(Rated this album with 8 out of 10) Reviewed by
oldancestor
from New Jersey
The power metal scene has been pretty bleak lately but one can always depend on Helloween to put out something worthwhile. Some prefer the gloomier mood of The Dark Ride while others see this as a welcome return to the 'classic' sound of old. I am just glad they don't stagnate and put out the same album over and over as most bands seem to do. Yeah, there are a couple of mediocre tracks here and there but most of the time the listener is reminded why Helloween is the best at what they do. Even with the line-up changes, the playing and songwriting is still nonpareil. Although Uli might be the best and most dynamic drummer in power metal, Micky Dee does a bang-up job replacing him. His playing isn't quite as textured but it is suitably aggressive for the material. So if you haven't been following Helloween in recent years and just happened to surf through, I suggest you give this cd a chance. It's got the melody and musicianship that made them (sort of) famous, but with a powerful, grinding, up-to-date sound. It's certainly better than anything put out by these lame American 'Nu-metal' bands that are all over the radio these days.
