Meet Helloween: a band formed in Hamburg, Germany, in the early 1980s,
widely regarded as the definitive pioneers of European power metal.
The metal genre would look very different today without Helloween; bands such as Blind Guardian, Stratovarius, Avantasia, DragonForce and Sabaton owe much of their sound to the blueprint established by Helloween.
What makes their sound so unique?
Helloween combined the speed and aggression of thrash/speed metal—reminiscent of early Metallica or Iron Maiden, with an unprecedented level of melody and cheerfulness. Their signature formula includes:- Blistering double-bass drumming: Galloping rhythms that propel the music forward.
- Twin-guitar harmonies: Two lead guitarists who trade off at lightning speed or play virtuosic, dual-part melodies.
- Towering vocals: Soaring, clear, almost operatic high notes paired with sing-along choruses.
- A healthy dose of humor: While many metal bands lean toward the dark or the deadly serious, Helloween embraces self-deprecation and lightheartedness—not to mention their iconic pumpkin mascot,the Jack-o’-lantern.
The band’s three major eras
The history of Helloween reads like an exciting music saga, featuring various iconic singers and distinct phases:
1. The birth of a legend & the "Keeper" years (1984–1993)
Vocals: Initially guitarist Kai Hansen, soon succeeded by the young vocal prodigy Michael Kiske.
Vocals: Initially guitarist Kai Hansen, soon succeeded by the young vocal prodigy Michael Kiske.
Milestone: The albums Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I (1987) and Part II (1988) are still considered the "holy grail" of power metal today. Tracks like "I Want Out" and "Eagle Fly Free" defined an entirely new genre. 2. Rebirth with Andi Deris (1994–2016)
Vocals: Andi Deris (formerly of Pink Cream 69). Following internal conflicts and the departures of Hansen and Kiske, the band appeared finished but with Deris, they reinvented themselves. Albums such as Master of the Rings and The Time of the Oath introduced a slightly heavier, darker hard rock/metal vibe, proving that the band could thrive on its own and continue selling out venues worldwide.
3. Pumpkins United, The ultimate reunion (2016–present)
Rather than competing against one another, the members decided to do something unique in 2016: a reunion featuring all the iconic figures from the band's history. The group now operates as a seven-piece ensemble, boasting three lead singers (Kiske, Deris, and Hansen) alongside three lead guitarists. Their self-titled album, Helloween (2021), soared to the top of the charts across the globe.
The 5 essential tracks to start with
Want to hear what Helloween is all about right away? Then listen to these five tracks:I Want Out (1988)
The ultimate anthem, an irresistible guitar riff and a timeless chorus.
Eagle Fly Free (1988)
The textbook example of power metal: lightning-fast, melodic, and featuring virtuoso vocals.
The textbook example of power metal: lightning-fast, melodic, and featuring virtuoso vocals.
Halloween (1987)
A 13-minute epic masterpiece, packed with tempo changes.
Power (1996)
One of the greatest classics from the Andi Deris era.
One of the greatest classics from the Andi Deris era.
Skyfall (2021)
A 12-minute science-fiction epic from the reunited seven-piece lineup.
A 12-minute science-fiction epic from the reunited seven-piece lineup.
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