Forged in the early 80's from several Hamburg bands, Helloween began their monumental rise through the metal ranks via several songs released on a Noise Records Death Metal sampler. From here a deal was struck and their first release proper came in the shape of a now rare 5 track mini album in 1985. Later the same year came the album Walls of Jericho, however, it was the addition of vocalist Michael Kiske for the opus Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I that shook the metal world to it's core. This album and the following Keepers II became the albums that would define the Power Metal genre and provide Helloween with the momentum that still resonates to this day. ABOUT THE ALBUM: The addition of powerhouse vocalist Michael Kiske in 1986 took Helloween to a whole new level. The resulting release, Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I can never be overstated in it's contribution to the metal pantheon. This was the album that struck the perfect balance between listenable melody and high-speed assault. Many would try to emulate but few would actually succeed. This deluxe expanded edition includes four bonus tracks with remixes, edits and alternative versions. *Re-mastered and expanded classic from the Teutonic innovators of Power Metal. *Features bonus material including remixes, b-sides and alternative versions. *Fully endorsed by the band. *Deluxe packaging with sleeve notes by Classic Rock's Dave Ling. *Helloween have recently released the third in the series, Keepers-The Legacy.
J**N
The beginning of a new genre in metal! + Bonus Tracks
Helloween's best album (together with part II) now EXPANDED, containing 3 must have Bonus Tracks and Remastered; providing an improved sound quality compared to the original release of 1987.By combining influences such as Iron Maiden, Queen, Rainbow and Queensryche, together with fast drumming, high pitched-melodic vocals, catchy and technical riffs with fabulous twin-guitar solos, Helloween achieved to lay the foundations for European power metal, as it is known today.The album begins with an operatic marching type intro which successfully sets the mood of the album. The intro leads nicely into the fast paced "I'm Alive", which carries an optimistic message and includes a memorable chorus, fast drumming, raving guitar solos and twin-guitar harmonies.The heavy "A Little Time" comes next with another catchy chorus and sound effects, while the melodic mid range vocals sound really emotional and warm.The power ballad "A Tale that wasn't Right" arrives to slow things down a bit. It's strongest points are the truly emotional vocals and the wonderfully played guitar solo."Twilight Of The Gods" continues in the same vain as I'm Alive but contains more thought-out lyrics, better vocals and a chorus that you'll never forget.The heavy metal anthem "Future World" follows (the most famous of the tracks).It is performed in mid-tempo, includes one of the best twin-guitar solos of the album and vocals varying from low to really high-pitched.Next comes the true masterpiece of the album "Halloween", an operatic, fast, progressive, melodic power metal hymn raving over 13 minutes (which never gets long nor tiresome). Halloween is surely one of the best metal epics ever. It contains an eerie chorus, tempo changes, varying vocals, choirs and hundreds of guitar riffs, leads and solos.All of these songs are still considered classics and are also some of the best power metal songs ever written.But except the captivating music, a new charismatic vocalist, "Michael Kiske", joins the band to take this album to the skies! Influenced by Bruce Dickinson, and Geoff Tate; but equipped with more emotion and power, especially in the high pitched vocal lines, 18 year old Kiske makes this album a MUST HAVE for any metal and hard rock fan. (Kiske is still considered one of the best and most copied vocalists in the heavy metal genre)Even if you are not a metal fan, this album will please you or even blow you away with the mythical and uplifting atmosphere it creates and the technically proficient orchestration it achieves. (Definitely check out Keeper Of The Seven Keys pt II!!)Bonus Tracks: Victim Of Fate and Starlight are two truly amazing renditions with Michael Kiske on vocals (originally from the Helloween EP).Will be loved by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Queensryche, Rainbow...fans.Just listen...you'll be amazed!
C**E
Helloween solidifying themselves as a "heavy metal" band
In 1987, a little band in Germany called helloween stormed the shores of britain, then into the US with the first of the two KEEPERS albums. This brought them towards the fore front of the up and blossoming heavy metal industry of the day. With a sound reminiscent of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal pioneers Iron Maiden, Helloween pieced together this eight track Jaugernaut that soared high in records sales for the fledgling band, and set them up for a second masterpiece, Keepers part two. The two stand-out track on this album are "Future World" and the Epic Halloween (all 13 minutes of glory). This new album includes 4 bonus tracks, here is the track listing:1. Initation2. I'm Alive3. A Little Time4. Twilight Of The Gods5. A Tale That Wasn't Right6. Future World7. Halloween8. Follow The Sign9. Victim Fo Fate (Single B-Side) (Bonus Track)10. Starlight (Remix) (Bonus Track)11. A Little Time (Alternative Version) (Bonus Track)12. Halloween (Video Edit) (Bonus Track)The new slipcover packaging and colorful re-done booklet with the second part of the 8 part re-masters interview is in here as well. A must have re-issue for the collector, or a good start for the Helloween virgin. If you are reading this, you should be buying this album.
E**X
Classic Helloween
Still a great album after all these years! And great bonus tracks too.
Trustpilot
2 months ago
2 weeks ago
