dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
Real world sounds like i want out. I wouldnt call similiarites,sometimes is the same but great songwritter btw im a big fan of his 3 first album wirh him on vocals
Helloween & Gamma Ray
- Thread starter Forostar
- Start date
Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
MICHAEL KISKE Is Happy And At Peace During HELLOWEEN's Historic Reunion: 'You Can Only Write Stories Like This'
By David E. Gehlke HELLOWEEN's 2017 reunion with vocalist Michael Kiske and guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen, and subsequent joyously successful "Pumpkins United" world tour, followed by their brilliant 2021 self-titled album, is unquestionably one of the best metal stories in recent memory. The...
blabbermouth.net
Cool and informative interview with Kiske about the new album. He doesn't need to write songs. It seems that all the band members get along very well. That's great.
I think I kind of did say, 'It's not needed.' The stuff that I'm writing is not usually very metal. It's just songs. I have a tendency to write songs that can be played with an acoustic guitar. When I was younger, that's when most of the songs from the early records came, and I was still writing metal songs. It's not really the case anymore. There might be something coming up that I think could fit, and I might present it to them and see if they can do something with it. We have six potential songwriters in this band, and this is why there's never a shortage of material. I'm telling you we have already finished the next record. Not recording-wise, but the songs are all there. I was really surprised. I was really happy when I saw the material coming in. There's no need for me to write songs. I could. I might one day, but I don't have to. We always have too many songs anyway.
When Weiki writes his songs, they sound like him. Kai and Weiki have similarities when they go fast and do the speedy stuff; something like 'March Of Time' and 'Eagle Fly Free' are more related than other stuff.
Pretty much everything Kai writes, I can sing. I guess it's because we grew up with the same kind of bands. I was always massively into JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN and later QUEENSRŸCHE, but I was also into METALLICA. They were really important, especially for the first three records when I was in my 'metal' phase. I was always open to various kinds of music. At the age of 14, I met my friend from school, who got me into metal. I didn't know what it was! I was into THE BEATLES and Elvis before. He got me into it. It was the perfect time to get into that type of music because that was the year of 'Screaming For Vengeance' and 'Number Of The Beast'. Those classic records that defined the genre. It was a great time to get into that type of music. I had my room at my mother's house, covered with Eddie posters, yet I was still listening to Elvis, THE EURYTHMICS, U2, Pat Benatar, and Kate Bush. I was even listening to Barbra Streisand! I loved metal. I loved heavy music, but I didn't need it to be heavy to be moved by a song. I was always like that.
Kai was always a massive JUDAS PRIEST fan. These types of singers that sing in a certain range, so I can almost always sing. With Weiki, it sometimes works. With Sascha's tracks, it depends. He has his own style, too. 'Universe' took a while. I liked it, but the producer, Charlie, was happy much sooner than I was. The chorus is not like 'Eagle Fly Free', where the melody carries you. The melody is so catchy that it works. You can vary in the way you sing it, but it's always going to work. 'Universe' is more static. It needed some drama. I think it took me three attempts until I was happy.
Into The Sun: I think we're good together anyway. When we sing in unison, it doesn't work. We have completely different rhythms — even our tonality is different. We can sing in unison, but it doesn't really work, and we shouldn't, since I don't think it sounds right. The harmony works! Like, if we do one after the other, that works. Andi had the song for the previous record, and we recorded it, but during production, they changed it too much. They changed the key. I liked all versions because I thought it's a great song — but Andi didn't like it, and we skipped it for the previous record. He had the plan for this to be a duet right from the start. We both sang it completely. There's a version where I did all the vocals, and there's a version where he did all the vocals. I think they will come out sooner or later. It's a great song, but Andi is brilliant anyway. Whatever he does, it always works. He's just really good. They're different, but I rank Andi in terms of his musical skills; I rank him with Kai Hansen. He has the same qualities.
If he had not been there, the band would not have existed. The previous band wasn't working anymore. As soon as Kai got out [in 1989], nothing was working. It was a fragile balance between individuals.
They did some great records, and now I can listen to these things without any bad feelings. I can really say that I love the shit that they did. Not necessarily every song—it's never like that. I think they did really well. What helped the band? I don't know if you agree with me, but I think it's a mistake, and I'm not going to name any other bands, but it's a mistake when you lose the lead singer and get a clone. Someone who sounds exactly like the previous singer. It makes you like a Top 40 or cover band. It's never good. Get an original. And that worked with HELLOWEEN. Andi has his own style of songwriting, and that's why we're still here today. I'm happy I'm back in the band. It's better. So much better.
Also, on this record, it almost seems like there's a theme. We disagreed on it, though. It was just the songwriter's writing lyrics, and it turned out to be that way. We didn't plan it to be this way. Then we did an old-fashioned listening session where we invited journalists into the studio where they were mixing it. Afterward, we conducted interviews, including a few with everybody in the room. Then, that's when the questions came about the lyrics. That's when we discovered it's interesting that all of the lyrics have this side of supernatural, spiritual subject matter. That was not intentional! Everybody is kind of interested in it.
I can't sing the stuff he does either. I could, but it wouldn't sound right. He has his own kind of quality. He has this shouting quality, and this is why anything that has hooks and these almost KISS-like choruses, I can do them, but I'm better at other stuff. I'm quite good when it gets more theatrical.
We did these contracts until the end of 2018. It was only for touring. The plan was to make one long 'Pumpkins United' tour. We did that in case things didn't work, and everyone is free to go. Then, since everything worked out so well, we were all so excited and happy, we decided to make a record. We did that. Now, we're in a phase where it is open-ended. As long as it feels so good and feels right, we will continue, especially now that the creative side is so great.
When Weiki writes his songs, they sound like him. Kai and Weiki have similarities when they go fast and do the speedy stuff; something like 'March Of Time' and 'Eagle Fly Free' are more related than other stuff.
Pretty much everything Kai writes, I can sing. I guess it's because we grew up with the same kind of bands. I was always massively into JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN and later QUEENSRŸCHE, but I was also into METALLICA. They were really important, especially for the first three records when I was in my 'metal' phase. I was always open to various kinds of music. At the age of 14, I met my friend from school, who got me into metal. I didn't know what it was! I was into THE BEATLES and Elvis before. He got me into it. It was the perfect time to get into that type of music because that was the year of 'Screaming For Vengeance' and 'Number Of The Beast'. Those classic records that defined the genre. It was a great time to get into that type of music. I had my room at my mother's house, covered with Eddie posters, yet I was still listening to Elvis, THE EURYTHMICS, U2, Pat Benatar, and Kate Bush. I was even listening to Barbra Streisand! I loved metal. I loved heavy music, but I didn't need it to be heavy to be moved by a song. I was always like that.
Kai was always a massive JUDAS PRIEST fan. These types of singers that sing in a certain range, so I can almost always sing. With Weiki, it sometimes works. With Sascha's tracks, it depends. He has his own style, too. 'Universe' took a while. I liked it, but the producer, Charlie, was happy much sooner than I was. The chorus is not like 'Eagle Fly Free', where the melody carries you. The melody is so catchy that it works. You can vary in the way you sing it, but it's always going to work. 'Universe' is more static. It needed some drama. I think it took me three attempts until I was happy.
Into The Sun: I think we're good together anyway. When we sing in unison, it doesn't work. We have completely different rhythms — even our tonality is different. We can sing in unison, but it doesn't really work, and we shouldn't, since I don't think it sounds right. The harmony works! Like, if we do one after the other, that works. Andi had the song for the previous record, and we recorded it, but during production, they changed it too much. They changed the key. I liked all versions because I thought it's a great song — but Andi didn't like it, and we skipped it for the previous record. He had the plan for this to be a duet right from the start. We both sang it completely. There's a version where I did all the vocals, and there's a version where he did all the vocals. I think they will come out sooner or later. It's a great song, but Andi is brilliant anyway. Whatever he does, it always works. He's just really good. They're different, but I rank Andi in terms of his musical skills; I rank him with Kai Hansen. He has the same qualities.
If he had not been there, the band would not have existed. The previous band wasn't working anymore. As soon as Kai got out [in 1989], nothing was working. It was a fragile balance between individuals.
They did some great records, and now I can listen to these things without any bad feelings. I can really say that I love the shit that they did. Not necessarily every song—it's never like that. I think they did really well. What helped the band? I don't know if you agree with me, but I think it's a mistake, and I'm not going to name any other bands, but it's a mistake when you lose the lead singer and get a clone. Someone who sounds exactly like the previous singer. It makes you like a Top 40 or cover band. It's never good. Get an original. And that worked with HELLOWEEN. Andi has his own style of songwriting, and that's why we're still here today. I'm happy I'm back in the band. It's better. So much better.
Also, on this record, it almost seems like there's a theme. We disagreed on it, though. It was just the songwriter's writing lyrics, and it turned out to be that way. We didn't plan it to be this way. Then we did an old-fashioned listening session where we invited journalists into the studio where they were mixing it. Afterward, we conducted interviews, including a few with everybody in the room. Then, that's when the questions came about the lyrics. That's when we discovered it's interesting that all of the lyrics have this side of supernatural, spiritual subject matter. That was not intentional! Everybody is kind of interested in it.
I can't sing the stuff he does either. I could, but it wouldn't sound right. He has his own kind of quality. He has this shouting quality, and this is why anything that has hooks and these almost KISS-like choruses, I can do them, but I'm better at other stuff. I'm quite good when it gets more theatrical.
We did these contracts until the end of 2018. It was only for touring. The plan was to make one long 'Pumpkins United' tour. We did that in case things didn't work, and everyone is free to go. Then, since everything worked out so well, we were all so excited and happy, we decided to make a record. We did that. Now, we're in a phase where it is open-ended. As long as it feels so good and feels right, we will continue, especially now that the creative side is so great.
In another video, Andi said that Kai didn't see that he sent him the finished title track and changed the middle part. Then he apologized and Andi said no problem, his middle part is great and better. Kai's part adds a needed ''fairytale'' vibe imo. I want to hear Andi's idea too, the title track is more vocal-oriented.
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
I dont see kiske writting a metal song. I only miss weikath songs like 1995 to 2000. But its 25 years ago.MICHAEL KISKE Is Happy And At Peace During HELLOWEEN's Historic Reunion: 'You Can Only Write Stories Like This'
By David E. Gehlke HELLOWEEN's 2017 reunion with vocalist Michael Kiske and guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen, and subsequent joyously successful "Pumpkins United" world tour, followed by their brilliant 2021 self-titled album, is unquestionably one of the best metal stories in recent memory. The...
Cool and informative interview with Kiske about the new album. He doesn't need to write songs. It seems that all the band members get along very well. That's great.
I think I kind of did say, 'It's not needed.' The stuff that I'm writing is not usually very metal. It's just songs. I have a tendency to write songs that can be played with an acoustic guitar. When I was younger, that's when most of the songs from the early records came, and I was still writing metal songs. It's not really the case anymore. There might be something coming up that I think could fit, and I might present it to them and see if they can do something with it. We have six potential songwriters in this band, and this is why there's never a shortage of material. I'm telling you we have already finished the next record. Not recording-wise, but the songs are all there. I was really surprised. I was really happy when I saw the material coming in. There's no need for me to write songs. I could. I might one day, but I don't have to. We always have too many songs anyway.
When Weiki writes his songs, they sound like him. Kai and Weiki have similarities when they go fast and do the speedy stuff; something like 'March Of Time' and 'Eagle Fly Free' are more related than other stuff.
Pretty much everything Kai writes, I can sing. I guess it's because we grew up with the same kind of bands. I was always massively into JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN and later QUEENSRŸCHE, but I was also into METALLICA. They were really important, especially for the first three records when I was in my 'metal' phase. I was always open to various kinds of music. At the age of 14, I met my friend from school, who got me into metal. I didn't know what it was! I was into THE BEATLES and Elvis before. He got me into it. It was the perfect time to get into that type of music because that was the year of 'Screaming For Vengeance' and 'Number Of The Beast'. Those classic records that defined the genre. It was a great time to get into that type of music. I had my room at my mother's house, covered with Eddie posters, yet I was still listening to Elvis, THE EURYTHMICS, U2, Pat Benatar, and Kate Bush. I was even listening to Barbra Streisand! I loved metal. I loved heavy music, but I didn't need it to be heavy to be moved by a song. I was always like that.
Kai was always a massive JUDAS PRIEST fan. These types of singers that sing in a certain range, so I can almost always sing. With Weiki, it sometimes works. With Sascha's tracks, it depends. He has his own style, too. 'Universe' took a while. I liked it, but the producer, Charlie, was happy much sooner than I was. The chorus is not like 'Eagle Fly Free', where the melody carries you. The melody is so catchy that it works. You can vary in the way you sing it, but it's always going to work. 'Universe' is more static. It needed some drama. I think it took me three attempts until I was happy.
Into The Sun: I think we're good together anyway. When we sing in unison, it doesn't work. We have completely different rhythms — even our tonality is different. We can sing in unison, but it doesn't really work, and we shouldn't, since I don't think it sounds right. The harmony works! Like, if we do one after the other, that works. Andi had the song for the previous record, and we recorded it, but during production, they changed it too much. They changed the key. I liked all versions because I thought it's a great song — but Andi didn't like it, and we skipped it for the previous record. He had the plan for this to be a duet right from the start. We both sang it completely. There's a version where I did all the vocals, and there's a version where he did all the vocals. I think they will come out sooner or later. It's a great song, but Andi is brilliant anyway. Whatever he does, it always works. He's just really good. They're different, but I rank Andi in terms of his musical skills; I rank him with Kai Hansen. He has the same qualities.
If he had not been there, the band would not have existed. The previous band wasn't working anymore. As soon as Kai got out [in 1989], nothing was working. It was a fragile balance between individuals.
They did some great records, and now I can listen to these things without any bad feelings. I can really say that I love the shit that they did. Not necessarily every song—it's never like that. I think they did really well. What helped the band? I don't know if you agree with me, but I think it's a mistake, and I'm not going to name any other bands, but it's a mistake when you lose the lead singer and get a clone. Someone who sounds exactly like the previous singer. It makes you like a Top 40 or cover band. It's never good. Get an original. And that worked with HELLOWEEN. Andi has his own style of songwriting, and that's why we're still here today. I'm happy I'm back in the band. It's better. So much better.
Also, on this record, it almost seems like there's a theme. We disagreed on it, though. It was just the songwriter's writing lyrics, and it turned out to be that way. We didn't plan it to be this way. Then we did an old-fashioned listening session where we invited journalists into the studio where they were mixing it. Afterward, we conducted interviews, including a few with everybody in the room. Then, that's when the questions came about the lyrics. That's when we discovered it's interesting that all of the lyrics have this side of supernatural, spiritual subject matter. That was not intentional! Everybody is kind of interested in it.
I can't sing the stuff he does either. I could, but it wouldn't sound right. He has his own kind of quality. He has this shouting quality, and this is why anything that has hooks and these almost KISS-like choruses, I can do them, but I'm better at other stuff. I'm quite good when it gets more theatrical.
We did these contracts until the end of 2018. It was only for touring. The plan was to make one long 'Pumpkins United' tour. We did that in case things didn't work, and everyone is free to go. Then, since everything worked out so well, we were all so excited and happy, we decided to make a record. We did that. Now, we're in a phase where it is open-ended. As long as it feels so good and feels right, we will continue, especially now that the creative side is so great.
In another video, Andi said that Kai didn't see that he sent him the finished title track and changed the middle part. Then he apologized and Andi said no problem, his middle part is great and better. Kai's part adds a needed ''fairytale'' vibe imo. I want to hear Andi's idea too, the title track is more vocal-oriented.
GhostofCain
Ancient Mariner
Helloween's Giants & Monsters: A thoroughly modern melodic metal album
"There are no sprawling fantastical epics here, no dragons or orcs or magical pumpkins"
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
So today its the first show? I hope they play something from master of the rings to dark ride. But it seems that rhey have a problem with some songs written in that era. Halloween dr stein future world i want out eagle fly free keeper of the 7 keys and some kai song seems that will not be replaced and if this is like maiden 50 aniversary would be the same.
Yax
Ancient Mariner
They have played If I Could Fly consistently for what, 25 years? Perfect Gentleman is also pretty common.
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
Shavasku
Ancient Mariner
Excited to see today's setlist. According to someone on reddit, they did soundcheck:
Oh, and take a look at this comment on reddit:
"Setlists are dominated by the keepers and Jericho, I'd like more Deris. Maiden manages to put up amazing setlists without their biggest hits (Future Past tour for example) and I bet Helloween can too, especially for such anniversary, I also understand that the amount of music they produced makes it only harder but still would be nice to get more variety."
I laughed, because we complain 24/7 about Maiden's setlists.
Soundcheck
- This is Tokyo
- We Can be Gods
- Universe ️- Kai in vocals
- A tale that wasn't right (solo)
- Ride the sky
- A little is a little too much
Oh, and take a look at this comment on reddit:
"Setlists are dominated by the keepers and Jericho, I'd like more Deris. Maiden manages to put up amazing setlists without their biggest hits (Future Past tour for example) and I bet Helloween can too, especially for such anniversary, I also understand that the amount of music they produced makes it only harder but still would be nice to get more variety."
I laughed, because we complain 24/7 about Maiden's setlists.
And we are right, ofc.
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
Ive seen helloween many times only the first tours with andy the played new songs last tour with an album skyfall best time and other one. And the rest thr usual.
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
March of time
Shavasku
Ancient Mariner
According to Reddit, so far the setlist is, in my opinion, simply legendary. Let's wait for official confirmation, but so far here it is:
March of time
King for a 1000 years
Future world
This is tokyo
We burn
Twilight of the gods
Ride the sky
Into the sun
Drum solo
Hey Lord
Universe
Hell was made in heaven
I want out
In the middle of a heartbeat (Michi on acoustic guitar and Andi)
A tale that wasn't right (Andi acoustic guitar and Michi, then full band)
Power
Heavy Metal is the law
Halloween
Eagle Fly Free
A Little is a little too much
Dr. Stein
Keeper of the seven keys
King for a 1000 years
Future world
This is tokyo
We burn
Twilight of the gods
Ride the sky
Into the sun
Drum solo
Hey Lord
Universe
Hell was made in heaven
I want out
In the middle of a heartbeat (Michi on acoustic guitar and Andi)
A tale that wasn't right (Andi acoustic guitar and Michi, then full band)
Power
Heavy Metal is the law
Halloween
Eagle Fly Free
A Little is a little too much
Dr. Stein
Keeper of the seven keys
Last edited:
GhostofCain
Ancient Mariner
That looks like a very good setlist!
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
The surprises :
King for a 1000 years
Hell was made in heaven
Twilight of the gods
In a middle of a heartbeat
We burn
Again they covered andi era with no kusch grapow songs? No before the war wake up the mountain sole survivor where the rain grows. And again they chose maybe the worst from the new album. Last time they chosed mass polution when they have out for the glory oe cyanide if andi wants to sing. I dont see a great setlist almost the same with a few surprises that could be way better
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
What thats for sure the reunion put them in another league next to the big metal bands and i think they deserve but from 95 to 2017 they were a suporting band for another big band or playing small venues nothing like now
Kalata
Out of the Silent Planet
This is one of their most interesting setlist in a long time. They promised rare songs. One of their best? Not sure.
For a 40th anniv/new album tour, they are playing songs from 9 of their 17 albums.
edit: the stage is cool with modern side lights (2 small side screens too) and a pumpkin above it. It looks different and modern.
20 songs (*''Keeper Of The Seven Keys'' is a snippet).
4 from the new album: ''Universe'' ''This Is Tokyo'', ''Into The Sun'' and ''A Little Is A Little Too Much''. Two of them were expected, I guess Universe too, because it was a single. The ballad is a surprise, but since they soundchecked ''We Can Be Gods'', I guess it will be replaced as the tour goes. They chose two of the weakest songs imo. No title track and ''Majestic'' is wild!
The surprises are:
The rest is the usual stuff.
They could easily replace: Into The Sun/In The Middle Of A Heartbeat, A Tale That Wasn't Right, Heavy Metal (Is The Law)...
''March Of Time'' is a fitting opener for a new album/40th anniv tour. Great intro with the video! Beautiful landscape. A full song from WOJ is also very welcome.
No song from The Dark Ride (or Grapow songs)... I even expect a song from Helloween. Some of the usual hits are not played, which is good.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The stage decor isn't big (screens for it too), but they are using the big video screen better than on the previous tour.
4 from the new album: ''Universe'' ''This Is Tokyo'', ''Into The Sun'' and ''A Little Is A Little Too Much''. Two of them were expected, I guess Universe too, because it was a single. The ballad is a surprise, but since they soundchecked ''We Can Be Gods'', I guess it will be replaced as the tour goes. They chose two of the weakest songs imo. No title track and ''Majestic'' is wild!
The surprises are:
- ''The King For A 1000 Years'' - highlight of the 2005 album, it replaced Keeper, but I never thought they would play it because of the length. A very nice surprise.
- ''We Burn'' - a different TTOTO song, a needed lively rocker. We Burn-Twilight Of The Gods-Ride The Sky is a great combo!
- ''Twilight Of The Gods'' - very liked and tough song.
- ''Hey Lord'' - a big surprise from the 1998 album, nice song from it and for Andi. It works.
- ''Hell Was Made In Heaven'' - the best song from the 2003 album imo. A heavy and melodic banger.
- ''In The Middle Of A Heartbeat'' - back to back with A Tale That Wasn't Right, odd choice.
The rest is the usual stuff.
They could easily replace: Into The Sun/In The Middle Of A Heartbeat, A Tale That Wasn't Right, Heavy Metal (Is The Law)...
''March Of Time'' is a fitting opener for a new album/40th anniv tour. Great intro with the video! Beautiful landscape. A full song from WOJ is also very welcome.
No song from The Dark Ride (or Grapow songs)... I even expect a song from Helloween. Some of the usual hits are not played, which is good.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The stage decor isn't big (screens for it too), but they are using the big video screen better than on the previous tour.
For a 40th anniv/new album tour, they are playing songs from 9 of their 17 albums.
edit: the stage is cool with modern side lights (2 small side screens too) and a pumpkin above it. It looks different and modern.
Last edited:
dickinson1978
Ancient Mariner
For me its the same. And even kai songs ,heavy metal is the law? If he is going to sing one song starlight,judas,victim of fate and the obvius ride the sky.
And from deris era from 95 to 2017 they have tons of them hell was made in heaven and king for 1000 years are in live in 3 continents
I think they dont play kusch grapow songs like wake up the mountain but from the deris albums hey lord why sole survivor where the rain grows if i coild fly they chose almost the same. Thank that they didnt olay are you metal.