It’s been around 3 years since Helloween released a new album, but it has been worth the wait. While their previous album ‘7 Sinners’ already was a fantastic album, this new one is a masterpiece.
This is their fourteenth studio album so far, and to say the truth they’ve sticked to the concept of their previous albums. So expect no major experiments or the use of some unusual instrument. But that does not alter the fact that this band is a well oiled combo.
As before their music is quick paced, with lots of rhythm changes, and some exquisite, demanding guitar work. The vocals by Andi Deris are one of the best in the genre, for his vocal timbre that is. The compositions, as on previous albums, are speedy and multi-layered.
To say that the opening track ‘Nabatea’ immediately grabs you by the throat would be an understatement. It opens with what you might call a Middle Eastern flavored riff, switches to a fast paced track, but also has his rhythm changed quite a lot. I guess you could easily call this one of Helloween’s best tracks.
This album, fresh as the year still might be, might well end up in my top 10 list for 2013.