Helloween are turning up the heat as they gear up for their monumental 40th-anniversary world tour in 2025/2026 and tease a brand-new studio album! But before diving into the next chapter, the metal legends are giving their fans one last epic thrill from their chart-topping self-titled album with the release of “Live At Budokan” on December 13, 2024 (via RPM).
Today, they’ve unleashed a blistering live version of “Save Us,” a track that catapults us back to their groundbreaking “Keeper Of The Seven Keys” era – a defining moment in their storied career. This electrifying single forges a powerful bridge between their glorious past and their unstoppable present. Get ready, Pumpkins United fans – this is just the beginning!
“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.
Pre-order “Live At Budokan” HERE
Bassist Markus Grosskopf notes: “‘Save Us’ is, unfortunately, still relevant or more relevant than ever before. The natural disasters, our own ignorance, hardly any possibilities to escape from all threats — the song is a desperate plea for rescue… a heavy, but thought-provoking piece with crushing reality.”
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.
Selecting the Nippon Budokan for this recording was no coincidence. Known for its rich musical history, this venue has hosted countless legendary acts, and it’s an honor for any band to perform there. Helloween is the first German band to record a live album at Nippon Budokan, fulfilling a lifelong dream for its members. Lead vocalist Michael Kiske described the show as surreal, with electrifying fan energy creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Bassist Markus Grosskopf spoke of the venue’s profound personal and historical significance, calling it both humbling and inspiring to perform in such a legendary space.
The technical brilliance of the live recording is another standout feature. With 29 cameras capturing every detail, the production team ensured that each moment of the concert was preserved with stunning clarity. As a result, the DVD and Blu-ray versions offer an immersive experience, transporting fans right to the front row.