The reunited expanded classic lineup of German power metallers HELLOWEEN will release its much-anticipated album in the summer of 2021. The disc’s first single “Skyfall” will arrive on April 2, 2021. In a new two-minute video available below, singers Michael Kiske, guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen and singer Andi Deris sit down and discuss the idea behind the “exclusive alternative vocals mix” and why there will be three versions of “Skyfall”.
The “Pumpkins United” lineup features Kiske, Hansen and Deris, along with guitarists Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner, bassist Markus Grosskopf and drummer Daniel Löble.
Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, the new HELLOWEEN LP was recorded in part at the H.O.M.E. Studios in Hamburg (where everything started in 1984). The same recording console used for such HELLOWEEN albums as “Master Of The Rings”, “Time Of The Oath” and “Better Than Raw” was utilized to record the band’s new material. The effort was mixed at the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, RAMMSTEIN).
HELLOWEEN‘s new album saw the legendary German power metallers going “back to the roots,” with the band recording fully analogue and Löble playing the drum kit previously used by HELLOWEEN‘s original drummer, the late Ingo Schwichtenberg, on the legendary “Keeper Of The Seven Keys” recordings.
The single “Skyfall”, that will be available on CD, digitally and in two different vinyl versions.
- Single 1: Vinyl, CD, digital — “Skyfall” (single edit) + “Skyfall” (exclusive alternative vocals mix). Both are exclusive single versions and will not be on the album. Around 20 minutes playing time.
- Single 2: Vinyl only — “Skyfall” (single edit) + “Indestructible” (exclusive album track). This is a strictly limited version of the new single with one exclusive album track.
“Skyfall” Single Artwork
Pre-order the singles here in the format of your choice: http://nblast.de/Helloween-Skyfall
The epic 12 minute track “Skyfall”, written by Kai Hansen, has the long yearned “Keeper-Vibe,” but isn’t musically telling the whole story of the album – this has a musical arch being loved by fans of every era: from unforgettable times to glorious newer adventures all the way to the upcoming first album of the HELLOWEEN new age. Skyfall talks about an alien landing on earth and a dramatic chase, while Hansen, Kiske and Deris duel with each other in a breathtaking manner and create a broadband adventure – including a lyric sheet with colored blocks identifying the singers as well as a video that is formidable. Produced by Martin Häusler, it will be the most elaborate clip in the history of the band, the story to be shown with 3-D animation and having a cinematic look – in these times almost a dinosaur in implementation!
The very first release of the new era proves to be worthy of the occasion: Just like a full album release, different formats, curated and treasured with love and affection will be available – especially for all collectors and super fans: Premium CD as digipak and 12“ Gatefold vinyl in various styles like shape-LP and picture disc – black or in combinations orange/transparent, orange/black, green/black marbled, orange/black splatter and red/black splatter.
The base of the upcoming milestone album was already erected in the studio: using the original Ingo Schwichtenberg drum kit, the recording was done with the same modulators at the Hamburg HOME studios where back then Master Of The Rings, The Time Of The Oath and Better Than Raw were recorded. Back to the roots and completely analog is the UNITED impact – another great work by long time producer Charlie Bauerfeind and co-producer Dennis Ward before the album traveled to New York and got the final mix in the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, RAMMSTEIN).
With the brand new material an album has been created that is set apart from the digital mainstream, showing that the essence of the band was never more solid.
