Helloween & Gamma Ray

Azas said:
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The 2nd single is an 8-minute song! It's written by Sascha and is a classic power metal style from the 80's. Much better to accept than the first single, which frankly could have been a bonus songs - Kiske said they wrote 30 songs for the album! Btw, he said the previous albums was overloaded.

I mean, because of the tempo, some of the vocals and the instrumental section is very solid, but it's missing something for me. Like the chorus isn't impactful enough, although is fun and classic Helloween . The riff is Skyfall 2.0, the whole song is like a continuation of it. The calm middle part is a nice idea, some backing vocals too, but the vocals with the cool riff after it are a bit odd (reminds me of Gamma Ray). Some of Kiske's vocals reminds me of the early 90's approach, he sounds good, but I wonder if Kai's vocals would have been a better option. Honestly, the wild, melodic and full with solos/harmonies longer instrumental section saves the song.

The production is better than for the previous album, especially the drums sound.
 
Kalata said:
The 2nd single is an 8-minute song! It's written by Sascha and is a classic power metal style from the 80's. Much better to accept than the first single, which frankly could have been a bonus songs - Kiske said they wrote 30 songs for the album! Btw, he said the previous albums was overloaded.

I mean, because of the tempo, some of the vocals and the instrumental section is very solid, but it's missing something for me. Like the chorus isn't impactful enough, although is fun and classic Helloween . The riff is Skyfall 2.0, the whole song is like a continuation of it. The calm middle part is a nice idea, some backing vocals too, but the vocals with the cool riff after it are a bit odd (reminds me of Gamma Ray). Some of Kiske's vocals reminds me of the early 90's approach, he sounds good, but I wonder if Kai's vocals would have been a better option. Honestly, the wild, melodic and full with solos/harmonies longer instrumental section saves the song.

The production is better than for the previous album, especially the drums sound.
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If they wrote 30 songs and those 2 are one of their best....
Poto said:
Much, much better than the first single on first listen.
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Much better for sure
 
dickinson1978 said:
If they wrote 30 songs and those 2 are one of their best....
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There is another thing tho, they obviously wanted to represent 2 eras with these songs - Andi (plus they are very popular in Japan) and Kiske/Kai, and they did it. Which is normal and on the album they are one after the other. Something for everyone. Let's also hope for a WOJ-type of song! The 2nd single will be liked a lot, I'm sure. But I agree that out of 30 songs, they should have more interesting ideas (though Universe has), and their singles are usually highlights. I think there will be better songs on the album.
KidInTheDark666 said:
I think this new one kills. Awesome tune.
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It's a grower.

Btw, the single cover is their classic approach.
 
Kalata said:
There is another thing tho, they obviously wanted to represent 2 eras with these songs - Andi (plus they are very popular in Japan) and Kiske/Kai, and they did it. Which is normal and on the album they are one after the other. Something for everyone. Let's also hope for a WOJ-type of song! The 2nd single will be liked a lot, I'm sure. But I agree that out of 30 songs, they should have more interesting ideas (though Universe has), and their singles are usually highlights. I think there will be better songs on the album.

It's a grower.

Btw, the single cover is their classic approach.
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For me the last album i liked when it was out but after years is a bit boring. And this new one 2 songs tokyo 4/10 and this one universe is like a mix between skyfall and angels from the last album. Not bad music but far from keepers and andis golden era (first 3 albums)
 
Kalata said:
There is another thing tho, they obviously wanted to represent 2 eras with these songs - Andi (plus they are very popular in Japan) and Kiske/Kai, and they did it. Which is normal and on the album they are one after the other. Something for everyone. Let's also hope for a WOJ-type of song! The 2nd single will be liked a lot, I'm sure. But I agree that out of 30 songs, they should have more interesting ideas (though Universe has), and their singles are usually highlights. I think there will be better songs on the album.

It's a grower.

Btw, the single cover is their classic approach.
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Looks like from timr of the oath or keepers
 
So, I listened to the new album a few times. I think most fans will like it more than the previous album. It definitely feels more like an 80's/90's album in a way. But it's also like not full-force power metal in parts and style elements. I have no problem with that for their music.
I'm not a big fan of 2 or 3 songs, but they're not bad by any means and I think it's as strong as the previous album. I can say better, some ideas for sure. The whole band sounds great. Melodic, fun, speed, high vocals, variety of parts, good amount of solos. I think I enjoy Kai and Andi's vocals more than Kiske's. More writing from Kai helped, big time.

Highlights for me: ''Majestic'' (what a banger, Kai!), ''A Little Is A Little Too Much'' (instant classic from Andi for me), ''We Can Be Gods'' (another classic from Kai), the title tack. All are new gems. Next are ''Universe (Gravity For Hearts)'' (one of the most interesting songs on the album), ''Hand Of God'' and ''Into The Sun.

My least favorite song is ''This Is Tokyo''.

My review:
the title track - a song written by Kai and Andi, and it's interesting. Awesome riff with keys to start it, very cool and unique. Love it. The calm verses add a necessary vibe (unlike for some other songs). The chorus is probably written by Andi, and while it's not the most interesting one, it fits really well. The song is a bit disjointed, but it works. The heavy riffing and keys before the middle part are a cool addition. Kai's raw vocals along with the very cool Ancient-sounding solos and melody too. Again, pure Gamma Ray. Shorter instrumental section, this is a more vocal-oriented song. The acoustic middle part with Kai's vocals just sounds so right and perfect. And very melancholic, which I always appreciate. Next we have more Gamma Ray-esque choir vocals, fitting too. Then we have more melody and another calm part - maybe they could have added something different, but it's still nice.

Savior Of The World - the ''Keeper'' song on the album, written by Weikath. Classic riffing, verses, melodies and chorus, but imo the chorus could have been stronger. It's nice though. One cool solo. It will probably be a popular song.

A Little Is A Little Too Much - classic Andi stuff! Love it. The melodic guitar riff (along with keys?) is just so good and impactful. The rock-y verses (Andi probably likes Kiss) fit perfectly, while the chorus is classic Helloween - good and anthemic. Kiske fits the song really well. One solo and some fun repeats are the other different ideas for the it. It would have been a classic single. Modern classic.

We Can Be Gods - pure Gamma Ray song from Kai. Great and very strong. Very metal riff (and vibe), great verses, cool pre-chorus (love Kai's vocals) and the chorus is written for Kiske. The last line adds a lot to it. Some keys under it? The drumming should be mentioned too. The instrumental section starts with a cool melodic riff, very classic and needed. The power metal shredding of solos is awesome. The ''oh-oh'' vocals fits too. One of the best instrumentals on the album. The whole song sounds so classic. Kudos, Kai.

Into The Sun - a leftover from the previous album. It's a very good ballad and most importantly - memorable and impactful. Their tradition with strong ballads continues. Good work, Andi. Kiske and Andi's voices are perfect for it. Cool melodic solo and piano throughout. The ending is also good.

Hand Of God - reminds of the band's early 2000's era, The Dark Ride maybe. Cool heavy but melodic riff, love the nostalgic verses (with cool stuff under them) and a typical chorus that works for the song. 2 strong melodic solos. An effective song, it could have been a single. The ending of the song is a bit different from the rest, which is nice.

Under The Moonlight - the classic funny Helloween song right from the 80's. It's a lot of fun and nice in it's own way, riff, verses, chorus, melodies and it brings mood, but it will never be a highlight, at least for me. More like filler.

Majestic - you know it's special when an epic written by Kai is a closer. It starts with a calm intro in Gamma Ray style, which is expected and (probably) needed. Haunting sounds. Heavy riffing with melody is always cool. The verses are not that metal, but the drumming adds. The chorus is simple but effective enough. Some piano/keys parts too? And then the instrumental section starts - what an instrumental section! One of their best imo. Some Egyptian-sounding solos, lots of shredding and their trademark melody. Now that's how you use 3 guitars. Another calm middle part like the title track from Kai, it sounds right, even after the blistering solos. Following it with a different urgent heavy riff and more solos and melodies is just what it needs. Awesome. Cosmic theme again.

They can really play every song from it live. Very strong album. A great surprises from a great band.
 
Kalata said:
So, I listened to the new album a few times. I think most fans will like it more than the previous album. It definitely feels more like an 80's/90's album in a way. But it's also like not full-force power metal in parts and style elements. I have no problem with that for their music.
I'm not a big fan of 2 or 3 songs, but they're not bad by any means and I think it's as strong as the previous album. I can say better, some ideas for sure. The whole band sounds great. Melodic, fun, speed, high vocals, variety of parts, good amount of solos. I think I enjoy Kai and Andi's vocals more than Kiske's. More writing from Kai helped, big time.

Highlights for me: ''Majestic'' (what a banger, Kai!), ''A Little Is A Little Too Much'' (instant classic from Andi for me), ''We Can Be Gods'' (another classic from Kai), the title tack. All are new gems. Next are ''Universe (Gravity For Hearts)'' (one of the most interesting songs on the album), ''Hand Of God'' and ''Into The Sun.

My least favorite song is ''This Is Tokyo''.

My review:
the title track - a song written by Kai and Andi, and it's interesting. Awesome riff with keys to start it, very cool and unique. Love it. The calm verses add a necessary vibe (unlike for some other songs). The chorus is probably written by Andi, and while it's not the most interesting one, it fits really well. The song is a bit disjointed, but it works. The heavy riffing and keys before the middle part are a cool addition. Kai's raw vocals along with the very cool Ancient-sounding solos and melody too. Again, pure Gamma Ray. Shorter instrumental section, this is a more vocal-oriented song. The acoustic middle part with Kai's vocals just sounds so right and perfect. And very melancholic, which I always appreciate. Next we have more Gamma Ray-esque choir vocals, fitting too. Then we have more melody and another calm part - maybe they could have added something different, but it's still nice.

Savior Of The World - the ''Keeper'' song on the album, written by Weikath. Classic riffing, verses, melodies and chorus, but imo the chorus could have been stronger. It's nice though. One cool solo. It will probably be a popular song.

A Little Is A Little Too Much - classic Andi stuff! Love it. The melodic guitar riff (along with keys?) is just so good and impactful. The rock-y verses (Andi probably likes Kiss) fit perfectly, while the chorus is classic Helloween - good and anthemic. Kiske fits the song really well. One solo and some fun repeats are the other different ideas for the it. It would have been a classic single. Modern classic.

We Can Be Gods - pure Gamma Ray song from Kai. Great and very strong. Very metal riff (and vibe), great verses, cool pre-chorus (love Kai's vocals) and the chorus is written for Kiske. The last line adds a lot to it. Some keys under it? The drumming should be mentioned too. The instrumental section starts with a cool melodic riff, very classic and needed. The power metal shredding of solos is awesome. The ''oh-oh'' vocals fits too. One of the best instrumentals on the album. The whole song sounds so classic. Kudos, Kai.

Into The Sun - a leftover from the previous album. It's a very good ballad and most importantly - memorable and impactful. Their tradition with strong ballads continues. Good work, Andi. Kiske and Andi's voices are perfect for it. Cool melodic solo and piano throughout. The ending is also good.

Hand Of God - reminds of the band's early 2000's era, The Dark Ride maybe. Cool heavy but melodic riff, love the nostalgic verses (with cool stuff under them) and a typical chorus that works for the song. 2 strong melodic solos. An effective song, it could have been a single. The ending of the song is a bit different from the rest, which is nice.

Under The Moonlight - the classic funny Helloween song right from the 80's. It's a lot of fun and nice in it's own way, riff, verses, chorus, melodies and it brings mood, but it will never be a highlight, at least for me. More like filler.

Majestic - you know it's special when an epic written by Kai is a closer. It starts with a calm intro in Gamma Ray style, which is expected and (probably) needed. Haunting sounds. Heavy riffing with melody is always cool. The verses are not that metal, but the drumming adds. The chorus is simple but effective enough. Some piano/keys parts too? And then the instrumental section starts - what an instrumental section! One of their best imo. Some Egyptian-sounding solos, lots of shredding and their trademark melody. Now that's how you use 3 guitars. Another calm middle part like the title track from Kai, it sounds right, even after the blistering solos. Following it with a different urgent heavy riff and more solos and melodies is just what it needs. Awesome. Cosmic theme again.

They can really play every song from it live. Very strong album. A great surprises from a great band.
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Its a good album. Strange that the last weikath song is sounding like a keepers song. Under the moonlight. Kai hansen if he writes 1 or 2 songs is really good but no more because since years he tend to copy himself. And what a drummer they have. Love the double drum in this album
 
dickinson1978 said:
Its a good album. Strange that the last weikath song is sounding like a keepers song. Under the moonlight. Kai hansen if he writes 1 or 2 songs is really good but no more because since years he tend to copy himself. And what a drummer they have. Love the double drum in this album
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It's great when you have different and good songwriters in a band. Kai, Andi... Weikath with some and Sascha especially for this album. But with a couple of exceptions, I find Kai's songs best here. It's also different when a guitarist writes all the songs, and someone like Bruce or Steve. That's rare. They have their eras of sound, so a song like from the Keepers with Kiske is expected. Moonlight is a filler.

The production is similar to the previous album, but it's like muddy again and especially for the drums. Great drumming.
 
Kalata said:
It's great when you have different and good songwriters in a band. Kai, Andi... Weikath with some and Sascha especially for this album. But with a couple of exceptions, I find Kai's songs best here. It's also different when a guitarist writes all the songs, and someone like Bruce or Steve. That's rare. They have their eras of sound, so a song like from the Keepers with Kiske is expected. Moonlight is a filler.

The production is similar to the previous album, but it's like muddy again and especially for the drums. Great drumming.
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Kai is a great song writtet but he didnt record a good album since 2005? Moonlight is a filler but its like weikath wrotr the songs thiniking im going to do a keeper song. And is 100% keeper. My fav is thr last one and the 3 first. Tokio and the ballad ...
 
I think Deris and Gerstner carry this album. I find it pretty common that their songs are the best. The opener is great, but it's because of Andi's parts. Kai's mid section verses come out of nowhere and sound jarring. I love Weiki, but his songs are somewhat generic. I'm missing Markus's songwriting; he has been great ever since his songs started appearing on the Rabbit album.

The production is maybe a little weird, but it sounded way better once I switched from earbuds to headphones. I also thought that this is one of the least Helloween-sounding albums that they've made. Lots of poppy stuff and AOR-influence. Overall, I think it's pretty evenly matched with the self-titled album. And holy shit, the cover art is so good again!
 
dickinson1978 said:
Kai is a great song writtet but he didnt record a good album since 2005? Moonlight is a filler but its like weikath wrotr the songs thiniking im going to do a keeper song. And is 100% keeper. My fav is thr last one and the 3 first. Tokio and the ballad ...
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Yeah, I'd certainly call the first Unisonic album "great" and the second one is very good too.
 
KidInTheDark666 said:
I think Deris and Gerstner carry this album. I find it pretty common that their songs are the best. The opener is great, but it's because of Andi's parts. Kai's mid section verses come out of nowhere and sound jarring. I love Weiki, but his songs are somewhat generic. I'm missing Markus's songwriting; he has been great ever since his songs started appearing on the Rabbit album.

The production is maybe a little weird, but it sounded way better once I switched from earbuds to headphones. I also thought that this is one of the least Helloween-sounding albums that they've made. Lots of poppy stuff and AOR-influence. Overall, I think it's pretty evenly matched with the self-titled album. And holy shit, the cover art is so good again!
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Markus is a good songwriter. Maybe bonus songs again? Generic about Weikath's songs, yes. The album indeed sounds better with headphones.
AOR-influenced stuff, but at the same faster power metal than the previous one. Since the 90's, they sometimes combine like AOR sound in some songs. The cover really matches the songs vibes, themes and titles. I like the colors a lot.
dickinson1978 said:
Kai is a great song writtet but he didnt record a good album since 2005?
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LOTF II, EOTU, Hansen and Friends album.
 
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