 23, 2023, 02:27:48 PM
I just realized this will be my third time seeing Helloween:  November 1987 and April 1989, the latter of which was the Headbanger's Ball Tour with Anthrax and Exodus.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on May 23, 2023, 03:01:18 PM
Glad to see you all having a blast with the pumpkins  :metal

I'm also glad that, even if you all don't bow to Andi's awesomeness, people can still recognize his importance in keeping the band alive. If there's an Helloween now for Kiske and Hansen to rejoin, it's because Andi saved it in 1994, that is basically a fact. I've always appreciated his vocals, his songwriting skills and his frontman skills, he's always so entertaining and captivating - heck, I'm gonna shoot high, I daresay that if you take away the legends like Bruce Dickinson or Rob Halford, Andi is *the* best heavy metal frontman. He commands the crowds like no other. Also, Helloween's situation is more unique than rare, but how many replacement singers would have welcomed back the classic singer without being insecure about it? it's crazy if you think how suprisingly well the reunion worked.

And I also have to agree with the self titled reunion album. When you take some distance from it and look behind the "OMG they're back together" factor, it's "just" another album of modern day Helloween, with a Kai Hansen epic song at the end. It's good, but it's not "Kiske and Hansen are back and so we're gonna basically get a Keeper 3... or 4 depending on how you count" good. It's solid and it's way better than My God Given Right, but take away Kiske and Hansen (and therefore Skyfall) and it does not even top Straight Out of Hell.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 23, 2023, 03:10:32 PM
I just realized this will be my third time seeing Helloween:  November 1987 and April 1989, the latter of which was the Headbanger's Ball Tour with Anthrax and Exodus.

I have no idea how I missed the '89 tour. It's possible because either I didn't want to go all the way into Boston and/or it may not have been worth it for a "third band on the bill" setlist time.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 23, 2023, 05:16:00 PM
In regards to the talk around Sascha, I remember the Dark Ride being my first Helloween album.  I'd heard Eagle Fly Free and a couple of others but it wasn't quite my thing at the time.  Dark Ride hit me with the darker edge obviously.  I discovered the band around that time a few months before Rabbits came out.  I was hyped and I still think I'd take it as my fav Helloween album, it made my top 50.  Such a lovely spread of styles and influences and sums the band up nicely.

Anyway, I was bummed Uli and Roland were out and it shocked me when I finally brought the CD the amount of solos and writing credits Sasha had.  He came flying out of the gates.  I remember thinking looking at his picture in the booklet, 'Who the fuck does this new fella think he is taking over.'  :lol  I grew to love him, his playing and his songs.  Then when I saw them live on the Gambling tour, he pretty much steered the band sound wise.  Weiki always holds his own, but I think he knew with Sasha he could do his thing and let someone more proficient with good stage presence do his thing.  He didn't have the pressure to do anything extra out of his comfort zone.  I always admired that from Weiki, he let Sasha be such a focal point from the start and was such a big part of their sound across that period.

I wouldn't have expected anything different when the reunion happened in him staying there to really still stabilize the sound.  I would have been shocked and upset if they kicked him out.  Same as the Janick situation, I don't think booting him was ever an option.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 23, 2023, 05:25:18 PM
Keeper Pt. 1 was released 36 years ago today.

(https://i.imgur.com/cSkmjQj.jpg)

I remember reading the above Metal Hammer magazine at a friend's house. I had fallen out of thrash/speed metal because of the image/lyrics..that sort of things. I thought the Helloween guys looked pretty clean cut and the way they described the music, I was definitely interested. I blind bought the cassette, and when I started I'm Alive, I literally drove off the road...well, I actually pulled inti a nearby park and sat there with the lyrics and listened to the entire thing. Blown. Away. Musical life changing..forever.

Saw them a few months later..

September 24, 1987
The Living Room
Providence, RI


(https://i.imgur.com/ExEFH3D.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MBkhxxT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/S54bQS6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/iJo55dR.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/RGeaF54.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/spyZ7q8.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/G8USR3S.jpg)

And before the show...

(https://i.imgur.com/jqUl73k.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5ZHqT5Y.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8gPJAAk.jpg)














And yes....can't forget this pic!

(https://i.imgur.com/zoLDEkC.jpg)

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 23, 2023, 05:27:16 PM
Jesus, I'm only 3 years older than this album!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on May 24, 2023, 06:40:16 AM
Old fogeys who could drive in 1987.   :lol   Love the pictures TAC!

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: cramx3 on May 24, 2023, 08:15:51 AM
Love the pictures TAC!

 :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 24, 2023, 08:45:58 AM
I have seen those pics before, but every single time I see 'em, they make me smile. What cool shots and the innocence of youth and heavy metal was captured perfectly.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on May 24, 2023, 09:28:28 AM
I just realized this will be my third time seeing Helloween:  November 1987 and April 1989, the latter of which was the Headbanger's Ball Tour with Anthrax and Exodus.

I have no idea how I missed the '89 tour. It's possible because either I didn't want to go all the way into Boston and/or it may not have been worth it for a "third band on the bill" setlist time.

The "third band" was Exodus.  I can't remember a thing about their set.  While I wasn't a huge fan of State of Euphoria, I was definitely there for Anthrax and Helloween.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 24, 2023, 09:53:50 AM
I just realized this will be my third time seeing Helloween:  November 1987 and April 1989, the latter of which was the Headbanger's Ball Tour with Anthrax and Exodus.

I have no idea how I missed the '89 tour. It's possible because either I didn't want to go all the way into Boston and/or it may not have been worth it for a "third band on the bill" setlist time.

The "third band" was Exodus.  I can't remember a thing about their set.  While I wasn't a huge fan of State of Euphoria, I was definitely there for Anthrax and Helloween.

Oh yeah, that makes more sense. I have no good excuse. I just think was wasn't really going into Boston for concerts at that time. Maybe no Kai was a factor? I still have no good excuse and have always regretted it. There's a good boot vid from the Troy show I think on youtube that I've watched a number of times.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 26, 2023, 06:01:23 PM
Ingo!!! :metal
https://youtu.be/Wbf7sxR1D8w?t=68
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 29, 2023, 04:47:44 PM
So I've been watching a to of video from this tour, and this version of How Many Tears from Maryland is a great capture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alxl3cwUehY


It really illustrates the comradery of the band, as they all interreact with each other. I mentioned in my review that I saw a huge change in Weikath. If you watch this video, you'll see what I mean. At one point as Kai closes out the soft part, Sasha and Weiki sit down on the riser and Weki even lays down. :lol

Oh, and having all three singers in How Many Tears makes a great song even greater.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: DragonAttack on May 30, 2023, 06:25:28 AM
I'd never heard more than a few minutes of the band until the favorite singers countdown.  TAC and Samsara forcefully steered me to a couple LPs then.  I really enjoyed both of the 'Keeper of the Seven Keys' albums, and fell in love with Kiske's vocals.

I planned on attending the Silver Spring MD show that Tim posted the youtube link to (looked and sounded marvelous), but I couldn't stand for three hours ten years ago, much less now.  Pity. 

Tim, thanks for a great review and your always terrific pictures. :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on May 30, 2023, 07:24:36 AM
I love when they come out of the soft part of How Many Tears and they chug on the riff for a handful of bars.  And the tempo that they play the song at is perfect, giving the riff a bit more gallop, rather than speeding through it. 
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 30, 2023, 08:13:32 AM
Two more sleeps and then 36 years of fandom later, I'll finally see Kiske, Hansen, and HELLOWEEN! I can't wait!!!

DA - glad you checked out the first two Keeper records. Classic power metal gems.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 30, 2023, 10:21:25 AM
I'll be seeing these guys tonight. Can't believe how fast it came. I am ready and just need to find what to do before the show.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 30, 2023, 02:45:49 PM
Two more sleeps and then 36 years of fandom later, I'll finally see Kiske, Hansen, and HELLOWEEN! I can't wait!!!


Sam, are you up on the setlist? What they open with? Etc..?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 30, 2023, 03:36:19 PM
Oh, I've seen the setlist, Tim. I'm totally spoiled, and ready to rock.

I've been avoiding watching anything on YouTube, just because I have this fear about Kiske getting sick and not delivering on Thursday and Saturday. Irrational, as it will be what it is, but that's just me. LOL. But as I type this, I have Keeper II on here in my office.  :metal

Just praying, hoping, begging, totally selfishly for Kiske to be at his PEAK for my two shows. Given my luck with Helloween, I likely won't see them again (I mean, I will always buy a ticket, but I missed 2008 because my wife was very close to being due with our daughter, and 2018 or whatever it was in LA for work reasons), so I am hoping for the two shows this time around to absolutely blow me away. Plus, MICHAEL FUCKING KISKE!

Already told the Mrs. that on Saturday we're going early, even though we have prime seats with a perfect unobstructed view, just so I can geek out more.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 30, 2023, 03:49:37 PM
Oh, I've seen the setlist, Tim. I'm totally spoiled, and ready to rock.

Oh OK. I debated doing another review blurb but with setlist spoilers.

As soon as you hear (but not see) Kiske at the beginning of Skyfall...Holy crap!! :metal :metal


I also wanted to mention that I thought Mass Pollution was GREAT live.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 30, 2023, 04:47:38 PM
I haven't been this excited to see a show in quite a while. I'm just patiently waiting around LoDo until it gets closer to show time.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 30, 2023, 04:57:37 PM
I haven't been this excited to see a show in quite a while. I'm just patiently waiting around LoDo until it gets closer to show time.

I had to check where they were playing near you..

You went to Denver?? Did you drive?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on May 30, 2023, 05:13:12 PM
Oh, I've seen the setlist, Tim. I'm totally spoiled, and ready to rock.

I've been avoiding watching anything on YouTube, just because I have this fear about Kiske getting sick and not delivering on Thursday and Saturday. Irrational, as it will be what it is, but that's just me. LOL. But as I type this, I have Keeper II on here in my office.  :metal

As long as he's good on Friday.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 30, 2023, 05:21:07 PM
Pic of the band today in Denver..

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs3edJ-qZYQ/
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 30, 2023, 06:28:00 PM
I haven't been this excited to see a show in quite a while. I'm just patiently waiting around LoDo until it gets closer to show time.

I had to check where they were playing near you..

You went to Denver?? Did you drive?

No I flew. But downtown denver isn't that big, for me at least, so I've been walking around. At the venue now and it's a nice venue. From what I'm seeing, there's not a bad spot wherever you stand.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 30, 2023, 06:40:57 PM
How did you get into the city? I seem to remember the airport is a bit out of town.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 30, 2023, 06:43:28 PM
How did you get into the city? I seem to remember the airport is a bit out of town.

 :lol

There's this new thing called Lyft that you can take to get you across town.  :lol

I planned my trip to stay just close enough to the airport while being in good Lyft/Uber distance to Ogden and Gothic Theater (I'm seeing Haken here tomorrow).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 30, 2023, 06:47:35 PM
There's this new thing called Lyft that you can take to get you across town.  :lol

I still can't wrap my head around posting my ride needs on a computer app, and some random dude who has nothing better to do that afternoon will come and give me a ride. :lol

I would've rented a car. ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 30, 2023, 06:55:08 PM
There's this new thing called Lyft that you can take to get you across town.  :lol

I still can't wrap my head around posting my ride needs on a computer app, and some random dude who has nothing better to do that afternoon will come and give me a ride. :lol

I would've rented a car. ;D

Those services are such a big thing now.  I don't get it either.  I'd rent a car, walk or run.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Cool Chris on May 30, 2023, 07:21:53 PM
There's this new thing called Lyft that you can take to get you across town.  :lol

I still can't wrap my head around posting my ride needs on a computer app, and some random dude who has nothing better to do that afternoon will come and give me a ride. :lol

It's not that he has nothing better to do; he is doing his job. Did you go to work today because you had nothing better to do? (I mean, I know you didn't, but work with me here :biggrin:) Someone needs a service, they post that information, someone who can provide that service responds, provides the service, then you pay them for it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 30, 2023, 07:24:21 PM
There's this new thing called Lyft that you can take to get you across town.  :lol

I still can't wrap my head around posting my ride needs on a computer app, and some random dude who has nothing better to do that afternoon will come and give me a ride. :lol

It's not that he has nothing better to do; he is doing his job. Did you go to work today because you had nothing better to do? (I mean, I know you didn't, but work with me here :biggrin:) Someone needs a service, they post that information, someone who can provide that service responds, provides the service, then you pay them for it.

I don't know. I feel like I'm getting in a car with the first psycho that responds. It just feels so random.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 30, 2023, 07:28:20 PM
There's this new thing called Lyft that you can take to get you across town.  :lol

I still can't wrap my head around posting my ride needs on a computer app, and some random dude who has nothing better to do that afternoon will come and give me a ride. :lol

It's not that he has nothing better to do; he is doing his job. Did you go to work today because you had nothing better to do? (I mean, I know you didn't, but work with me here :biggrin:) Someone needs a service, they post that information, someone who can provide that service responds, provides the service, then you pay them for it.

I don't know. I feel like I'm getting in a car with the first psycho that responds. It just feels so random.

What if they lock the doors, drive you to the woods and kill you?

You all laugh, but it could happen lol.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 30, 2023, 07:30:13 PM
There's this new thing called Lyft that you can take to get you across town.  :lol

I still can't wrap my head around posting my ride needs on a computer app, and some random dude who has nothing better to do that afternoon will come and give me a ride. :lol

It's not that he has nothing better to do; he is doing his job. Did you go to work today because you had nothing better to do? (I mean, I know you didn't, but work with me here :biggrin:) Someone needs a service, they post that information, someone who can provide that service responds, provides the service, then you pay them for it.

I don't know. I feel like I'm getting in a car with the first psycho that responds. It just feels so random.

What if they lock the doors, drive you to the woods and kill you?

You all laugh, but it could happen lol.

Exactly!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Cool Chris on May 30, 2023, 07:47:05 PM
There's this new thing called Lyft that you can take to get you across town.  :lol

I still can't wrap my head around posting my ride needs on a computer app, and some random dude who has nothing better to do that afternoon will come and give me a ride. :lol

It's not that he has nothing better to do; he is doing his job. Did you go to work today because you had nothing better to do? (I mean, I know you didn't, but work with me here :biggrin:) Someone needs a service, they post that information, someone who can provide that service responds, provides the service, then you pay them for it.

I don't know. I feel like I'm getting in a car with the first psycho that responds. It just feels so random.

It's sorta random, but you can see who responds, and check out their rating and such. If someone has several 5-star reviews, he probably didn't go to the trouble to create a provider profile and complete several trips just to murder a random middle age white guy who needs a ride to a concert.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 30, 2023, 07:51:18 PM
Yeah, but after the show, bow I have to wait for a ride, check their ratings. If I pass on them, I might be standing at the venue in the middle of the night until the next weirdo responds because he can't sleep that night.
How about if after the show, I walk to the parking lot, get in my rental, and drive to the hotel.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on May 30, 2023, 08:39:05 PM
Mass Pollution is an awesome song.   :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Cool Chris on May 30, 2023, 08:56:07 PM
I think you are overthinking this. 99.9% of the time, the driver would show up as arranged, you'd get in their car, they'd drive you to your destination, and there would be zero issues. He's not performing triple bypass surgery on you where you'd have several preliminary meetings with them to discuss their background and experience, and how they plan to perform the operation.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 31, 2023, 06:06:56 AM
Mass Pollution is an awesome song.   :metal

To me, the straight Deris tunes are the weakest on the album. But this song killed ive!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on May 31, 2023, 06:24:50 AM
Mass Pollution is an awesome song.   :metal

To me, the straight Deris tunes are the weakest on the album. But this song killed ive!

I normally lean towards his tunes but I probably agree here.  FOTF is a good one though.  The rest I could take or leave.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on May 31, 2023, 06:27:56 AM
Mass Pollution is an awesome song.   :metal

To me, the straight Deris tunes are the weakest on the album. But this song killed ive!

I normally lean towards his tunes but I probably agree here.  FOTF is a good one though.  The rest I could take or leave.

Fear Of The Fallen is a GREAT tune. It was originally set to open the album, but the decision was made to start it with a Kiske sung song.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: cramx3 on May 31, 2023, 08:24:00 AM
I think you are overthinking this. 99.9% of the time, the driver would show up as arranged, you'd get in their car, they'd drive you to your destination, and there would be zero issues. He's not performing triple bypass surgery on you where you'd have several preliminary meetings with them to discuss their background and experience, and how they plan to perform the operation.

 :lol yes.  This is a bit over reacting on Tim's part.  It's basically a simplified and quicker version of a cab service.  It certainly can be a bad experience, but that's not the norm. Out of the hundreds of times I probably used uber/lyft, I think I can count on my hand how many of those I gave a bad rating to the driver and yet I still had no actual issues (usually poor driving is what I'll ding someone on). Also, if you went to like Singapore, you'd have little option other than to use the car services to get around as that's like the main form of transportation over there since it's incredibly expensive to buy a car or rent one. (plus parking it)

Also, as to why not rent a car, it may be much cheaper to just use a car service for a quick concert trip like this.  That's likely what I would do.  If I was there for longer and doing more site seeing, I'd probably want a car.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on May 31, 2023, 08:54:19 AM
I am with fellow Old Fogey TAC...I don't do rideshare apps. When I was a journalist, I covered when ridesharing broke big time. The biggest issues were insurance liability. (They get into an accident with you in the car and you're hurt, companies were held harmless, and drivers' insurance companies were held harmless, leaving you to sue just the individual.) They have since rectified that, but there's still something odd to me about having some random person who does this as a "side hustle" that is weird. I'll just cab over. Yeah, you can make the argument now that it is one and the same, but I'll stick with the cab companies.

ONE MORE SLEEP
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 31, 2023, 10:09:21 AM
Who knew Lyft would create such controversy. :lol :lol

Most of the time, my drivers are guys from Africa.  :lol

The show last night was amazing. The Ogden Theater is a really nice venue. There's no bad spot and I happened to easily get a spot in the pit, close to the stage.

Mass Pollution was awesome live. KOTSK was epic and I will forever be grateful I got to hear it live.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on May 31, 2023, 10:19:18 AM
Who knew Lyft would create such controversy. :lol :lol

I'm just LOL'ing at this discussion.

I'm usually with Tim, but Uber and Lyft are no different than taxi service or car service at this point.  I think I've taken fewer than five taxi rides in my life, but I've used Lyft dozens of times (I used Uber once and, at the time, you couldn't tip on the app, but you could with Lyft, so that's the one I'm familiar with).  Yeah...I could rent a car, but it'll cost me $50+, plus gas, plus parking, whereas a Lyft from DEN to LoDo is probably $20-25 (and no, you're not walking/running that trip).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 31, 2023, 11:58:04 AM
Who knew Lyft would create such controversy. :lol :lol

I'm just LOL'ing at this discussion.

I'm usually with Tim, but Uber and Lyft are no different than taxi service or car service at this point.  I think I've taken fewer than five taxi rides in my life, but I've used Lyft dozens of times (I used Uber once and, at the time, you couldn't tip on the app, but you could with Lyft, so that's the one I'm familiar with).  Yeah...I could rent a car, but it'll cost me $50+, plus gas, plus parking, whereas a Lyft from DEN to LoDo is probably $20-25 (and no, you're not walking/running that trip).

Exactly. It was actually $18 from my hotel. I also got a hotel close to the airport for this very reason. It was astonishingly a lot more to get from the airport to my hotel.

All the drivers I had were very nice. Only one wasn't and I gave that person a low rating. The only way to rid of the bad drivers is to rate them low, it does affect their business and how many people they can pick up.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 01, 2023, 08:44:48 AM
TODAY! 😬🤘
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 02, 2023, 07:43:31 AM
That. Was. Awesome.

And I am looking forward to doing it all over again on Saturday, with a better view.

More later...

🤘
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 02, 2023, 07:48:39 AM
Great pics Brian. Thank you. I’ve been afraid to text you too early.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 02, 2023, 08:29:00 AM
Vids - https://youtube.com/@nexuschord

Already en route back home, Tim! Stryper tonight and encore with Helloween tomorrow!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on June 02, 2023, 09:02:57 AM
I'll have to watch each of those videos.  It's awesome that they're playing Save Us!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 02, 2023, 09:07:55 AM
It was weird. No one knew it. Even though it was on the main  tracklist of the US release (not in Europe), folks had no clue. I loved it!!!!

Really excited for Saturday. I may just prop the phone up in  front of me (not blocking anyone) and record the whole thing. lol. Prob not, but Ill get Keeper, I Want Out, Best Time, Skyfall, Mass Pollution at the very least.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 02, 2023, 09:21:26 AM
Vids - https://youtube.com/@nexuschord


The video on the backdrop of Save Us is strange.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on June 02, 2023, 12:19:27 PM
It was weird. No one knew it. Even though it was on the main  tracklist of the US release (not in Europe), folks had no clue. I loved it!!!!

Really excited for Saturday. I may just prop the phone up in  front of me (not blocking anyone) and record the whole thing. lol. Prob not, but Ill get Keeper, I Want Out, Best Time, Skyfall, Mass Pollution at the very least.

People didn't know Save Us??  It's one of the best songs on Keeper 2!

Oddly, I was playing Keeper 2 in my car yesterday, and screen came up with March of Time, but it played Save Us.  I didn't actually get far enough to see whether it would play MOT but display Save Us on the screen.

By the way, how was Hammerfall?  I'm trying to plan my afternoon and when I leave to go up to Inglewood.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 02, 2023, 01:35:48 PM
Wasn't Save Us a bonus track on some editions?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 02, 2023, 01:37:22 PM
Save Us was on my original cassette.  I know when they started with CD, the running order got all fucked.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 02, 2023, 02:03:51 PM
HammerFall had a lot of fans. They played well. But honestly, not a big fan. Ill caputre a couple of the songs I liked on Saturday. But I probably won't buy a record or see them on Sumday when they headline.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 02, 2023, 03:03:06 PM

By the way, how was Hammerfall?  I'm trying to plan my afternoon and when I leave to go up to Inglewood.

Paul, personally, I love Hammerfall. They're a perfect mashup of 80's metal/hard rock of Saxon, Accept, Priest, Helloween, and Dokken. I'd put their best songs against anybody's. They were a bucket list type band for me to see, as far as bands that I got into as an actual adult with a family. Their singer is great too.
My only beef was that I didn't love their setlist, and it tailed off significantly for the last few songs. And they used some piped in gang backing vocals. But they were quite tight, and they hit the spot for me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on June 02, 2023, 03:06:11 PM
Save Us was on my original cassette.  I know when they started with CD, the running order got all fucked.

I've never known the album without it (I'm pretty sure I only ever had it on CD).



By the way, how was Hammerfall?  I'm trying to plan my afternoon and when I leave to go up to Inglewood.

Paul, personally, I love Hammerfall. They're a perfect mashup of 80's metal/hard rock of Saxon, Accept, Priest, Helloween, and Dokken. I'd put their best songs against anybody's. They were a bucket list type band for me to see, as far as bands that I got into as an actual adult with a family. Their singer is great too.
My only beef was that I didn't love their setlist, and it tailed off significantly for the last few songs. And they used some piped in gang backing vocals. But they were quite tight, and they hit the spot for me.

A guy at my office pulled up one of their songs on Spotify and it sounded good - at least good enough for me not to arrive late intentionally.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 02, 2023, 03:13:06 PM
Hammerfall's catalog can be kind of a minefield, as most bands are. Their first 4 albums are outstanding. Their latest, Hammer Of Dawn, is excellent. Their lyrics can be a bit cheesey. Be ready to be amongst The Templars Of Los Angeles. :lol

I got into them years ago after their second album, Legacy Of Kings, which is excellent. We used to drive to Disney, and I wanted to basically blind buy a CD by a newish band. I downloaded a song by Stratovarious, Sym X, and Hammerfall, and gave each band a one song audition. The Hammerfall song I downloaded was Heeding The Call, which ironically reminded me so much of 80's Helloween, and bought it right away.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on June 02, 2023, 04:50:08 PM
Heeding the Call is my favorite song from Hammerfall.  I love that one e.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: cramx3 on June 02, 2023, 04:59:31 PM
HammerFall had a lot of fans. They played well. But honestly, not a big fan. Ill caputre a couple of the songs I liked on Saturday. But I probably won't buy a record or see them on Sumday when they headline.

This is how I feel, but I think they are worth checking out if you are on the fence. Solid show.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 03, 2023, 05:16:11 AM
The point with Hammerfall is that they've been around long enough (and with enough line up changes, even though the mastermind and the singer have always been the same) that like all other bands had their average albums, but if you like this kind of music, their 10-15 best songs stand up good against most of the band of the genre.

I was a big fan in the beginning, kinda got bored with them, but still when they headlined a festival I was already attending for other bands I watched their full show and enjoyed it, they still got it. My advice for anyone going to the show for Helloween is to definitively not miss Hammerfall, I mean, you already paid the ticket anyway, just enjoy another show, it's power metal in the same ballpark of what Helloween do, at worst space out a bit during the songs you don't like or check your phone, it's not that they're two completely different genres...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 03, 2023, 06:06:37 AM
Hammerfall were my introduction to power metal.  Those first three albums blew me away.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 03, 2023, 09:43:26 AM
Round 2 for me tonight! Can't wait!  :metal

Saw that Chris Jericho sang Best Time last night in LA with Andi and Michael. Blah. But hoping tonight if they have a guest, it's someone better. Last night of the U.S. tour I believe. Hopefully they pull out all the stops.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 03, 2023, 10:08:05 AM
Chris Jericho? Who fucking cares?? :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: jjrock88 on June 03, 2023, 10:10:54 AM
Chris Jericho? Who fucking cares?? :lol

You're kicking Winnipeg and Kenny Omega right in the nuts.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on June 03, 2023, 11:45:28 AM
Appreciate the ocho.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on June 03, 2023, 03:31:25 PM
Saw that Chris Jericho sang Best Time last night in LA with Andi and Michael. Blah. But hoping tonight if they have a guest, it's someone better. Last night of the U.S. tour I believe. Hopefully they pull out all the stops.

Who the heck is he?  He claimed that his last name was BECAUSE OF Helloween.  Fucking what?

Anyway, what a fucking amazing show!  For starters, it was at the YouTube Theater, which is a weird little add-on to SoFi Stadium.  Yesterday was my first time seeing it.  Pretty impressive.  The lake outside was a cool feature.  I got there early, and there was a group of high school graduates taking pictures.

After sitting in my car for a little while, I walked toward the theater.  Signage could have been better, but no problems.  Came upon the merch tent and bought myself a shirt with the Keeper 2 cover on the front.  There were a few food trucks, but I had already eaten (Fatburger!).  The odd thing was that I don't remember going through any sort of metal detector.  Didn't have take stuff out of my pockets, and no frisking.  Really nice building.  It's new, so it's still pristine.  Bought myself a $19 beer (including tip, which, in retrospect, I regret adding for nothing more than pulling a can out of a fridge and popping the tab).  Walked around a bit and then found my way to my seat.  They had a pit with no chairs up front and then theater style seating.  No carpeting, which I thought was odd.  The floor was entirely concrete.

Hammerfall came on.  Totally solid band.  My initial thought was that it was odd that Ian Hill and Johnny Winter had formed a band together.  Ha ha.  Tim, I definitely picked up on the piped in vocals - especially when Edgar Winter would walk away from his mic mid-vocal.  There was a lounge behind the middle seating area and I went and sat there for the last couple songs.

Helloween actually took the stage VERY quickly after Hammerfall finished (no more than 15 minutes).  Just amazing from start to finish.  A lot of the songs were relatively unfamiliar, except for listening to a playlist on Spotify on my way home from work and up to the concert.  I was surprised how much I liked Andy Deris and the Kiske seemingly hadn't lost a beat.  Holy crap!  Some of the notes that guy hit!  And the way they took turns and played off each other (with the occasional harmonization) was just brilliant!  The three guitarists really complimented each other (unlike another 3-guitar band I know where one seems completely superfluous).  I was really surprised how much Jericho material they played, and Forever and One was fucking beautiful.  The highlight, of course, was Keeper, although the placement in the set kinda ruined Perfect Gentleman.  I loved the intros they did - Andy and Michael introducing each other, and then Kai and Sacha Gerstner introducing everyone else.  But the biggest takeaway was that these guys were having a lot of fun, and that's infectious.  The only disappointment was nothing from Keeper 1.  One of the best concerts I've been to in a long time!

Just a few pics/links (last one is a video):

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FZnZ8K6AyDGoZaMj6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pbiFtYwcQLWw8Han6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/xqqqGLcgPySu4Jm27

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Bm21YymfWLns7PJ99
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 03, 2023, 03:54:03 PM
Chris Jericho? Who fucking cares?? :lol

You're kicking Winnipeg and Kenny Omega right in the nuts.

Who in the hell is Kenny Omega??
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 03, 2023, 04:30:54 PM

Helloween actually took the stage VERY quickly after Hammerfall finished (no more than 15 minutes).  Just amazing from start to finish.  A lot of the songs were relatively unfamiliar, except for listening to a playlist on Spotify on my way home from work and up to the concert.  I was surprised how much I liked Andy Deris and the Kiske seemingly hadn't lost a beat.  Holy crap!  Some of the notes that guy hit!  And the way they took turns and played off each other (with the occasional harmonization) was just brilliant!  The three guitarists really complimented each other (unlike another 3-guitar band I know where one seems completely superfluous).  I was really surprised how much Jericho material they played, and Forever and One was fucking beautiful.  The highlight, of course, was Keeper, although the placement in the set kinda ruined Perfect Gentleman.  I loved the intros they did - Andy and Michael introducing each other, and then Kai and Sacha Gerstner introducing everyone else.  But the biggest takeaway was that these guys were having a lot of fun, and that's infectious.  The only disappointment was nothing from Keeper 1.  One of the best concerts I've been to in a long time!

Pretty sure Future World was on Keeper Pt. 1. ;D

What was unfamiliar to you? Do you not have the reunion album? Walls Of Jericho?
There were only 3 Deris Era tracks in the whole set (Power, Perfect Gentlemen, and Forever And One), and they were all played last time and were all on the live album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: gazinwales on June 03, 2023, 07:04:41 PM
Chris Jericho? Who fucking cares?? :lol

Ditto Hammerfall  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 03, 2023, 07:08:00 PM
Chris Jericho? Who fucking cares?? :lol

Ditto Hammerfall  :biggrin:

(https://media3.giphy.com/media/a0FuPjiLZev4c/200w.gif?cid=6c09b952ns8d608226fnlnl6fk7dxqfiuj0l07u55apa1knt&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=200w.gif&ct=g)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on June 03, 2023, 10:31:14 PM
Pretty sure Future World was on Keeper Pt. 1. ;D

You're right.  Not the song I'd have picked, but still a really good one.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: The Realm on June 03, 2023, 10:46:29 PM
Pretty sure Future World was on Keeper Pt. 1. ;D

You're right.  Not the song I'd have picked, but still a really good one.

Really? Could be my favourite Helloween song. Couldn’t imagine seeing them live and them not playing Future World.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 04, 2023, 02:32:03 AM
Pretty sure Future World was on Keeper Pt. 1. ;D

You're right.  Not the song I'd have picked, but still a really good one.

Really? Could be my favourite Helloween song. Couldn’t imagine seeing them live and them not playing Future World.

Once they didn't play it, but it was when they had Gamma Ray opening and they played the song. Kai Hansen showed up for a medley in the encore. Those were the first steps towards the reunion I guess   :coolio
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 04, 2023, 03:58:59 PM
San Francisco...12 songs from show: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJI-MjWF9aD_PhVrzsSNYESPz_fvPPuPl

I'll have a lot to post tomorrow, review-wise/travel log about Vegas and SF. But man, Kiske was on FIRE saturday night. Way better than Thursday.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 04, 2023, 04:06:49 PM
Been watching some, Sam. Your videos have tremendous sound.

Looking forward to your comments.



While last night was the final night of the NA tour with Helloween, Hammerfall plays their final show tonight. They hit it hard while they were over here, scheduling their own headline shows on the off nights. They played a total of 21 shows in 24 days, and tonight is their 15th show in 16 days. Amazing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on June 04, 2023, 06:28:12 PM
Pretty sure Future World was on Keeper Pt. 1. ;D

You're right.  Not the song I'd have picked, but still a really good one.

Really? Could be my favourite Helloween song. Couldn’t imagine seeing them live and them not playing Future World.

Ranking the songs on Keeper 1:

1. Halloween
2. Initiation/I'm Alive
3. A Little Time
4. Future World
5. Twilight of the Gods
6. A Tale That Wasn't Right
7. Follow the Sign

Fourth out of six songs (FTS doesn't really count, and, really, there was no competition for the #1 slot) on an album that doesn't have a bad song ain't bad.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 04, 2023, 06:58:42 PM
Personally, I would flip Future World and A Little Time. I might even rank Twilight ahead of A Little Time.

Weird that they only played one song from Pt. 1 yet five songs from Pt. 2. I thought Save Us was a great addition to the setlist. I wish they had more changes from the 2018 set.

I wonder for the next tour if they take out Keeper and swap it back with Halloween. I hope they keep Skyfall. I'd assume the next album will have some sort of epic.

Personally, I'd love to see them work in a Deris Era epic like The Dark Ride or King For 1000 Years. Especially King, where they could easily find room for all three guys to sing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on June 04, 2023, 09:19:25 PM
The Dark Ride would be amazing with this line-up but that will never happen as it's a Roland song.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 05, 2023, 05:21:38 AM
This tour is awesome and the previous one was a dream come true, with an exagerated setlist with everything you could have asked and more.

So I might be a little spoiled in saying that, as much as it is absolutely amazing and wonderful to see them on tour once again and seeing that the reunion is something that will last, and with a new album on top of that, can I "complain" about something I feel even at fault for complaining which is how this setlist is very..... tame?

I mean, it's the safest possibile one: mandatory three new songs, Keepers galore, and just 2-3 of Deris' best known songs. No surprises, no deep cut, not even Twilight of the Gods from Keeper 1 which would be a welcomed rarity.

As I said, I'm spoiled by the previous three hours show where they played everything and more, but as much as I was happy to see them again, the setlist had "greatest hits" all over it...
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Grappler on June 05, 2023, 06:35:56 AM
Been watching some, Sam. Your videos have tremendous sound.

Except for that random New Yorker shouting in the background every time Kiske sings... :biggrin: 

I'll run through the rest of the videos today - I always enjoy your channel and can live vicariously through the videos.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 05, 2023, 08:19:28 AM
Been watching some, Sam. Your videos have tremendous sound.

Except for that random New Yorker shouting in the background every time Kiske sings... :biggrin: 


 :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 05, 2023, 09:13:30 AM
Been watching some, Sam. Your videos have tremendous sound.

Except for that random New Yorker shouting in the background every time Kiske sings... :biggrin: 

I'll run through the rest of the videos today - I always enjoy your channel and can live vicariously through the videos.

For San Fran, the obnoxious higher voice yelling "KAI HANSEN" and various other things is not me. It's some drunk dude a couple people to my right.  :lol I'm the guy with the deeper YEAH!!!!!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 05, 2023, 09:13:57 AM
I became a fan of Helloween with Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt. 1 at some point in fall 1987. My friends and I were just discovering all types of metal music, and this was another record my friends’ older brother dubbed for us onto a cassette tape to listen to.

I was blown away immediately. At the time, we were cranking stuff like Manowar, Fifth Angel, and then the various pop metal stuff you saw on MTV at the time. No “genre” pigeonholing at this point. If it had guitar solos, a solid riff, and a good voice, we were checking it out. But Helloween…just wow. It was on regular rotation from the get-go.

Once I discovered Queensrÿche and Rage for Order, Helloween took a bit of a back seat until fall 1988. I went full-on Queensrÿche with RFO, and then in mid-1988 with Operation: Mindcrime. But Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt. 2 dropped right before school started in September 1988. Since I was already obsessed with ‘Rÿche, my friends played a prank on me, and teased me that QR had ALREADY put out a new album. I grabbed my Walkman, put in an unlabeled tape, and initially, got fooled that Keeper Pt. 2 was a Queensryche album…until I paid attention to the lyrics. Ha ha. My friends laughed, and we had a good time about it.

I never forgot those first two Keeper records. I loved Kiske, loved the guitars, and loved the humor. But as life got moving, I got busy, and once I found out several years later that Kiske had left and was replaced, I just sort of ignored Helloween until probably 15 years ago. I went on a Deris kick, and found myself enjoying the Deris-fronted catalog. I picked up tickets to see them in the Bay Area in September 2008 (I forget when the date was). I was a little hesitant – I just didn’t like Deris’ voice on the Keeper 1 and 2 material. But I was willing to check it out. My wife was VERY pregnant however, and when the show came around, I just skipped it, not wanting to risk anything.

I only really tangentially paid attention to Helloween after that. I was really busy with my career, fatherhood, etc. Then the whole Queensrÿche debacle that I got mixed up in…and in short, I just checked out. I had kept tabs on Kiske, however. I read interviews with him, checked out albums…that golden voice was still very much in my ear. Fast-forward to 2017-2018. Pumpkins United. I was absolutely over the moon. I had a ticket to go see them in Los Angeles, see the historic tour uniting Kiske and Kai Hansen with Helloween. Flight and hotel booked, and I was ready. SO excited to see one of my favorite singers perform for the first time after being a fan for 30 years…

I had to cancel the trip. I was incredibly disheartened. No sense going into it on here. But life once again got in the way, and I did the responsible adult thing and saved the money. Immediately following that show that I SHOULD have been at, I realized I still could have gone. I was absolutely crushed. So bad, that I just didn’t want to think or talk about Helloween. I bought the big box live set they did for the tour. I barely put it on.

Anyway, here we are in 2023, and I FINALLY had another chance. I wasn’t going to miss it. Bought two tickets for San Francisco that were dead center of the lower loge section of the Warfield (pretty much the best seats in the house, with no one blocking you), and aisle seats for the gig in LA. I was DOING it. A few months prior though, I sold my LA tickets. Looking at the weekend, and what I had going on, I just didn’t want to risk missing the San Francisco show by travel screwing things up. And knowing how I’d have to fly home and immediately get in the car and go to the show, I knew it would be dicey. A friend who was supposed to go with me to LA and San Fran had to cancel, so I was solo as well (which is fine, but I wanted to geek out with a friend). Anyway, my wife, who is a metalhead, but not necessarily a big Helloween fan, was more than happy to go to San Fran. But she couldn’t do LA. I was still excited for SF, but then I thought to myself, if for some reason they canceled, it being the last show of their tour, this would all happen again – I’d miss them, again. So I said F it, and booked a quick flight to Las Vegas two days before the SF show, and took in the show in Sin City.

I flew in early, landing about 11:30 a.m. Went to the venue straight away, as I had never been to the Brooklyn Bowl. Seemed fine on the outside. Nice marquee with the show (and others listed). Couldn’t see inside. It was about 12:15, and there were fans already lined up. That was encouraging. I went across the street (this alley the venue was in, is a literal bar/restaurant/tourist trap that is off the strip) to have a beer or two. Sent our good buddy TAC some pics (who warned me not to drink much because of how long I had waited to see Helloween – which wasn’t even a worry, as I don’t drink at shows), finished my brews, got some lunch, and then chilled at the hotel for couple hours.

I got back to the venue about 30 minutes before doors. The line was about 50 people deep at that point. I was wondering how the show would sell, given that it was a Thursday. Well, no real worries there, which I’ll explain later. Anyway, once I got in, you immediately head up stairs/escalator to the second level. This place is a bowling alley and a big concert venue. Nicely dressed up. Once I got to the top the stairs, the merch area was to the right, along with a bar. I got on line for merch, picked up a shirt, and then got on the line to be let in to the actual venue.

It was weird, there was a LONG open hallway to get to the concert area. Not having been there before, and not knowing the capacity, I had wondered how small it would be, given this hallway leading to some simple double doors. I get in, and it’s this sprawling GA floor that you step down into, and looking up, there were club level standing room areas (which had sold out). Capacity was 3,000, and by the time Helloween started, I’d say about 2,700 were there. A few people in line said they had gotten 2 for 1 ticket sales, so apparently it didn’t sell outright as well as folks thought it would, but regardless, the venue filled up.

I staked out a spot almost center stage, with my back against a wall that had the soundboard on the other side. Being short, I hate GA shows. Because inevitably, I ALWAYS get the 6’4” dudes blocking me. Some friends flew in, so I ended up not being solo, and we caught up and waited for HammerFall. The put on a solid power metal set. I really never listened to them before the show. I had heard of them, but went in without knowing a song. Entertaining. Not something I think I’d seek out going forward (the singer isn’t dynamic enough for me), but they put on a solid set.

Once they were done, Helloween would come on 30 minutes or so later. And of course, I literally had a wall of four guys who were at least 6’2” in front of me (and one was abnormally large, probably about 6’6”). I was so pissed. It was hard to move around and stake out a better spot. So I spent the first half of Helloween’s set, moving back and forth so I could see between them all. Finally, I was able to get to the left of them and watched the rest of the set. I really enjoyed it. I felt like the Kiske-Deris dynamic was seamless. No one was tripping over one another to sing. It’s like this was how it was from the outset. Everything was smooth, and Kai Hansen doing the Walls of Jericho material in a medley was killer. I never had heard him live, and was impressed he was as good of a singer as he was live.

I was happy to see Keeper II well represented, and the new album was featured with the three songs I really wanted to see, so I was happy with the set. I would have liked perhaps another two Keeper I songs in addition to Future World, but all in all, I was happy. A HUGE pit opened up mid-show that ended up getting a little too close for comfort, so it marred my experience a bit (I love watching the pit, but don’t want to be in it – I did that stuff when I was young, and got hurt about 16 years ago trying it again, so I avoid them. Anyway, I never thought I’d get to hear the “Keeper of the Seven Keys” title track, or any of those songs live, so I was really, really happy.

My only concern was Kiske. His voice sounded like I feared it might. He was off key a bit, and his voice sounded a bit gravelly in spots, which frankly, bummed me a little. Being a singer (not of his ilk, obviously, but trained enough to know what to do and what not to do), I wasn’t surprised. While he had a day off before doing the Vegas show, the heat, and dry air really wreaks havoc with voices like his. Deris was fine, but he has a gravelly like voice anyway. He’s the evil voice, Kiske is the heavenly, soaring one. Sadly, Kiske was a bit off. Not bad, but a bit off. Listening/watching my videos that night after the show confirmed what my ears heard.

Anyway, regardless, I was happy I got to see the show. I went back to the hotel room, got up early the next morning and headed home. I was exhausted, and sadly, ditched seeing Stryper on Friday night (I had seen them multiple times in the past), but figured I’d need the energy for Helloween on Saturday night. And I was right…

My wife and I got to The Warfield about 20 minutes before doors. The line was down the street. One of the crew guys from HammerFall was walking around with a recorder, asking us to yell HAMMERFALL as he passed for footage for a new video. We obliged. Who knows, maybe I’ll be in the video. We get in, I hit the merch line again, pick up the hoodie I had my eye on at the last show. We head upstairs, get to our seats, and I start geeking out about what a clear view I have, and how cool it’ll be visually. We’re three and four seats in from the aisle, so I had two seats to my right. This couple comes in a few minutes later. The woman seems fine. The dude…three sheets to the wind already. Just randomly singing (badly) off key, screaming for “KAI FUCKING HANSEN” etc. In fact, on my of my videos I took in San Fran, you can hear this jackass. Ugh. Anyway, the show starts. HammerFall puts on another solid set. Again, not for me, but they have a devoted following and people on the floor were really into them. I take a look up before Helloween starts. The venue, The Warfield, is 2,800 capacity. The floor was packed, but the reserved seating was probably 2/3 full, so I’m going to guess they had 2,400-2,500 there.

Helloween takes the stage and immediately during “Skyfall” you could tell Kiske was PEAK KISKE. His voice was stronger, clearer, and I look over to my wife (who is a professionally trained singer), and her eyes are wide, and she shook her head “yes” and gave the thumbs up. I was pretty stoked. The set was the same as Vegas and the entire tour, but it was SO much better having a clear view. I could see all the video on the stage, the songs sounded amazing, and Kiske. Holy hell, Michael Kiske. Thank YOU. I felt like I was 11 or 12 again, hearing this guy sing these songs. He cut a couple notes short here and there, but then he stepped up and fucking NAILED a bunch of others. My Lord.

The most impressive thing to me, however, was the joy. Seriously. You can tell when musicians are faking getting along, and the chemistry isn’t right. You can see them interact, but know it’s an act. Helloween is not putting on an act. Kiske and Deris legitimately love singing together. The whole band is enjoying this new found chemistry and love of playing as a bigger group. It was really cool to see.

Of course, drunk dude to my right almost ruined it for me. During “Keeper,” he finally couldn’t “keep” it in, and just kept puking. It was awful. Smelled like vodka. His wife was between us and she slid my way to avoid the puke, and I said “no chance, lady, you came with him, you deal with him, so she got puke on her legs. Then dude looked over at me, and I gave him the “you’re one dumb motherfucker” look and he sheepishly left. His wife hung on until the end of Keeper, and then left too. But the puke, which mixed with beer, literally rolled down in front of our feet and the people to our left, so we had to put our feet on the railing to avoid it. It was DISGUSTING. I mean, really. The guy was clearly an uber fan, and to just miss the end of the set (and probably not remember what he was there for)…what an idiot.

Anyway, “I Want Out” was great, and the show ended with such a great vibe. My wife really enjoyed Helloween’s set, and said it was a great show. I had a blast that night, with Kiske delivering, and really happy with my vantage point that I could take it all in. I’m glad I went to Vegas to see it, but that was a shell of a show that I ended up seeing in San Francisco.

Bottom line for me, I could cross off a bucket list gig. After 35, 36 years of being a fan of the Keeper-era Helloween, I got to see Michael Kiske sing those songs at peak level. It felt like I was back as a kid. I had an incredible time. And it was SO nice hearing a tenor voice, known for extreme high notes, confidently go for them and hit them. Seeing talent like that…just is otherworldly.

I hope and pray I get another opportunity to see them all again in the future. But if I don’t, Helloween were all I had hoped they would be.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on June 05, 2023, 09:17:13 AM
What a fantastic story. Finally all the pieces fell into place and you got your Helloween gig after all these years. It's never too late. Too bad about the drunk guy.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 05, 2023, 09:23:11 AM
What a fantastic story. Finally all the pieces fell into place and you got your Helloween gig after all these years. It's never too late. Too bad about the drunk guy.  :lol

Thanks. I'm still buzzing over the show two days later. As for the drunk dude...what a moron. lol.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 05, 2023, 09:35:38 AM
Brian, a wonderful read to spend my lunch with.

Lots I want to chime in on but I need my laptop to do it so I’ll do it when I’m home later.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 05, 2023, 11:33:47 AM
Thanks Tim.

I also want to add - I don't begrudge anyone having a few drinks at a show. I mean, it's meant to kick back and enjoy. I get that. I CHOOSE not to, because I like to make sure I remember all the details. But I don't begrudge anyone having a beer or a drink. Every so often, I break my rule and have ONE beer. But I wasn't doing that during Helloween's performances. I waited too long to have anything muddle my memory of what I was going to witness. But this dude...he was a moron. I mean, a complete idiot. And I don't really understand the mentality of getting so shitfaced that you don't remember what you see.

The shows also gave me a nice re-appreciation for the Walls of Jericho album. Listening to it now. It's very much of its time, and Kai even said so on stage ("some old school German power metal"). But it showcases a different side of the band. All three of the vocalists - Kai, Michael and Andi - really provide these voices that showcase how nimble and creative the band can be. Both from a writing standpoint and a performance standpoint.

All in all, just a dream come true for me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 05, 2023, 05:19:13 PM
Once I discovered Queensrÿche and Rage for Order, Helloween took a bit of a back seat until fall 1988. I went full-on Queensrÿche with RFO, and then in mid-1988 with Operation: Mindcrime. But Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt. 2 dropped right before school started in September 1988. Since I was already obsessed with ‘Rÿche, my friends played a prank on me, and teased me that QR had ALREADY put out a new album. I grabbed my Walkman, put in an unlabeled tape, and initially, got fooled that Keeper Pt. 2 was a Queensryche album…until I paid attention to the lyrics. Ha ha. My friends laughed, and we had a good time about it.

I never forgot those first two Keeper records. I loved Kiske, loved the guitars, and loved the humor. But as life got moving, I got busy, and once I found out several years later that Kiske had left and was replaced, I just sort of ignored Helloween until probably 15 years ago. I went on a Deris kick, and found myself enjoying the Deris-fronted catalog. I picked up tickets to see them in the Bay Area in September 2008 (I forget when the date was). I was a little hesitant – I just didn’t like Deris’ voice on the Keeper 1 and 2 material. But I was willing to check it out. My wife was VERY pregnant however, and when the show came around, I just skipped it, not wanting to risk anything.

I only really tangentially paid attention to Helloween after that. I was really busy with my career, fatherhood, etc. Then the whole Queensrÿche debacle that I got mixed up in…and in short, I just checked out. I had kept tabs on Kiske, however. I read interviews with him, checked out albums…that golden voice was still very much in my ear.

Brian, I also have vivid memories of this time. I started my junior year of college in the fall of 1988. I was so happy with Keeper Pt. 2. Sometimes when you're so blown away by a new album, like Keeper Pt.1 or I&W, the next album can struggle to meet expectations. Keeper Pt.2 was one that actually exceeded expectations. Not long after its release, I definitely remember hearing that Kai left, and was concerned about that.  A few years later, I bought the vinyl of Pink Bubbles on import along with Metallica's new album in August of '91 at the world's greatest record store, Sound Exchange in Wayne NJ. I listened to both on the drive home to Mass and while I kind of liked both, they were each quite different. Weird how they have each aged wonderfully. I remember not being able to get Chameleon. I wasn't doing mail order imports yet, but I had a bootleg VHS from the Chameleon tour, and dubbed the new songs onto a cassette and listened to that!

I was not happy with the new Deris stuff. I ordered the CD singles and could not get into it. Not Kiske..not power metal. I would ignore it for many years. At some point I started buying the Helloween albums with Deris, but it wasn't until I did a true deep dive, chronicled somewhere around here, that I truly got it.
Like you Brian, who touts Degarmo Era Queensryche as a favorite band, but somehow separate to Queensryche as a whole, I also rated Kiske Era Helloween quite highly. With the addition of Deris Era Helloween, the totality of Helloween easily ranks in my Top 5.


My only concern was Kiske. His voice sounded like I feared it might. He was off key a bit, and his voice sounded a bit gravelly in spots, which frankly, bummed me a little. Being a singer (not of his ilk, obviously, but trained enough to know what to do and what not to do), I wasn’t surprised. While he had a day off before doing the Vegas show, the heat, and dry air really wreaks havoc with voices like his. Deris was fine, but he has a gravelly like voice anyway. He’s the evil voice, Kiske is the heavenly, soaring one. Sadly, Kiske was a bit off. Not bad, but a bit off. Listening/watching my videos that night after the show confirmed what my ears heard.

I haven't listened to the 2018 show in a while. On this tour, I thought live he sounded great. Watching the show and listening to the bootleg, it was definitely not perfect. He seemed pitchy at the beginning of both Skyfall and Keeper. Kind of like he was searching for the right key (lol), not that he couldn't hit it. And on some of those high notes during the show, he kind of "threw it up there" so while he hit the notes, he didn't always have the depth. But these are minor quibbles. He was fucking amazing.


... and Kai Hansen doing the Walls of Jericho material in a medley was killer. I never had heard him live, and was impressed he was as good of a singer as he was live.

I'm not sure Kai has ever sounded better vocally. His voice is rested and strong. And it seems like he's grown as a vocalist over the years. The "Kai section" of the concert on both tours was THE highlight for me. It's a powerful performance, and the Walls material, which obviously sounds dated on the original album, sounds full and amazing given the full on modern Helloween sound.




The most impressive thing to me, however, was the joy. Seriously. You can tell when musicians are faking getting along, and the chemistry isn’t right. You can see them interact, but know it’s an act. Helloween is not putting on an act. Kiske and Deris legitimately love singing together. The whole band is enjoying this new found chemistry and love of playing as a bigger group. It was really cool to see.


This is the rub right here. I mentioned it was obvious five years ago, and it was clear on this tour. I found Kiske way more engaging with the crowd, and Weikath way more engaging with his bandmates. It really comes off as the real deal within the band.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 05, 2023, 06:47:40 PM
This tour is awesome and the previous one was a dream come true, with an exagerated setlist with everything you could have asked and more.

So I might be a little spoiled in saying that, as much as it is absolutely amazing and wonderful to see them on tour once again and seeing that the reunion is something that will last, and with a new album on top of that, can I "complain" about something I feel even at fault for complaining which is how this setlist is very..... tame?

I mean, it's the safest possibile one: mandatory three new songs, Keepers galore, and just 2-3 of Deris' best known songs. No surprises, no deep cut, not even Twilight of the Gods from Keeper 1 which would be a welcomed rarity.

As I said, I'm spoiled by the previous three hours show where they played everything and more, but as much as I was happy to see them again, the setlist had "greatest hits" all over it...

Looking at the two shows I've seen, in 2018 they played 20 songs basically, not including the Dani/Ingo drum tribute, a bit of Livin' Ain't No Crime and any guitar solos.

In 2023, they played 15, so 6 less songs..


In 2018..
10 Kiske Era
6 Deris Era
Kai Medley
Heavy Metal Is The Law
How Many Tears
Pumpkins United

In 2023..
6 Kiske Era
3 Deris Era
Kai Medley
Heavey Metal Is The Law
How Many Tears
3 new songs (one being just Andi)

Everything in 2023 was played in 2018 except for Save Us, which was a GREAT addition.

I don't know if they will be committed to playing Keeper on every tour going forward. If they swap it with Halloween next time, I'd be fine.

I certainly don't need Perfect Gentlemen again. My biggest want would be for them to rework King For 1000 Years and add vocal parts for Kai and Kiske.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on June 06, 2023, 12:03:17 AM
This tour is awesome and the previous one was a dream come true, with an exagerated setlist with everything you could have asked and more.

So I might be a little spoiled in saying that, as much as it is absolutely amazing and wonderful to see them on tour once again and seeing that the reunion is something that will last, and with a new album on top of that, can I "complain" about something I feel even at fault for complaining which is how this setlist is very..... tame?

I mean, it's the safest possibile one: mandatory three new songs, Keepers galore, and just 2-3 of Deris' best known songs. No surprises, no deep cut, not even Twilight of the Gods from Keeper 1 which would be a welcomed rarity.

As I said, I'm spoiled by the previous three hours show where they played everything and more, but as much as I was happy to see them again, the setlist had "greatest hits" all over it...

Looking at the two shows I've seen, in 2018 they played 20 songs basically, not including the Dani/Ingo drum tribute, a bit of Livin' Ain't No Crime and any guitar solos.

In 2023, they played 15, so 6 less songs..


In 2018..
10 Kiske Era
6 Deris Era
Kai Medley
Heavy Metal Is The Law
How Many Tears
Pumpkins United

In 2023..
6 Kiske Era
3 Deris Era
Kai Medley
Heavey Metal Is The Law
How Many Tears
3 new songs (one being just Andi)

Everything in 2023 was played in 2018 except for Save Us, which was a GREAT addition.

I don't know if they will be committed to playing Keeper on every tour going forward. If they swap it with Halloween next time, I'd be fine.

I certainly don't need Perfect Gentlemen again. My biggest want would be for them to rework King For 1000 Years and add vocal parts for Kai and Kiske.

There is a few Keeper era songs that they haven't played, that they should bring out. Such as Twilight of the Gods and You Always Walk Alone.

There is also a long list of Deris era songs, that could work very well with this new lineup:

King For a 1000 Years (Duh)
Occasion Avenue
My Life for One More Day
Open Your Life
Dreambound
Who is Mr. Madman
The Invisible Man
World of Fantasy
Paint a New World

Also that is only from the 2000-2010 era. Unfortunately, I fear that we won't see some of these songs played live ever again. Helloween has such a massive catalogue of songs, and they are expected to play certain crowd favorites every night. Also they are already in the works for their next album, and whatever that turns out to be, is going to be a focus in their future live sets.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on June 06, 2023, 08:13:06 AM
Well, let's be fair. There are five or six less songs because they have a band in front of them playing almost an hour. Whereas last time, it was an evening with, wasn't it? The two shows I just saw were over two hours in length, which is excellent. And both Keeper and Skyfall are well over 10 minutes, as is the medley of Jericho stuff.

re: Save Us - man, I was absolutely floored to see it (twice). But strangely, no one really seemed to know it. Not as much. Yes, there were plenty who did, but even Kiske no doubt noticed, because whatever he said prior to the song indicated that it wasn't generally known by people. I doubt we'll see it again, and I feel pretty fortunate I got to.

re: other keeper stuff. Yeah, being the Keeper 1&2 nut I am, I'm all for more of that, particularly the stuff that hasn't been played.

Moving forward, I'll be happy with whatever. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to hear Keeper 1 material (which I didn't get a chance to see except for Future World).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on June 06, 2023, 09:27:00 AM
I don't know if they will be committed to playing Keeper on every tour going forward. If they swap it with Halloween next time, I'd be fine.

I certainly don't need Perfect Gentlemen again. My biggest want would be for them to rework King For 1000 Years and add vocal parts for Kai and Kiske.

Same.

I'm not sure why I had it in my head that they'd be playing Twilight.  They've only played that 7 times in North America, and not since 1987 (and not the show I saw).  I'm Alive could replace Eagle if they want, and A Little Time is a great live song.  Halloween/Keeper/King wouldn't be unwelcome, and they could swap out Dr. Stein for Rise and Fall, but I doubt either of those things will happen.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 06, 2023, 12:38:54 PM
Yeah, I expect Eagle Fly Free and Dr. Stein being played at every single show until the band retires.

Also, Andi Deris must be so happy to finally be rid of those songs  :lol (especially Eagle Fly Free which he doesn't sing anymore, they duet on Dr Stein)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on June 06, 2023, 12:48:37 PM
Random question:

Has the band ever said why they say "STEEN" instead of "STINE," which is correct German pronunciation of "Stein"?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on June 06, 2023, 03:18:46 PM
I never even thought about it, but my wild guess would be to sound more "international" and english, they have english lyrics, they pronunce it the english way.

Heck, I bet many people pronounce Weikath and Kiske's names the english way anyway, it's when I hear the other guys introducing them that I remember how "Michael" actually sounds in german  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 06, 2023, 03:32:51 PM
I don't know if they will be committed to playing Keeper on every tour going forward. If they swap it with Halloween next time, I'd be fine.

I certainly don't need Perfect Gentlemen again. My biggest want would be for them to rework King For 1000 Years and add vocal parts for Kai and Kiske.

Same.

I'm not sure why I had it in my head that they'd be playing Twilight.  They've only played that 7 times in North America, and not since 1987 (and not the show I saw).  I'm Alive could replace Eagle if they want, and A Little Time is a great live song.  Halloween/Keeper/King wouldn't be unwelcome, and they could swap out Dr. Stein for Rise and Fall, but I doubt either of those things will happen.

I might be a bit guilty when it comes to Twilight. I know that I had mentioned that I read an interview after their latest album was released where I thought I had picked up on a hint regarding Twilight being added. I don't remember what it was.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on June 06, 2023, 05:02:12 PM
I never even thought about it, but my wild guess would be to sound more "international" and english, they have english lyrics, they pronunce it the english way.

Heck, I bet many people pronounce Weikath and Kiske's names the english way anyway, it's when I hear the other guys introducing them that I remember how "Michael" actually sounds in german  :lol

You're referring to "Michael"?  I imagine just about any native English speaker will pronounce it MIK-əl.  I took German in high school (a million years ago), so I'm somewhat sensitive to a more German pronunciation "mi-KI-el VI-kath.  Of course, when Deris introduced Kiske and Hansen introduced Weikath, they both used the English pronunciation.

As for Dr. Stein, "the English way" is "STINE."  Given that it's Helloween, I assume it's tongue-in-check, but I was just curious if they ever directly addressed it.  There's an old movie (Young Frankenstein with Gene Wilder, I think?) where the guy pronounces Frankenstein as "FRAHNK-ən-shteen," which is intentionally incorrect, and I thought that might play into it as well.


I might be a bit guilty when it comes to Twilight. I know that I had mentioned that I read an interview after their latest album was released where I thought I had picked up on a hint regarding Twilight being added. I don't remember what it was.

Maybe, but I definitely looked at setlist.fm to make my Spotify playlist, so I had no good reason to think it was coming!   :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on June 06, 2023, 05:10:35 PM
I hope Dr. Stein wouldn't be repeated again.

The only song I never want dropped is How Many Tears.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ErHaO on August 03, 2023, 02:29:07 PM
Wacken livestream should start in a couple of minutes.

Edit: they were off to a great start with Skyfall  :metal Love the high quality Wacken stream and the fact they started playing when it was already dark
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 03, 2023, 02:52:14 PM
On it! Thank you!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 03, 2023, 03:05:47 PM
Dammit, my stream keeps pausing. I'll watch it when it's done.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ErHaO on August 03, 2023, 05:46:21 PM
I thought it was one hell of a show. I hope they upload it or make a release out of it
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on August 03, 2023, 11:44:05 PM
What little I watched of the stream was epic! :metal

Helloween started playing just before midnight in my timezone. I had to give in and go to sleep, as I had a busy work day and I had been awake for about 20 hours at that point.

Helloween is such a well oiled machine at this point. They are in the best shape they've ever been!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on August 04, 2023, 01:03:35 AM
I caught the very beginning just as they are about to hit the stage and had to watch it all the way through. I rarely get the chance to catch a live stream, so this was kind of special. I loved the performance and the set list was really good, too. What an amazing band, they've never been better.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ErHaO on August 05, 2023, 05:23:25 PM
The full show is available  :metal

https://www.magentamusik.de/helloween-woa-2023-9208205928595409218 (https://www.magentamusik.de/helloween-woa-2023-9208205928595409218)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 05, 2023, 08:19:32 PM
The full show is available  :metal

https://www.magentamusik.de/helloween-woa-2023-9208205928595409218 (https://www.magentamusik.de/helloween-woa-2023-9208205928595409218)

Almost done watching the entire thing. :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 06, 2023, 04:53:39 PM
The Web Rip is on Dime, but if anyone comes across an audio only rip, I'd definitely be interested.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on August 06, 2023, 05:34:21 PM
I've watched/listened to the first two songs, and it sounds fantastic! Wow!

I mean, Kiske is kinda unbelievable (and Deris sounds great too)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 07, 2023, 01:31:08 PM
Watched it over the course of two days. It was a blast and an absolute triumph on home soil  :metal and by home I don't just mean Germany, they're from Hamburg and Wacken is one hour away from Hamburg.

I've been to Wacken twice, and Helloween played the first time I was there, in 2004; it was the Rabbits tour and while the show was ok, it was just another show in the bill, nothing to write home about. Now well, I wasn't there, but from the looks of it they were one of the main protagonists of the festival and they absolutely conquered it!!!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 07, 2023, 02:17:56 PM

I've been to Wacken twice

What is that experience like Andrea? It looks awful! :lol

Do you position yourself to see both stages, or do you "pick a side"?

What did you do about lodging? Food? etc..?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 07, 2023, 03:23:03 PM
Eh, keep in mind it was a long time ago by now. I've always struggled with the concept of time passing for me, I'm a 43 years old man FFS, and I have been there in 2004 and 2007 - there are people born in 2004 who are having sex and can vote, eek!

Twenty years ago Wacken was already big, but it was not exagerately, gargantuan, massively big. I managed to live through it just fine, and yes you kinda have to pick your stage, you can't really stand in the middle and hoping to see both.

I remember being in the fourth row during Rage's show with the orchestra in 2007, and I have memories of seeing Helloween in 2004 from a moderate distance. Also Blind Guardian was not an impossible task to attend. Managed to enjoy Dio just fine, and I saw After Forever on a smaller stage - that was my only time seeing Floor Jansen live, and it took me some fifteen years and her joining Nightwish to see her perform again.

I was in the camping both times, ate food around the festival and more or less managed to keep normal hours, even though at a certain point at a festival like this you kinda go feral - you eat when you're hungry, drink when you're thirsty, and sleep when you're tired, regardless of the hours  ;D

I remember also going for a walk to a nearby pool, and walking around the market. As I said, it was already big and massive, but not so big that it's scary, and it definitively didn't sell out one year before. I remember the times when you didn't have to plan a festival like you would do for a marriage, meaning you'd have to be absolutely certain of the date and put plans into motion one year in advance.

It's very likely I will never go to Wacken or to any other major festival again, but hey, at least I've been to Wacken twice. I've visited the metal mecca, valhalla awaits me  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 07, 2023, 03:32:17 PM
That's cool. I watched a documentary on it, and it's definitely for the young. ;D


Many years ago, a friend and I were seriously looking into see Iron Maiden at Donnington in '92. We had even visited a travel agent. It started to feel a bit complicated. Now with a computer, I could sit down and bang out all of my plans in one sitting.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: cramx3 on August 09, 2023, 08:32:13 AM
Wacken (and other massive metal festivals) look cool, but the logistics of it all just make it seem not nearly as fun as it looks.  I've never been to one of these so what do I know.  I just feel like I'd need a nice shower and bed after that, but if you go back to camping, well, I just feel like I'd be miserable come day 2  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 09, 2023, 09:21:40 AM
I remember you could pay for a closed toilet (so you didn't have to poo in the woods) and I assume there are actual showers installed. So I'm confident that if you want, you can still have some basic hygiene without having to wash yourself with a bucket of water.

If a festival is well organized, it can still be fun and not overwhelming. It all comes down to one's personal preference; how much travelling are you willing to do? for how long you can stand a queue? do you like camping? if queues and camping don't terribly bother you, I'd say a big festival is a nice experience.

I'm glad I did it when I was young, now I probably can't be bothered anymore.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 09, 2023, 05:53:52 PM
Seems Helloween is cancelling a couple of Festival appearances due to Michael Kiske having laryngitis...

https://bravewords.com/news/update-helloween-drop-off-bill-for-hellsinki-metal-festival-as-singer-michael-kiske-recovers-from-acute-laryngitis-apocalyptica-fill-their-spot
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 10, 2023, 03:00:04 AM
That sucks!

Anyway, minor rambling on their show: during the Walls of Jericho portion of the set, I was thinking that maybe it should have been just the original line-up guys, without Sasha. No disrespect to him, he's earned every right to be there, but in that specific moment, when they were playing songs from the debut, I was thinking that seeing just the "original line-up" (with the obvious and sad exception of Ingo) would have been more a faithful reminder of what it was 30 years ago. Again, I don't mind seeing Sasha there for that part of the show as well, nothing against him, it's just that if it was only Kai / Michael / Markus (and obviously Dani on drums), it would have been more nostalgic and a more faithful reminder of how it all started.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 10, 2023, 04:33:44 AM
I completely disagree and it goes against the whole spirit of what makes this reunion special.  :)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 10, 2023, 05:46:17 AM
That sucks!

Anyway, minor rambling on their show: during the Walls of Jericho portion of the set, I was thinking that maybe it should have been just the original line-up guys, without Sasha. No disrespect to him, he's earned every right to be there, but in that specific moment, when they were playing songs from the debut, I was thinking that seeing just the "original line-up" (with the obvious and sad exception of Ingo) would have been more a faithful reminder of what it was 30 years ago. Again, I don't mind seeing Sasha there for that part of the show as well, nothing against him, it's just that if it was only Kai / Michael / Markus (and obviously Dani on drums), it would have been more nostalgic and a more faithful reminder of how it all started.

Sascha takes a lot of pressure off Kai and Weiki in the guitar department.  I think they really appreciate his rock solid foundation on the guitar especially I think during the old faster stuff.  I get what you're saying but I don't see the harm, plus it beefs up the whole sound.

That's kind of like saying Janick should fuck off out the back during Wasted Years or Stranger in A Strange Land.  Doesn't really make sense.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on August 10, 2023, 08:38:25 AM
I had a similar opinion, but after seeing them live, and how Sasha is integrated with the older members of the lineup...he definitely earned his place in the band, and does an amazing job across the board.

 When it comes to Jannick though...I would pay a PREMIUM price for a Maiden ticket in a spot that completely obstructed his view and only let me see the members of the classic lineup. His guitar is usually low in the mix, so I wouldn't miss anything. Unless it's his turn to butcher the solo on Revelations or Heaven Can Wait.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 10, 2023, 08:43:51 AM
I had a similar opinion, but after seeing them live, and how Sasha is integrated with the older members of the lineup...he definitely earned his place in the band, and does an amazing job across the board.

And I agree! I never said he should go, I just thought "well, if they're going the Walls of Jericho route, it would be fun if they'd go hardcore about it and have just Kai, Michael and Markus, like it was in 1986". It's not that I want Sasha out of the band, I figured he'd take a 10 minutes break in the middle of the show, that's all  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 10, 2023, 01:58:41 PM
When it comes to Jannick though...I would pay a PREMIUM price for a Maiden ticket in a spot that completely obstructed his view and only let me see the members of the classic lineup. His guitar is usually low in the mix, so I wouldn't miss anything. Unless it's his turn to butcher the solo on Revelations or Heaven Can Wait.

No offence, but I hate that people still have this opinion.  The guys been in the band for over 30 years FFS!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 10, 2023, 02:05:25 PM
When it comes to Jannick though...I would pay a PREMIUM price for a Maiden ticket in a spot that completely obstructed his view and only let me see the members of the classic lineup. His guitar is usually low in the mix, so I wouldn't miss anything. Unless it's his turn to butcher the solo on Revelations or Heaven Can Wait.

No offence, but I hate that people still have this opinion.  The guys been in the band for over 30 years FFS!

Right. It's funny how now with Jannick, the beginning of Caught Somewhere In Time actually sounds pretty good. The old boots of that song show why I think they've never played it since. It just never sounded right.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on August 10, 2023, 02:26:53 PM
Keeping a newer member when the original or classic guys return is classy, and often helps a band (except budget-wise). But for Helloween and Iron Maiden, not really any serious budgetary problems doing it. I admit, Sascha looks...off...from the rest of them, look-wise. And yeah, Jannick always...he's always "the other guy." But both have earned their place in those bands.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 11, 2023, 06:14:52 AM
It's just amusing that Janick has actually been an Iron Maiden member for more years collectively than Adrian.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on August 11, 2023, 08:35:05 AM
It's just amusing that Janick has actually been an Iron Maiden member for more years collectively than Adrian.

 Doesn't change the fact that I think he sucks. But that's only my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on August 11, 2023, 08:45:45 AM
Good grief, Rodrigo. You're usually right about every single thing. But this is whole other story.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on August 11, 2023, 09:02:18 AM
Good grief, Rodrigo. You're usually right about every single thing. But this is whole other story.  ;D

 :D :D :D

 It's all a matter of opinion. I'm DEFINITELY not a fan of JAnnick.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on August 11, 2023, 09:09:59 AM
It's just amusing that Janick has actually been an Iron Maiden member for more years collectively than Adrian.

Not quite, but it's close.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 11, 2023, 09:12:20 AM
Good grief, Rodrigo. You're usually right about every single thing. But this is whole other story.  ;D

 :D :D :D

 It's all a matter of opinion. I'm DEFINITELY not a fan of JAnnick.

I mean, the way he carries Hell On Earth is just awful.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 11, 2023, 02:16:37 PM
It's just amusing that Janick has actually been an Iron Maiden member for more years collectively than Adrian.

Not quite, but it's close.

Actually I think you're right thinking about it.  Adrian may have him pipped by a year.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 11, 2023, 02:17:10 PM
Good grief, Rodrigo. You're usually right about every single thing. But this is whole other story.  ;D

 :D :D :D

 It's all a matter of opinion. I'm DEFINITELY not a fan of JAnnick.

I mean, the way he carries Hell On Earth is just awful.

Sarcasm Tim, surely?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 11, 2023, 02:30:04 PM
Good grief, Rodrigo. You're usually right about every single thing. But this is whole other story.  ;D

 :D :D :D

 It's all a matter of opinion. I'm DEFINITELY not a fan of JAnnick.

I mean, the way he carries Hell On Earth is just awful.

Sarcasm Tim, surely?

Of course. If someone is not a fan of Janick, then they're not really a fan of the Reunion Era because he is plastered all over it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 11, 2023, 02:45:20 PM
Good grief, Rodrigo. You're usually right about every single thing. But this is whole other story.  ;D

 :D :D :D

 It's all a matter of opinion. I'm DEFINITELY not a fan of JAnnick.

I mean, the way he carries Hell On Earth is just awful.

Sarcasm Tim, surely?

Of course. If someone is not a fan of Janick, then they're not really a fan of the Reunion Era because he is plastered all over it.

Agree.  His contributions are integral and always have been.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on August 11, 2023, 03:50:10 PM
It's just amusing that Janick has actually been an Iron Maiden member for more years collectively than Adrian.

Not quite, but it's close.

Actually I think you're right thinking about it.  Adrian may have him pipped by a year.

Yeah...Smith joined Maiden on November 8, 1980 and left during pre-production for NPFTD, which would have been somewhere during spring 1990, so that's about 9 1/2 years that Smith was in and Gers wasn't.

It's not clear to me exactly when Gers joined.  NPFTD was recorded from June to September 1990, and Gers' first concert with Maiden was September 19, 1990.  Smith rejoined sometime in 1999, and his first concert after rejoining was July 11, 1999, so there was somewhere between 8 1/2 years to 9 years and a couple months that Gers was in and Smith wasn't.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 11, 2023, 04:12:08 PM
Gers joined the night before they started recording NPFTD. Janick auditioned three days after Adrian was booted, and they started recording the next day.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 11, 2023, 04:28:32 PM
It's just amusing that Janick has actually been an Iron Maiden member for more years collectively than Adrian.

Not quite, but it's close.

Actually I think you're right thinking about it.  Adrian may have him pipped by a year.

Yeah...Smith joined Maiden on November 8, 1980 and left during pre-production for NPFTD, which would have been somewhere during spring 1990, so that's about 9 1/2 years that Smith was in and Gers wasn't.

It's not clear to me exactly when Gers joined.  NPFTD was recorded from June to September 1990, and Gers' first concert with Maiden was September 19, 1990.  Smith rejoined sometime in 1999, and his first concert after rejoining was July 11, 1999, so there was somewhere between 8 1/2 years to 9 years and a couple months that Gers was in and Smith wasn't.

I had in my head Adrian joining 81, but knew that was wrong after I thought about it.

Gers joined the night before they started recording NPFTD. Janick auditioned three days after Adrian was booted, and they started recording the next day.

Yeah, I knew it was pretty quick.  Gers with no writing credits and a Smith credit on the album lines up with that too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 13, 2023, 12:31:45 PM
Since in this topic we recently discussed Dream Theater and Iron Maiden for whatever reason, let's make a crossover with the Judas Priest ranking thread.

The Green Manalishi has been brought up - how many of you did notice that during the end of Dr. Stein, when they play it live of course, they briefly touch the riff during the final "time is right" parts?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 13, 2023, 02:25:55 PM
I always thought the riff after the chorus was ripped off from Green Manalishi.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 13, 2023, 02:49:54 PM
The Green Manalishi has been brought up - how many of you did notice that during the end of Dr. Stein, when they play it live of course, they briefly touch the riff during the final "time is right" parts?

Yeah, now that you mention it, it's definitely there, though tbh, I've never made the connection before.

We all know Kai loves his Judas Priest.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 13, 2023, 07:07:00 PM
The Green Manalishi has been brought up - how many of you did notice that during the end of Dr. Stein, when they play it live of course, they briefly touch the riff during the final "time is right" parts?

Yeah, now that you mention it, it's definitely there, though tbh, I've never made the connection before.

We all know Kai loves his Judas Priest.

That's funny, I noticed it the very first time I heard it and can never unhear it.

Kai is probably the biggest rip off king out there, but I love his little nods.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 13, 2023, 07:07:56 PM
The Green Manalishi has been brought up - how many of you did notice that during the end of Dr. Stein, when they play it live of course, they briefly touch the riff during the final "time is right" parts?

Yeah, now that you mention it, it's definitely there, though tbh, I've never made the connection before.

We all know Kai loves his Judas Priest.

That's funny, I noticed it the very first time I heard it and can never unhear it.

Kai is probably the biggest rip off king out there, but I love his little nods.

I think it has a lot to do with me usually skipping Dr. Stein. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 13, 2023, 07:08:47 PM
The Green Manalishi has been brought up - how many of you did notice that during the end of Dr. Stein, when they play it live of course, they briefly touch the riff during the final "time is right" parts?

Yeah, now that you mention it, it's definitely there, though tbh, I've never made the connection before.

We all know Kai loves his Judas Priest.

That's funny, I noticed it the very first time I heard it and can never unhear it.

Kai is probably the biggest rip off king out there, but I love his little nods.

I think it has a lot to do with me usually skipping Dr. Stein. :lol

It's a fun song, yet agree, skippable.  Certainly good for the live setting over the studio.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 13, 2023, 07:19:26 PM
Just thinking about Kai's love for his influences, there's quite a few;

Heading for Tomorrow - Victim of Changes (main riff)
Hand of Fate - Dissident Aggressor (verse)
Heart of the Unicorn - Painkiller (verse vocal melody)
Opportunity - The Clairvoyant (middle section)
Empress - Princess of the Dawn (all of it)
Insurrection - Exciter (melody during solo section)
To the Metal - Metal Gods (the whole fucking thing)
I think Real World it is he rips of the Sentinel in the middle.....


He also rips himself off too.  The melody from I Want Out is included in Heaven or Hell.

He loves Queen too.  The Silence has a direct melody from Somebody to Love I think it is.

Also check out 3:05 from Somewhere Out in Space and 2:18 from Helloweens Hey Lord.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 13, 2023, 07:23:19 PM
Nice list. I was going to say that Gamma Ray is littered with Priest riffs.

I'm going to go through these tomorrow.

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 13, 2023, 07:28:20 PM
Nice list. I was going to say that Gamma Ray is littered with Priest riffs.

I'm going to go through these tomorrow.

There's probably more, they were just off the top of my head.  The only one I checked was obviously the last one with the timestamp.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 13, 2023, 07:29:22 PM
Forgot Solid.  That's a legit Rapid Fire rip off.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 13, 2023, 07:31:32 PM
Forgot Solid.  That's a legit Rapid Fire rip off.

Yes. I can't believe Tipton and Downing don't have writing credits on that. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 13, 2023, 07:37:39 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 14, 2023, 01:19:53 AM
Just thinking about Kai's love for his influences, there's quite a few;

Heading for Tomorrow - Victim of Changes (main riff)
Hand of Fate - Dissident Aggressor (verse)
Heart of the Unicorn - Painkiller (verse vocal melody)
Opportunity - The Clairvoyant (middle section)
Empress - Princess of the Dawn (all of it)
Insurrection - Exciter (melody during solo section)
To the Metal - Metal Gods (the whole fucking thing)
I think Real World it is he rips of the Sentinel in the middle.....

In New World Order (the song), you can literally sing "Hell bent, Hell bent for leather" over the chorus.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 14, 2023, 04:19:46 AM
Just thinking about Kai's love for his influences, there's quite a few;

Heading for Tomorrow - Victim of Changes (main riff)
Hand of Fate - Dissident Aggressor (verse)
Heart of the Unicorn - Painkiller (verse vocal melody)
Opportunity - The Clairvoyant (middle section)
Empress - Princess of the Dawn (all of it)
Insurrection - Exciter (melody during solo section)
To the Metal - Metal Gods (the whole fucking thing)
I think Real World it is he rips of the Sentinel in the middle.....

In New World Order (the song), you can literally sing "Hell bent, Hell bent for leather" over the chorus.

Wow!  Never heard this one but I can hear it just running it through my head!  :lol  Nice one!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ZKX-2099 on August 14, 2023, 08:48:37 AM
I always thought the bridge of Rain was close to A Million to One by Helloween.

Hey were back to Helloween.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on August 14, 2023, 08:56:02 AM
How about My temple going from ...and justice for all to Sabbath bloody Sabbath within minutes?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 14, 2023, 01:27:52 PM
How about My temple going from ...and justice for all to Sabbath bloody Sabbath within minutes?

Oh shit yeah.  Another one I forgot.  That Sabbath Bloody Sabbath riff or so damn blatant!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 14, 2023, 01:30:44 PM
Oh speaking of the Majestic album, Hell is Thy Home, or should I say Leather Rebel?  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Mladen on August 14, 2023, 03:12:12 PM
I'm also getting strong Painkiller vibes in Spiritual dictator. Also, Follow me reminds me of Hunting high and low. We could go on forever.  :lol

Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 14, 2023, 03:40:07 PM
I always loved picking up on all of Kais little nuggets.  It's funny how more and more crept in as he got later and later into his career.

Although I think the last album sounded quite original from memory, but I'd have to listen to it again.

The Queen Flash Gordon thing he does in songs like Man on A Midsion and Armageddon is pretty funny too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 15, 2023, 09:42:41 PM
I have Empire of the Undead in the car today.  This is a pretty good album actually.  A shame Gamma Ray is pretty much done but I hope we do see another studio album at some point.

Anyway going with the theme of the last few posts, even though it's written by Dirk, the Queen nod in Time for Deliverance is out of this world!   Makes Kai look like a novice.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on August 16, 2023, 12:32:43 AM
Dirk at it again in the middle of Demonseed.  Blatant Victim of Changes rip.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on August 17, 2023, 08:34:36 AM
I'm really curious how the success of Helloween's last album will impact the next one. I am guessing the band has a lot of songs written at this point. I remember reading on here (someone posted something a while back) that Kai has a bunch more tunes written than he did for the last one. "Skyfall" was the gem of the record and was Kai's if I remember right (I like the album now, but still feel Kai is needed, writing-wise in a big way).
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on August 17, 2023, 08:57:12 AM
Indeed Skyfall is the one and only contribution from Kai on the album.

I still like it overall, but without the Hansen epic, it would have been just another modern day Deris era album. I mean, there's nothing here that feels 100% thought with Kiske's voice in mind (maybe Out for the Glory) and you could take away Hansen (basically just no Skyfall) and Kiske's voice, and the album would have still been mostly the same. Still better than My God Given Right, but I hope the next album will benefit more of the chemistry between old and new members.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on August 17, 2023, 09:13:48 AM
Indeed Skyfall is the one and only contribution from Kai on the album.

I still like it overall, but without the Hansen epic, it would have been just another modern day Deris era album. I mean, there's nothing here that feels 100% thought with Kiske's voice in mind (maybe Out for the Glory) and you could take away Hansen (basically just no Skyfall) and Kiske's voice, and the album would have still been mostly the same. Still better than My God Given Right, but I hope the next album will benefit more of the chemistry between old and new members.

Yeah, I thought so. And agree with your description of the album. Totally. Thank goodness we got the epic. I expect big things from the next album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on August 17, 2023, 12:43:28 PM
I'm really curious how the success of Helloween's last album will impact the next one. I am guessing the band has a lot of songs written at this point. I remember reading on here (someone posted something a while back) that Kai has a bunch more tunes written than he did for the last one. "Skyfall" was the gem of the record and was Kai's if I remember right (I like the album now, but still feel Kai is needed, writing-wise in a big way).

The band did a bunch of interviews before the US tour, and I remember Kiske said that. He said Kai will definitely be contributing more, which is a good thing. I agree that the album could've used more Kai.
I mean, we can all do a song ranking and eliminate the bottom couple.

Michael Weikath's tunes, Out For Glory, Robot Man, and Down In The Dumps are three songs I love, stupid lyrics notwithstanding.
Andi's are Fear Of the Fallen, which is great, Mass Pollution, which I didn't care for but was excellent live, and Cyanide, which to me is the weakest song.
Markus' Indestructible is certainly replaceable.
Sasha had Best Times, which the band thought well enough to bring to the live show, and Angels, which to me is actually the most interesting song on the album.

The thing is, when they convened for the album, they all brought a handful of songs that they had each written, except for Dani and Kiske, who wrote nothing, and Kai, who came in with one song..the best one!

Kiske said, they already have ideas and the fact that they've played even more together as a band should help. I do expect the next album to be better, but seriously, I love this last album.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on August 17, 2023, 12:46:00 PM
Yeah, musically, I dig Weikath's songs.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on September 23, 2023, 07:09:15 PM
Really cool video from Dani on the Japanese tour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEsNcDBdk-o

The only date left on Helloween's touring itinerary is the Hell & Heaven fest in Mexico in November.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on September 25, 2023, 08:19:14 AM
Really cool video from Dani on the Japanese tour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEsNcDBdk-o

The only date left on Helloween's touring itinerary is the Hell & Heaven fest in Mexico in November.

Watched the first five minutes or so. Cool. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on October 21, 2023, 07:54:38 AM
Nice cover of Eagle Fly Free:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icoIkq1jBGw

Erik Gronwall (H.E.A.T and currently in Skid Row) on vocals is excellent. I mean, the whole thing is very faithful to the original, but there's a nifty little bonus of father & son Hansen doing the solos  :)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 21, 2023, 07:56:18 AM
Nice cover of Eagle Fly Free:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icoIkq1jBGw

Erik Gronwall (H.E.A.T and currently in Skid Row) on vocals is excellent. I mean, the whole thing is very faithful to the original, but there's a nifty little bonus of father & son Hansen doing the solos  :)

I saw that yesterday, but I couldn't bring myself to open the link. :lol
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on October 21, 2023, 08:06:23 AM
Nice cover of Eagle Fly Free:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icoIkq1jBGw

Erik Gronwall (H.E.A.T and currently in Skid Row) on vocals is excellent. I mean, the whole thing is very faithful to the original, but there's a nifty little bonus of father & son Hansen doing the solos  :)

I saw that yesterday, but I couldn't bring myself to open the link. :lol

Why not?  :biggrin: All in all, it's pretty good, nothing too offensive  ;)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 21, 2023, 08:09:00 AM
Nice cover of Eagle Fly Free:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icoIkq1jBGw

Erik Gronwall (H.E.A.T and currently in Skid Row) on vocals is excellent. I mean, the whole thing is very faithful to the original, but there's a nifty little bonus of father & son Hansen doing the solos  :)

I saw that yesterday, but I couldn't bring myself to open the link. :lol

Why not?  :biggrin: All in all, it's pretty good, nothing too offensive  ;)

I don't know. I have a mental block sometimes when it comes to these things. :lol
I give it a shot, but I just started my roulette listening. Might have to come back to it.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on October 21, 2023, 05:47:20 PM
Nice cover of Eagle Fly Free:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icoIkq1jBGw

Erik Gronwall (H.E.A.T and currently in Skid Row) on vocals is excellent. I mean, the whole thing is very faithful to the original, but there's a nifty little bonus of father & son Hansen doing the solos  :)



OK, I got on this. Yes, it's outstanding. That dude has some pipes, and his grittier, if not nasally in some parts, gives the vocal a completely different vibe, but he still crushes it.

To me, it's almost the perfect song. Bass solo and a drum solo?  :metal

Tommy Johansson did a great version of it a few months back too.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on October 23, 2023, 08:21:35 AM
Yeah, Erik does a fine job.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on October 25, 2023, 04:06:32 AM
Erik was the only guy for me when it comes to HEAT. The other guy is shit.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Polarbear on February 15, 2024, 11:58:43 AM
Update from Helloween camp:

https://blabbermouth.net/news/helloween-to-release-new-studio-album-in-2025 (https://blabbermouth.net/news/helloween-to-release-new-studio-album-in-2025)

They have a new record deal with a label I've never even heard of. :lol They plan to enter studio in the summer, and the new album is now tentatively slated for 2025 instead of 2024.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: Samsara on February 15, 2024, 12:41:19 PM
Yeah, the label was like...who?! LOL. Oh well, as long as we get a record.

That tour was a concert highlight for the ages.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on February 15, 2024, 01:25:42 PM
When I first saw the story this morning, my first thought was YES A NEW ALBUM!!!!

But then I read it more carefully.



At least they're committed to another one at least.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: crystalstars17 on February 15, 2024, 01:46:59 PM
When I first saw the story this morning, my first thought was YES A NEW ALBUM!!!!

But then I read it more carefully.



At least they're committed to another one at least.

Why wouldn't they? I just read the whole article and it all sounded pretty positive and forward-thinking to me.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on February 15, 2024, 01:49:04 PM
When I first saw the story this morning, my first thought was YES A NEW ALBUM!!!!

But then I read it more carefully.



At least they're committed to another one at least.

Why wouldn't they? I just read the whole article and it all sounded pretty positive and forward-thinking to me.

It's a me thing. I'm way too impatient for this, and I'm just happy for the positive reinforcement.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: crystalstars17 on February 15, 2024, 01:58:47 PM
When I first saw the story this morning, my first thought was YES A NEW ALBUM!!!!

But then I read it more carefully.



At least they're committed to another one at least.

Why wouldn't they? I just read the whole article and it all sounded pretty positive and forward-thinking to me.

It's a me thing. I'm way too impatient for this, and I'm just happy for the positive reinforcement.

Aha, ok  :)
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: wolfking on February 15, 2024, 04:04:04 PM
When I first saw the story this morning, my first thought was YES A NEW ALBUM!!!!

But then I read it more carefully.



At least they're committed to another one at least.

Why wouldn't they? I just read the whole article and it all sounded pretty positive and forward-thinking to me.

I too wondered if the lineup was going to produce another album.  I guess the whole hype and novelty around it made you wonder if it actually was a long term kind of setup.  They're taking their time which is fine I guess so they can do other things, but yeah potentially another year and a half away is a slog.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on February 22, 2024, 05:25:51 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLV530n3kMw

Does anyone else think this song should have been the theme for the Bond movie instead of Adele?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on February 22, 2024, 06:37:52 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLV530n3kMw

Does anyone else think this song should have been the theme for the Bond movie instead of Adele?

Great tune!

Are you a Helloween fan, HoSo?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on February 22, 2024, 07:03:39 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLV530n3kMw

Does anyone else think this song should have been the theme for the Bond movie instead of Adele?

Great tune!

Are you a Helloween fan, HoSo?

not a huge Power Metal guy but i do like me some helloween (and a few other bands like blind guardian, stratovarius, etc). specifically i've heard (and liked) Keeper of the Seven Keys, Helloween (2021), and Gambling With The Devil. don't think i've heard any of their other albums
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on February 22, 2024, 07:04:37 PM
Nice. Those are three great albums for sure!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on February 22, 2024, 07:05:10 PM
which should i check next?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TAC on February 22, 2024, 07:15:53 PM
which should i check next?

Well, if you liked Keeper Pt. 1, then Keeper Pt. 2 would be the obvious place to go next with Kiske on vocals..

As far as the Deris albums go, Gambling is excellent. They did a Keeper Pt. 3 with Deris as their singer, and I know how cringy that sounds, but the album is incredible.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: ProfessorPeart on February 22, 2024, 07:32:33 PM
Yeah, the label was like...who?! LOL. Oh well, as long as we get a record.

That tour was a concert highlight for the ages.

Knew I heard that label before. They are releasing Kerry King's album. Looks like it was formed by the longtime GM of Nuclear Blast America. They appear to be building another Metal label. Already a decent starting stable of artists on their website.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: nick_z on February 22, 2024, 07:34:39 PM
Certainly a bit rougher, and more influenced by speed metal, but I'd recommend their debut Walls of Jericho (+ the EP, as they are always bound together as one now). Kai Hansen on vocals, it's good stuff.

I'd second the Keeper II rec, of course. As for the Deris era, I find The Time of the Oath particularly tasty.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on February 22, 2024, 08:06:50 PM
which should i check next?

Well, if you liked Keeper Pt. 1, then Keeper Pt. 2 would be the obvious place to go next with Kiske on vocals..

As far as the Deris albums go, Gambling is excellent. They did a Keeper Pt. 3 with Deris as their singer, and I know how cringy that sounds, but the album is incredible.



will check and get back here! :metal
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on February 23, 2024, 02:05:29 PM
which should i check next?

Well, if you liked Keeper Pt. 1, then Keeper Pt. 2 would be the obvious place to go next with Kiske on vocals..

As far as the Deris albums go, Gambling is excellent. They did a Keeper Pt. 3 with Deris as their singer, and I know how cringy that sounds, but the album is incredible.



will check and get back here! :metal

checked Keeper 2, good stuff!
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: pg1067 on February 23, 2024, 02:50:12 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLV530n3kMw

Does anyone else think this song should have been the theme for the Bond movie instead of Adele?

You think that a movie that was released in 2012 should have used a song that didn't exist until nearly a decade later?
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: MirrorMask on February 24, 2024, 01:09:48 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLV530n3kMw

Does anyone else think this song should have been the theme for the Bond movie instead of Adele?

You think that a movie that was released in 2012 should have used a song that didn't exist until nearly a decade later?

 :rollin

Without even counting the fact that a sci-fi song about an alien crashing on Earth is as removed from James Bond as it can possibly be.
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on February 24, 2024, 07:09:03 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLV530n3kMw

Does anyone else think this song should have been the theme for the Bond movie instead of Adele?

You think that a movie that was released in 2012 should have used a song that didn't exist until nearly a decade later?

i know that but they can always retroactively edit it
Title: Re: Official Helloween thread v. Pumpkins United
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on February 24, 2024, 07:09:21 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLV530n3kMw

Does anyone else think this song should have been the theme for the Bond movie instead of Adele?

You think that a movie that was released in 2012 should have used a song that didn't exist until nearly a decade later?

 :rollin

Without even counting the fact that a sci-fi song about an alien crashing on Earth is as removed from James Bond as it can possibly be.

they can retroactively update the script to be more MIB than 007