HELLOWEEN releases a new album with similar name and declares that this is the beginning of a new time in the history of the band.
“Please stick together!” was the fervent wish of the thousands of fans of Andy Deris, Michael Kiska, Michael Waikat, Kai Hansen, Markus Grosskopf, Sasha Gerstner and Dani Leblay during the PUMPKINS UNITED WORLD TOUR – and their dream came true! The upcoming album, simply titled “HELLOWEEN”, opens a new chapter after 35 years of glorious career. The future of one of the most influential German metal bands will now include three vocalists. Originally planned only for live performances, the move was the birth of a unique seven-member metal alliance.
Dani Leblay: “This record is the crowning journey of PUMPKINS UNITED! However, I still admire the different character traits and facets of the HELLOWEEN story. For example, the legendary voices of Michi, Andi and Kai. Now enjoying them together on the same record, under the same flag , is an unforgettable HELLOWEEN experience.” So it’s no surprise that the pre-release single ” Skyfall “(will be released on April 2), a 12-minute epic written by Kai Hansen, has the long-awaited”Keeper-vibe”. “Skyfall” is a musical arch that will appeal to fans of any era. This first album of the new era takes fans from the unforgettable memories of fifteen studio recordings and four live discs to new adventures.
“Skyfall” starts with a bang. The epic track describes an alien landing on Earth and a dramatic chase, while Kiske, Deris and Hansen deliver a breathtaking duel with each other and create a vocal broadband adventure. The band claims that this video, directed by Martin Heusler, is the most thoughtful video clip in the band’s history. This video, with 3D animation and a cinematic look, is a real high-end experience.
The foundation of the landmark album was already laid in the studio: using the original drum kit of Ingo Schwichtenberg, the recording was made with the same modulators in the studio in Hamburg, where “Master Of The Rings”, “The Time Of The Oath “and” Better Than Raw “were once recorded. Fully analog and overseen by producer Charlie Bauerfeind and co-producer Dennis Ward, UNITED headed to New York and received the final mix at Ronald Prent’s Valhalla Studios (Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Rammstein). “After 30 years of being in different bands, I really thought I was well prepared for another extreme challenge, but I was wrong! This huge creative kit has exceeded my expectations, ” says Bauerfeind.
In addition to all the musical competence, HELLOWEEN also defines a special enthusiasm. Michael Vaikat describes the band as: “This is an unreal meeting of seven musicians who work as friends and even as family, and create something that no one would have thought possible. It’s like waking up from a dream, but also being in an incredible dream.”
Returned Kai Hansen reflects: “Being in the studio with my old mates after 30 years was very emotional for me. But at the same time, it was a completely different experience with “new” people. The collaboration of different songwriters and strong characters made the album special: a unique mix with memories from all the chapters of the band’s history. HELLOWEEN is a big part of my life, and I look forward to performing the songs live for our fans and celebrate with them!”. Markus Grosskopf agrees: “For me, one of the last ‘survivors’ to play every note from the beginning was a fantastic experience and a very emotional process. I think everyone can hear it on the new album. I already love this record.”
With all this brand new material, they have created an album that stands apart from the digital mainstream and shows the essence of the band. “HELLOWEEN” will be released on June 18, and pre-order will begin on March 26.
