Helloween ~ Germany

Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1. (1987)

As noted on the Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II entry, this is the album I was more familiar with as it was released in my final year of college. I never did purchase the LP back then, and only acquired it on CD a decade later. For whatever reason, at the time, this kind of European power metal wasn't working for me, and I sold it. Even though I didn't own it, our local radio station in Lubbock had a pretty decent metal show on Sunday night (if I recall) and they played 'I'm Alive' and 'Halloween' quite a bit. Especially surprising given that the latter is 13+ minutes long. As noted before, Helloween aren't particularly heavy, and there's more than a passing resemblance to Iron Maiden at this stage. It's faster and more neo-classically influenced, but less varied. Many point to this album as the birth of the style that continues in full force to this very day throughout Europe. I enjoyed a +1 listen last night, likely a nostalgia bump from my last days in college, not that I treasured that experience much. Beyond my music collection, that is to say.

Ownership: 1987 RCA/Noise (LP). Lyric inner bag and hype sticker on the cover. Acquired in 2022.

1997; 12//06; 10/11/22 (review)

Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II (1988)

I'd never heard this title before, having been more familiar with Part 1 back in my last days of college. This one came out right after I graduated and I was mostly focused on putting my paycheck to rare and obscure prog albums. Definitely that was the right move here, as Helloween brings a relatively lightweight galloping metal album to the fore. The final 13+ minute track introduces more of a prog element, but this is a long way from what Fates Warning were already doing and miles away from Sieges Even and Watchtower. I'd submit this album is about 80% Iron Maiden and the remainder belongs to Queen and Styx. There are distinct musical references to 'Suite Madame Blue' here, which isn't a bad thing. Michael Kiske sounds a lot like Bruce Dickinson on this platter. Still, you'd have to be in a pretty grumpy mood not to enjoy this, as it's a lot of fun. Worth holding onto for sure.

Ownership: 1988 RCA (LP). Acquired in 2022.

4/29/22 (review)

Walls of Jericho (1986)

The only album I've ever owned prior by Helloween is the next one Keeper of the Seven Keys Part One (since reacquired). Over time, I did tire of it, and sold. But I was informed long ago that Walls of Jericho is much more raw and unpolished. Which is more appealing to me. And that's exactly the case. There's nothing too revelatory here, and there aren't any great riffs, but I found myself drawn to the overall sound. I kind of like Kai Hansen's shrieking vocals, as he attempts to outdo Rob Halford. No such luck, but it's fun to hear him try. Hence, they added a more seasoned vocalist after this. 

Ownership: 1986 Combat (LP). Acquired in 2021.

6/12/21 (review)

10/11/22 (new entry)