Incorporating all three singers from their long and storied history has proved to be an extremely successful venture for German power metal pioneers Helloween. The band’s eponymously titled previous album yielded great results using this formula so continuing down the same path is a no-brainer for now. So, with egos firmly in check, all seven members (now just two away from being a power metal Slipknot) appear to be having an absolute blast. But most importantly, the fans are too.
Formed over forty years ago, Helloween still sound fresh and invigorated, and seventeenth full-length studio release Giants and Monsters (Reigning Phoenix Music) proves this unequivocally. A versatile and eclectic record comprised of many different styles and moods (many often within each song).
Featuring all three vocalists, “Giants on the Run” is a strong opener tailor-made for an Andy Deris, Michael Kiske, and Kai Hansen sparring match, while on the pacey and uplifting “Savior Of The World,” Kiske takes the lead with something that could have been written during the late eighties.
A testament as to how many instantly recognisable signature sounds the band actually possesses, it’s abundantly clear from the intro alone that the sensational “A Little Is A Little Too Much” is Deris’s baby. “We Can Be Gods” is similar, but with Kiske supplying the vocal histrionics this time, the sturdy cut managing to sound like all three eras at once while even throwing in a classical music meets Abba style piano segue during the chorus.
Sometimes you have to wait for quality, and although it was written for their self-titled album back in 2021, “Into The Sun” was scrapped after being altered during production. Resurrected for this record, it’s now a fiercely strong power ballad backed with piano, strings, and a brilliantly emotive guitar solo. Quite possibly one of the best ballads they’ve ever recorded.
“This Is Tokyo” is Deris’s tribute to Japan and a curious choice for first single, but the eight and a half minute “Universe (Gravity For Hearts)” simply flies by. The moody “Hand Of God” is followed by the victorious surge of “Under The Moonlight” before closer “Majestic” lives up to its name, sending the album off into the sunset in a blaze of power metal glory.
As ever, the performances here are impeccable. Ably assisted by drummer Dani Löble, the terminally underrated Markus Grosskopf produces even more quality basslines while Hansen, Michael Weikath, and Sascha Gerstner operate as a phenomenal six-string trio. Vocally, Deris, Kiske, and Hansen each bring their own unique attributes to the record, with every song showcasing the best of each singer’s individual voice.
Another strong entry from the German pumpkin kings (oh come on, you knew pumpkins were going to get a mention at some point), Giants and Monsters builds on the strengths of the previous record but with fewer of the weaknesses. Sure, there are songs that could have been shorter, and ones that, conversely, could have perhaps benefitted from an extra minute or so, but overall, this is another glorious Teutonic triumph.
Buy the album here:
https://helloween.rpm.link/giantsmonstersYT
8 / 10
GARY ALCOCK
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