When in 2016 Helloween announced the return of Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen fans thought they were dreaming. Egos were put aside and the miracle happened. Since then, the band is walking on a royal path with seven musicians in total osmosis. This new album is called "Helloween" and it marks the newfound union.
The album has two highlights. Written by Weikath, 'Out For The Glory' is a melodic speed track which offers riffs and solos of a fabulous quality. The pure and elegant tone of Kiske gives the shiver. At his side, Deris brings nervousness with his low tone. The chorus is perfect and we appreciate the small intervention of Hansen on vocals. 'Skyfall' is the major piece. On more than 10 minutes, Hansen finds the magic of Keeper. A real whirlwind, it links the moments of bravery both musically and vocally and stands out as a classic to be savored without moderation.
Next to it, Helloween offers a lot of epic moments. The guitarists shine on each intervention in perfect harmony weaving a speed melodic universe that crushes all competition. The two singers are honored in a balanced way. 'Best Time' is a fast and direct track with an excellent chorus. Kiske shines there in a tone which evokes Unisonic for the catchy side. On 'Angels', we appreciate the vocal ease of the singer on a break with piano all in nuances and on a catchy and melancholic chorus.
With 'Fear Of The Fallen' and 'Rise Without Rings', Andi Deris is in the tone of Helloween of these last years. The result is very good, the flame is back and we can only appreciate the melodic strength of the songs. On 'Indestructible' and 'Robot King', the two singers form the duet which gives its reason of being to the reformation. The result is amazing: Kiske and Deris show a beautiful complicity as if they had always been made to sing together. The titles are successes with federative refrains.
Helloween signs a brilliant record, a real masterpiece of melodic speed worthy of the Keeper era and the great records of the late 90s. Its reformation is a total success, worthy of Iron Maiden's with "Brave New World". It is to be wished that this septet continues its road for a long time.