If there is one band determined to make up for lost time, that band is Helloween. After successfully reuniting with two former members (Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen) on a tour, one question remained: what would the seven-headed beast that they became work in the studio? The question was answered with the self-titled release in June of 2021. Full of symbolism from the cover to the recording process, “Helloween” was the coronation of the “Pumpkins United” success, and a silver lining in the tough years of COVID.
Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, the album was recorded in part at the H.O.M.E. Studios in Hamburg, where their story started in 1984. The same recording console used for “Master Of The Rings”, “Time Of The Oath” and “Better Than Raw” was utilized to record the new material. The band recorded fully analogue and drummer Daniel Löble played the drum kit previously used by their original drummer, the late Ingo Schwichtenberg, on the legendary “Keeper Of The Seven Keys” recordings.
As mentioned in our review of the album (which you can read HERE), the band’s 16th release channels the magic from their heyday, while maintaining their more recent stylistic choices. “Helloween” is truly a feast for every fan’s ears, and a clear evidence that when musicians with such chemistry leave their egos at the door, the best results are achieved.
After a five-year absence, Andi Deris (vocals), Michael Kiske (vocals), Michael Weikath (guitars), Kai Hansen (guitars and vocals), Markus Grosskopf (bass), Sascha Gerstner (guitars) and Dani Löble (drums) are ready to tour North America again. The highly successful “United Forces” tour, with fellow Germans of Hammerfall, will hit the US and Canada in the spring, with thirteen dates, beginning in Dallas on May 13th.
In preparation for the tour, Sonic Perspectives interviewer and über Helloween fan Rodrigo Altaf sat down with Michael Kiske. They discussed the rehearsals, his time outside of Helloween, the connection with other band members, his influences and much more. Watch or listen to their animated chat below; and remember that for more interviews and other daily content, Sonic Perspectives is on Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter and YouTube, where you can be notified about new content we publish on a daily basis.
