Review by Saxy S for Helloween - Helloween (2021)

OK, one only has to see the name Helloween on the front of a new album package to know exactly what they are getting themselves into. This legendary German band are the OG's of Power Metal, so expecting anything more than a pure Power epic and you're going to be heavily disappointed. And while I personally prefer their heir's to the throne in Blind Guardian, I have always had a least a soft spot for Helloween; more of a respect thing rather than outright liking them.

So going into this new album with zero expectations was probably the best thing I could have done because this album is a ton of fun. The compositions on this record are heavy and driving with more than enough deviances and asides to make it memorable. The production of this record is spot on, highlighting the vocals of Michael Kiske, Kai Hansen and Andi Deris, the guitar work is very solid and solos are given plenty of space to soar. The bass work is of course, secondary to the guitar riffs, but its presence in the mix gives this album some much needed gravitas.

Michael Kiske also seems to have taken some songwriting lessons from Tobias Sammet with their work in Avantasia. There is some slight touches of progressive songwriting scattered throughout the album that I appreciated. But what I really enjoyed is the free form concept. It makes for a far more enjoyable experience, both as a complete album as well as in single fragments. To summarize my thoughts on this album: if you aren't a fan of power metal, this record is not going to change your mind. Otherwise, this is a legacy album by a band that has been together for forty years and I haven't had this much fun with a legacy album since Judas Priest's Firepower. 

...Oh yeah, and "Robot King" might be one of the best songs Helloween have ever made, and no I'm not sorry!