(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
Stanley Runk
from Madison, WI United States
I think this is the one that'll change the minds of the Andi Deris haters out there. This is one solid album, the best Helloween have done in a long time. I know alot of people tuned out when Deris came into the picture, but I don't see why exactly. Sure he's not the singer Michael Kiske was(not many are), but he's suited for the sound of the band now. I mean, you're doomed if you compare him to Kiske-Deris does have some pretty big shoes to fill there. I've grown to like him myself. But this album rocks, let me tell you. Helloween have gone back to their "happy metal" style that we all love so much after giving us The Dark Ride. There's a tad bit of the Dark Ride left over for this album as well as Better Than Raw. Most of the songs here tend to go the route of the heavier songs on Better Than Raw like "Push." In fact, this album gets really heavy, moreso than I've come to expect from Helloween. Bits of it sound like something off of the newer Overkill albums! I was a little skeptical at first after hearing the guitar player(Roland)and drummer(Uli)had left-I thought the album wouldn't be that good. But this Sascha guy is quite good, and who doesn't like Mickey Dee? Roland always rubbed me the wrong way anyhow, I don't know about you folks. I guess it was subconscious-he replaced Kai Hansen and I held a grudge or something. Plus, he just didn't seem like Helloween was his kind of band-like he didn't really belong there. Anyhow, Roland or not, Uli or not, Kiske or not, everything falls into place perfectly here. Helloween should be proud.
