In the vibrant realm of power metal, few names shine as brightly as HELLOWEEN. As the band celebrates its 40th anniversary, fans worldwide are treated to an exhilarating announcement: the re-release of HELLOWEEN's early albums, remastered by the talented Sascha "Busy" Bühren. These iconic records, presented by BMG, promise to deliver a nostalgic yet contemporary experience, complete with restored original artwork and bonus tracks. This reissue marks a significant milestone, paying homage to the legacy that HELLOWEEN has built over four decades.
A Journey Through Time: The Early Albums
"Walls Of Jericho" (1985)
HELLOWEEN's debut full-length studio album, "Walls Of Jericho," is a cornerstone in the foundation of power metal. Initially released in 1985, it showcases Kai Hansen as the lead vocalist, blending raw energy with intricate musicianship. This reissue, spread across two CDs, includes tracks from the mini-LP released the same year and several bonus tracks, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the band's formative years.
"Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part I" (1987)
The 1987 release "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part I" introduced the world to vocalist Michael Kiske and redefined the power metal genre. With its melodic complexity and epic storytelling, this album set the stage for HELLOWEEN's future success. The remastered version preserves its original charm while enhancing the audio quality to meet modern standards.
"Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part II" (1988)
Following the success of its predecessor, "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part II" cemented HELLOWEEN's place in metal history. Released in 1988, it achieved global recognition and went gold in Germany. Iconic tracks like "Dr. Stein" and "I Want Out" have become anthems, resonating with fans across generations. The remastered edition revitalizes these classics, ensuring they continue to inspire.
Upcoming Releases: Anticipation Builds
The reissue campaign is set to continue with two more waves of releases, each promising to deliver more gems from HELLOWEEN's extensive catalog.
August 30, 2024
"Pink Bubbles Go Ape" - https://amzn.to/4fmVYwv
"Chameleon" - https://amzn.to/4dl6t1u
"Master Of The Rings" - https://amzn.to/4fjATmF
September 27, 2024
"Time Of The Oath" - https://amzn.to/4dfhMbw
"Better Than Raw" - https://amzn.to/3Sq0osA
"Metal Jukebox" - https://amzn.to/3YlPiZv
A New Era: HELLOWEEN's Future Projects
February 2024 saw the band signing with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) for their next studio album, set to be released in 2025. This new project follows their critically acclaimed self-titled album from 2021. The expanded classic lineup, featuring Michael Kiske, Kai Hansen, Andi Deris, Michael Weikath, Sascha Gerstner, Markus Grosskopf, and Daniel Löble, will begin recording this summer. Fans eagerly await what promises to be another stellar addition to the HELLOWEEN discography.
The "United Forces" World Tour: A Testament to Enduring Legacy
HELLOWEEN's recent "United Forces" world tour was a spectacular celebration of their storied career. Spanning 60 shows across 26 countries and three continents, the tour brought together over 800,000 fans. Highlights included sold-out performances in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, São Paulo, Prague, Stuttgart, Santiago de Chile, and their first-ever sold-out show at Tokyo's iconic Budokan.
The emotional journey concluded at the Hell & Heaven festival in Mexico City, where the band's connection with their fans was palpable. Such moments underline HELLOWEEN's enduring appeal and their ability to unite metalheads worldwide.
The 2021 Album: A Return to Roots
The 2021 self-titled album, "Helloween," marked a triumphant return to the band's roots. Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, the album was partially recorded at the H.O.M.E. Studios in Hamburg, using the same recording console for classic albums like "Master Of The Rings," "Time Of The Oath," and "Better Than Raw." The effort was mixed at Valhalla Studios by Ronald Prent, known for his work with legends like IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, and RAMMSTEIN.
This album saw HELLOWEEN embracing an analog recording process, with Daniel Löble playing on the same drum kit used by the band's original drummer, the late Ingo Schwichtenberg, during the "Keeper Of The Seven Keys" sessions. This nod to the past, combined with contemporary production, resulted in a work that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.
The "Pumpkins United" Phenomenon
The "Pumpkins United" tour was a groundbreaking event, reuniting Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen with the band for the first time since 1993 and 1988, respectively. This reunion allowed fans to witness the magic of Kiske and Deris performing together, alongside Hansen's medleys of early HELLOWEEN classics. The setlist featured rare gems like "Kids Of The Century," "Rise And Fall," and "Livin' Ain't No Crime," highlighting the band's vast and diverse repertoire.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Legacy and Innovation
As HELLOWEEN embarks on this grand reissue campaign and gears up for their next studio album, their legacy continues to grow. The meticulous remastering of their early works ensures that new generations of fans can experience the magic of HELLOWEEN in its finest form. Coupled with their ongoing creative endeavors and electrifying live performances, HELLOWEEN remains a powerhouse in the metal world, inspiring fans and musicians alike.
For more information on the reissues and upcoming projects, visit HELLOWEEN's official website. Join us in celebrating four decades of power metal excellence with HELLOWEEN!
Is Metallica’s biggest hit a total fraud? Dave Mustaine just reignited the war of the thrash titans with a shocking claim that "Enter Sandman" was ripped off from an obscure 80s band! Mainstream metal media wants you to worship the "Black Album," but are you actually listening to a high-priced cover? Neeley and Chris expose the riffs that sound a little too "borrowed" and dive into the bizarre world of "Titar"—the viral Metallica "performance" that you literally cannot unsee.
– Dave Mustaine’s "Enter Sandman" Plagiarism Claim
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– "TITAR": The Most Disturbing Metallica Cover on TikTok
– Convoy at 50: The Fake Trucker Who Conned the Charts
– CB Radio Filth: The Original 1970s Sexting
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We’re back and we’re going filthy, kids. This week, we unpack the story of a 22-year-old who got “metal up her ass” the hard way. If you think that’s bad, wait until you see the guy calling his Pomeranian his “daughter” on the nightly news while wearing a COVID mask in a smoke-filled fire zone. It’s the most faggoty thing we’ve ever seen.
We also tackle:
David Lee Roth living in an alternate universe where “Alligator Pants” are cool.
Ozzy admitting he can’t walk and will only do “bits and pieces” for his final show.
Tesla’s Brian Wheat starting a new band with Tommy Skeo despite years of “hating” him.
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Nazareth just pulled the ultimate Grinch move and fired their singer right before the holidays. No "future endeavors," just a cold-blooded "he's gone." Chris is dive-bombing into why this was so brutal and why Carl Sentence thinking he can pull off a solo tour is pure delusion. 😂🔥
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What’s the most cold-blooded band firing you’ve ever heard of?
Why is everyone still suing Michael Jackson's estate? Neeley and Chris are giving their honest take on the skepticism surrounding the latest legal battle and reviewing the trailer for the upcoming MICHAEL biopic. We're also talking about the tragedy of the woman who fell off the cruise ship and the infuriating new trend of "seat squatting" on planes. Finally, CMS Producer Weezie honors our lost friend, Bob Nalbandian. Share and follow for the metal-fueled truth! Get commercial-free episodes by joining Rumble Premium at https://rumble.com/premium. Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!
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Seriously, how do you keep your music fresh when you're a band with a decades-long history? It's tough! Chris chats with Agnostic Front bassist Mike Gallo about their latest, ECHOES OF ETERNITY. They talk about the killer sound improvements, what it was like working with a legend like DMC for the first time, and the guts it takes to try new things as a legacy act. Don't just listen—hit that share button, follow us, and subscribe to Rumble Premium for more! Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!
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What’s crazier: Lemmy destroying a multi-million dollar mixing board with a cheeseburger, or King Diamond getting $26,000 a year from his government just for being an artist? Neeley and Chris tackle these wild metal stories! We also review George Lynch's new single, which he released after admitting he totally lied about retiring. Hint: the guys are NOT impressed. Plus, check out the insane guitar talent from a young private school student. Like, follow, and share this video! Get commercial-free episodes and more by joining Rumble Premium at https://rumble.com/premium. Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!
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Since Erik Ferentinos and I CLEARLY had a falling out, hate each other, and the truth that my schedule no longer allows me to commit to CAP LIVE anymore is just a lie, I’m forcing myself into a hostile guesting spot on my enemy Erik’s UNLEASHED show tonight at 8pm EST!
Seriously though, tune in tonight to ERIK FERENTINOS UNLEASHED for Erik’s always fun hangout… this time with lil ol’ me in the mix! Im appreciative to be on again with my good friend!
And to the dumb fuck trolls that know everything and literally got it ALL wrong, have an aneurysm, cunts!
Today, acclaimed singer, songwriter and front‑man of Christian rock icons Stryper, MICHAEL SWEET is proud to announce his new album, ‘The Master Plan,’ his most personal and spiritually resonant solo album yet. Set for release on April 3, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl, this deeply worship‑inspired record marks a bold departure from his previous solo work — blending heartfelt devotion with fresh musical textures and melodic depth unlike anything SWEET has done before.
To celebrate the announcement, MICHAEL SWEET also shares the album’s title track alongside an official lyric video, available below.
MICHAEL SWEET comments:
“I can’t tell you how long I’ve wanted to make this record. I think I subconsciously started making it when I was a kid. All the music that has influenced me over the years is revealing itself on this album. It’s certainly not cookie cutter by any stretch of the imagination. It’s one of a kind and very...
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The "Unleashed" Truth & Personal Revivals
Chris Akin sets the record straight regarding the internet rumors surrounding his departure from the live version of CAPS. Despite the keyboard warriors claiming a massive falling out with Eric, Chris confirms the split was purely due to a brutal new work schedule. Both hosts share their New Year’s goals, with Chris focusing on movement and Tai Chi to avoid the "fat man cutoff" at 60, while Neeley celebrates his progress on the elliptical.
Legacy Band Fraud & Plagiarism ...