The reunited expanded classic lineup of German power metallers Helloween will release a new live album, “Live At Budokan”, on December 13, 2024, via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The colossal effort immortalizes Helloween‘s September 16, 2023 performance at Tokyo’s legendary Nippon Budokan.
“Live At Budokan” will be available in a plethora of formats: 2CD-digipak and 3LP vinyl in trifold with the first print run of both coming as a “deluxe edition” including embossed cover artwork, as well as Blu-ray, DVD, and digital. Each version is meticulously crafted to suit the metal community’s diverse tastes, ensuring every fan can relive the raw, unfiltered energy of Helloween in their preferred medium.
To tide fans over until “Live At Budokan” arrives, Helloween has launched the first single, “Best Time”. This electrifying live version of the hit single and most streamed track (more than 11 million streams on Spotify) from Helloween‘s self-titled reunion album can be watched below.
Pre-order “Live At Budokan” HERE
![HELLOWEEN - Best Time [Live At Budokan] (Official Music Video)](https://i0.wp.com/i.ytimg.com/vi/XT1ITfb76-0/hqdefault.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1)
Guitarist Sascha Gerstner comments, “”Best Time'” captures the energy and the moment when everything fits together perfectly and you leave everything negative behind. For me, this track is an anthem for all those nights when you’re heading towards the future. That’s why it conveys exactly this mood in concert as if you were living in a single great moment that lasts forever.”
This release celebrates the grand finale of Helloween‘s epic world tour from 2022 to 2023. Spanning over 30 countries on three continents, the tour was nothing short of a triumph, drawing massive crowds and showcasing the band’s undying appeal, the sold-out concert in Tokyo is the crowning glory of the cycle. Known for their explosive stage presence and high-voltage performances, Helloween‘s shows are fueled by the unique chemistry among the band members.
Triple lead-guitar attacks from Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, and Sascha Gerstner alternate with goosebump-inducing duets from vocalists Michael Kiske and Andi Deris, occasionally supported by Kai Hansen, the band’s original singer and third voice. He also takes the spectators on a journey back in time with a medley from the band’s early days, returning to the origins of their sound—Helloween, the godfathers of melodic speed metal.
