Description
This was the ardent wish of thousands of fans calling out to Andi Deris, Michael Kiske, Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, Markus Grosskopf, Sascha Gerstner and Dani Löble during the PUMPKINS UNITED WORLD TOUR - and their dream has come true! With the upcoming album, simply titled HELLOWEEN, the band opens a new chapter after 35 years of a glorious career. The future of one of the most influential German metal bands from now on will feature three singers. Originally planned for the live performances only, it was the birth of a unique seven piece metal alliance.
Dani Löble: âThis record is the coronation of the PUMPKINS UNITED journey! Still today I am fascinated by the different character traits and facets of the HELLOWEEN history. As an example Iâd like to point out the legendary voices of Michi, Andi and Kai. To enjoy them now together on one record, under one flag is the ultimate HELLOWEEN experienceâ. It is therefore not surprising that the pre-release single SKYFALL, a 12 minute epos written by Kai Hansen, has the long yearned âKeeper-vibeâ - even if the long player can by no means be limited to it. SKYFALL implies the musical arch which will be loved by fans of every era. This first album of a new age is taking the fans from unforgettable memories of the fifteen studio records and four live CDâs to new adventures. SKYFALL begins with a bang. The epic track describes an alien landing on earth and a dramatic chase while Kiske, Deris and Hansen duel with each other in a breathtaking manner and create a vocal broadband adventure. Produced by Martin HĂ€usler, it is the most elaborate video clip in the history of the band; shown with 3-D animation and having a cinematic look, this video is a real high-end experience.
âFEAR OF THE FALLENâ â the second single is a fast paced, melodic track done the way only Deris can do it. âI had so much fun not only writing a song for my voice but also for one of the greatest singers out there. I always have an extremely broad smile on my face when I hear Michi singing my melodiesâ, says Deris and Kiske adds: âThe whole process, including the spirit, was just ideal. If I had the feeling that one of the parts would not be really fitting, I asked Andi if he would sing it and vice versa. There was no competition whatsoever â what counted was what is best for the respective song. I am thankful to be (again) a part of this crazy family. I love them allâ. Along with massive album tracks such as HELLOWEEN classic and album opener âOUT FOR THE GLORYâ, the epic âDOWN IN THE DUMPSâ, both written by Weikath, the power metal shouter âMASS POLLUTIONâ by Deris and Grosskopfâs scuff proof rocker âINDESTRUCTIBLEâ (which could be an analogy towards the unbreakable career of the band), the album release is flanked by the âparty-trackâ of the record, âBEST TIMEâ. Lyrically the song by Sascha Gerstner reminds of the good old days, musically itÂŽs convincing with confident HELLOWEEN style guitar harmonies and a chorus that stays in your long-term memory after hearing it for the first time.
âHELLOWEENâ offers a complete metal universe within 12 songs. The base of this milestone album was already erected in the studio: using the original drum kit of Ingo Schwichtenberg, the recording was done with the same modulators at the Hamburg HOME studios where back then âMaster Of The Ringsâ, âThe Time Of The Oathâ and âBetter Than Rawâ were recorded. Completely analog and under the eyes of long term producer Charlie Bauerfeind and co-producer Dennis Ward, the UNITED impact travelled to New York and got the final mix in the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Rammstein).
Returnee Kai Hansen reflects: âBeing in the studio with my old companions after 30 years was very emotional for me. But at the same time it was a completely different experience with the ânewâ boys. The collaboration of different songwriters and strong characters made the album very special: a unique mix with reminiscences from all chapters of the bandâs history. HELLOWEEN is a big part of my life and I am looking forward to celebrating the songs live for and with our fansâ! From another perspective Markus Grosskopf agrees: âFor me, being one of the last âsurvivorsâ who played every note from the beginning, it was a fantastic experience and a very emotional process. I think everyone can hear it on this album. I love itâ. When it came to capturing the larger-than-life emotions in the artwork, it quickly became clear that it was only possible as a handmade painting on which the important topics of the band's history are processed. The work of Berlin based artist Eliran Kantor has achieved this and visually underscores the fact that the band cherishes all parts of their history. With all this brand new material an album has been created, an album that is set apart from the digital mainstream and showing the essence of the band was never more solid. This is the beginning of something big â here comes HELLOWEEN!