Canada’s The Metal Voice recently interviews Heloween singer Michael Kiske. In the chat Michael Kiske spoke about the bands upcoming tour as well as Helloween working on new music and his first strange encounter with Whitesnake’s singer David Coverdale.
Michael Kiske was asked about if Helloween was working on new music he replied, “Actually, 10 days ago, or maybe a week ago, Kai (Hansen) has sent me a demo of a song that he was (working on) that I was very happy about, because it’s not what you would expect; the song was a bit outside of the box, which I am always grateful for. I always thought that was exciting about Helloween.” Kiske continued,”I know that Andi has songs, and I know that Kai has a whole bunch of songs. He was a bit lazy last time; he only had that one great song, ‘Skyfall’, which was maybe good for three songs and that’s why it’s justified but I would have wished for even more from him. And I think this time he will be presenting a whole bunch of songs more. At least that’s my impression, the feeling that I have, there might be more coming from him this time. Andi is always in the game. Andi has this gift; he can just sit down and write 10 songs. He can just do it. I don’t know how he does it.”
Kiske was then asked if he would be contributing to the new music since he did not write on the last record he said,” I don’t know. I’m not so much of a metal songwriter. I was when I was a teenager. But these days I just don’t write metal songs; I just write songs on acoustic guitar somehow. And if I have something where I feel like the band could make a Helloween song out of it, of course I will present it to them, and then if they get a kick out of it, something’s gonna happen. But we have so many songwriters in this band now. And they’re all really capable of writing that sort of material that everybody loves, and that’s mainly Andi (Deris), Sascha (Gerstner), Weiki and Hansen. And I think that’s more than enough. If I have an idea, I sneak it in. But I don’t really push myself.”
Pumpkin fans, unite! HELLOWEEN and Incendium are teaming up for the launch of Seekers of the Seven Keys, a supernatural horror-fantasy comic book that explores the iconic cast of characters depicted on album covers from the legendary German heavy metal band, known as the “godfathers of melodic speed metal.” Incendium is also thrilled to announce a line of collectible Helloween action figures inspired by the bands’ cover artwork and lyrical lore: The Keeper Of The Seven Keys, The Witch, and Jack O. Lantern.
Published under Incendium’s music-focused OPUS imprint, Seekers of the Seven Keys is crafted by horror masters, writer Joe Harris (Creepy, The X-Files, Rockstars) and artistAxel Medellin (Hoax Hunters, Elephantman), and features cover artwork by Santi Casas.
In Seekers of the Seven Keys, the mystical Seven Keys have been lost, and the Keeper wants them back. But he’s not the only one looking. And when teenage siblings stumble upon the quest, they embark on a 1980s-style science-fiction, fantasy adventure filled with the horror tropes, campy characters, and throwback humor for which the band is known.
Helloween guitarist Michael Weikath said, “Obviously, Dr. Stein is not the only one who can come up with funny creatures. We are thrilled to see the characters from the Helloween universe finally come to life! The team of Incendium did a great job and created an exciting new comic adventure. As we say in Dr. Stein: And their time is right!”
Added Llexi Leon, CEO of Incendium: “Helloween’s offbeat comic, inspired by their epic music, fuses fan-favourite characters with whimsical fantasy—and a healthy dose of heavy metal! As they are one of the great innovators in the genre, it’s been a joy to revisit their catalog, particularly the ‘Seven Keys’ saga, and lay down the groundwork for an all-new narrative that will appeal to long-time fans of the band and Halloween horror aficionados alike!”
The debut of the comic book comes in the wake of the recent release of Helloween’s self-titled album, which has climbed to the top of the charts across the world. The album is reminiscent of all eras of the band’s history, and unites their three vocalists Michael Kiske,Andi Deris and Kai Hansen. The band’s sixteenth studio album was released by Nuclear Blast Tonträger Produktions- und Vertriebs GmbH in June.
The first print edition of Seekers of the Seven Keys will be released as a prestige-format limited edition collectible comic book, featuring cardstock covers, specialty foil treatments, glossy pages, and individual numbering.
The first printing of the comic will be limited to 2,000 copies at $19.95, and is available to order fromhttps://incendium.online/collections/Helloween. It is available to order now and ships by October 31, 2021. The Keeper Of The Seven Keys, The Witch, and Jack O. Lantern action figures are also available to pre-order for $29.95, shipping spring 2022.
Other high-profile projects under Incendium’s OPUS music-focused imprint include theEvanescence graphic anthology series Echoes From The Void, Disturbed’s Dark Messiah comic book series, Joe Satriani’s Crystal Planet series, Black Veil Brides’ The Phantom Tomorrow series, Exodus’Tales of the Damned series, Cradle of Filth’sMaledictus Athenaeum series, and more; Incendium is releasing collectible action figures for every project related to the bands and their comic book storylines.
Seekers of the Seven Keys #1 credits:
Cover Artwork by Santi Casas Interior Artwork by Axel Medellin Written by Joe Harris Letters by Jacob Bascle Edited by Llexi Leon, R.G. Llarena and Denton J. Tipton Helloween “The Keeper Of The Seven Keys,” “The Witch,” and “Jack O. Lantern” Figbiz Action Figures by Incendium
About Incendium:
Founded in 2006, Incendium is a multi-faceted production company known for an array of animation, comic books, toys, and video games. Driven by our team’s passion for Myths, Monsters, and Metal the brand embraces 80s and 90s counterculture with a contemporary twist.
TRACKLISTING „HELLOWEEN“ 01 – Out For The Glory 02 – Fear Of The Fallen 03 – Best Time 04 – Mass Pollution 05 – Angels 06 – Rise Without Chains 07 – Indestructible 08 – Robot King 09 – Cyanide 10 – Down In The Dumps 11 – Orbit 12 – Skyfall
Bonustracks Mediabook & Vinyl: 01 – Golden Times 02 – Save My Hide
Bonustracks Earbook 01 – Golden Times 02 – Save My Hide 03 – Pumpkins United
Jimmy Kay and Alan Dixon from Canada’s The Metal Voicerecently spoke to HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske. During the chat Kiske spoke about the Helloween Pumpkins United reunion and the making of the new self titled album. He also told The Metal Voice about his upcoming acoustic solo album.
Tell us what was the defining moment that made you say yes to reuniting with Helloween “There wasn’t one moment with everything but there was one moment that changed my mind, in general. In the 90’s I would have rejected anything. It didn’t matter how much money you offered me I would not want to do it. I was disappointed about the band, I was disappointed about the scene and pretty much on a crusade to be honest with you. And it was good for me, it was a good time, it was important, it shaped my personality and I didn’t want to miss it. “
“My kind of opening up to this type of music started with Avantasia I think at the end of the 90’s. He (Tobias Sammet) really talked me into it, I didn’t want to do it at first but I liked him right away and he convinced me to do it and I enjoyed it. Then later on Serafino (label Owner) showed up and offered me a deal for my solo stuff and then came Place Vendome which was great and I really enjoyed it and it was getting me into that direction a lot. Then though that ( Place Vendome) I got in touch with Denis Ward and Kosta Zafiriou a few years later and was offered the idea of making a real band (Unisonic) cause they were both getting nowhere with Pink Cream 69. Then on the first tour I did with Avantasia, Kai Hansen was part of it, so I was on stage with Kai again and there was this old familiar way, this chemistry going on and we started talking we should do something together but I didn’t want to join Gamma Ray it’s not my cup of tea, so he joined Unisonic. So that was another step. Around the same time I got pissed about a quote Andi Deris (Helloween singer) said in an interview saying he is sure that in 2000 something that I would be part of the team again (Helloween) and we were going to make a big tour. I was like what is he talking about? But it shows you how long they (Helloween) planned that. Andi and Kai Hansen were like the driving force behind it. In 2013 I was on a tour with Avantasia in Europe and I ran into Michael Weikath (Helloween guitarist) backstage and he stood in front of me and said ‘what have I done that you can’t forgive me for? You can’t be more straightforward. I was holding my breath and I noticed there was no anger anymore. In my soul something had changed probably by getting older. That was the game changer when it comes to realizing that something had changed. Then like a year later we played three shows in Spain with Unisoic, great shows, the band was getting in shape and after one of those shows Kai Hansen looked at me and said, you know what Michael we just got to do something with Helloween once more before it;s too late. And that is when I said, you know what I’m open.”
When asked about working with Andi Deris today “We got along perfectly, it was almost like I knew him which is the most beautiful part of it because every time I saw his face in the past it was not connected with a good feeling, that’s the dude that got my job. The other way around in the early years when he joined the band he got a lot of fire from the fans that did not agree with that so when he saw my face in the past it was probably not connected with the best feelings. (laughs). We were nervous, there was an element of insecurity but it was quickly gone. It was so interesting how good we got along, he is like an old mate or someone I knew in a previous life. That is when we started to go into brainstorming sessions and planning all of this. ”
What was the key to reuniting that you can share for other bands “The basis has to be on a human level, it has to be because you want to make peace. If you are just in there for an ego reason, it’s not going to work, it doesn’t have any strength, it doesn’t have any legs. “
Tell us how the band started falling apart because of money back in the 80’s “Not so much the band, it was more the people around the band trying to get the biggest piece of the cake. The band was massively sucked into a legal situation, you shouldn’t have to think about things like that. We were like so screwed you couldn’t imagine we sold millions of records, we were selling out venues and we were in debt. Typical musicians are usually naive and they should be, music needs a free mind and business is kind of trapping your mind. If you don’t free yourself from these traps and become a business man instead of a musician you are done. It is always that fight of not letting the business side destroy the artist that’s why you need managers, you need to have someone who takes care of that. We do have that now. In the 80’s we were surrounded by sharks. This time around the management is on our side, part of the team now.”
When asked why he didn’t contribute songwriting wise to the new Helloween album “I didn’t want to, I’m making a solo album right now, an acoustic album that is my creative part and role. When it comes to the songs of Helloween I have written a few songs that were successful. I know to me the rest of the band are the main songwriters that define the main sound of the band. And since we have 6 songwriters I thought it was enough. Maybe I will do something for another record. I think it has something to do with the label boss from Nuclear Blast. He is really after my solo record. He is a big fan which is always great. I told him that I am doing something like that and he is like I want to have it. “
When asked if his solo album is completed “I have all the material, it’s going to be 50-50 a few of my own songs all just acoustic but I will also record my favorite songs (covers), non metal tunes, it’s stuff from various bands that I do my own take on. Some from the 70’s, songs that I love and I can sing them in an interesting way. It’s going to be very simple acoustic everything recorded here in my place. I want to take the time but they want to release it when we start the tour (Helloween) next year which is planned March, April, May 2022. It’s going to be released next year for sure.”
Helloween released its new album on June 18 via Nuclear Blast Records
The “Pumpkins United” lineup features returning singer Kiske and guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen alongside frontman Deris, guitarists Weikath and Sascha Gerstner, bassist Markus Grosskopf and drummer Daniel Löble.
Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, the new Helloween Album was recorded in part at the H.O.M.E. Studios in Hamburg.
The “Pumpkins United” tour marked the first time Kiske had played live with HELLOWEEN since 1993. Hansen, who departed HELLOWEEN in 1988, had been joining the band onstage on various tours and festival appearances throughout the years.
Today is the day the whole metal community and fans worldwide have been waiting for: HELLOWEEN are releasing their new album “Helloween”.
“With superb songs, a stellar production and supercharged individual performances, Helloween punch the reset button and hit back with an absolute monster of an album”, says Dave Cockett of UK’s FIREWORKS magazine. “All expectations have been fulfilled. There’s nothing nostalgic or dated in this album. ‘Helloween’ defines power metal for the years to come”, adds Hakos Pervanidis of Greek METAL HAMMER. Axel Meuriche of French MY ROCK calls the album “epic, powerful, outstanding. Obviously, THE record that no one would have dare to dream about before.”
The reactions worldwide are overwhelming. With the highest amount of magazine coverstories and interviews ever at Nuclear Blast, HELLOWEEN also wrote history for their record label. “This album is more than a masterpiece – this album is heavy metal history”,says Markus Staiger, CEO of Nuclear Blast Tonträger Produktions- und Vertriebs GmbH. “It is my lifetime record, the most important one I have ever been involved in. We have fantastic physical products, we did everything we could – without thinking about budgets or limitations. Everyone involved gave 110% and I am so damn’ proud of this album! In my opinion it is the best one HELLOWEEN ever did!”
Today, HELLOWEEN also release their third single, called “Best Time”. Lyrically the song by Sascha Gerstner reminds of the good old days, musically it´s convincing with confident HELLOWEEN style guitar harmonies and a chorus that stays in your long-term memory after hearing it for the first time.
TRACKLISTING „HELLOWEEN“ 01 – Out For The Glory 02 – Fear Of The Fallen 03 – Best Time 04 – Mass Pollution 05 – Angels 06 – Rise Without Chains 07 – Indestructible 08 – Robot King 09 – Cyanide 10 – Down In The Dumps 11 – Orbit 12 – Skyfall
Bonustracks Mediabook & Vinyl: 01 – Golden Times 02 – Save My Hide
Bonustracks Earbook 01 – Golden Times 02 – Save My Hide 03 – Pumpkins United
But there is even more to come: Join HELLOWEEN on their lottery CRACK THE RIDDLE. Fans can win two tickets and a meet & greet for every country of the upcoming world tour!
In the artwork of the mediabook, earbook & boxset edition of their upcoming self titled album, HELLOWEEN have included a game called CRACK THE RIDDLE. Fans have to find the solution code throughout the entire booklet to participate. Lottery win is two tickets for a concert of their choice* including a MEET AND GREET WITH THE BAND! The band will draw a lucky winner for every country of their upcoming world tour!
All fans have to do is enter the solution code on helloween.org and keep the fingers crossed!
The lottery begins today with the release of the album HELLOWEEN and ends July, 31st. The lucky winners will be notified via e-mail on Halloween (October 31st, 2021).
On top, every participant of the lottery will receive 10% off the next order in the officialHELLOWEEN online store www.pumpkins-store.com by using the discount code displayed at the checkout.**
*Does not include any compensation for travel and accommodation **Offer is valid until July 31st, 2021. Cannot be combined with other offers or previous orders
What is worth waiting for: UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022
We all have to stick together to stand and endure this agonizing live music gap and because extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures, HELLOWEEN invited their friends from HAMMERFALL to join them on their European tour in order to create a tremendous metal-package together. The UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022 called alliance is not only the full HELLOWEEN experience, on top the fans will enjoy fine Swedish steel out of the HAMMERFALL forge. Both bands will have brand-new albums in their luggage and the European fans will be able to listen to the new songs live for the very first time on theUNITED FORCES TOUR 2022. The long–awaited end of the dry spell is in sight – coming with a double dose in March, April and May 2022 as we have to catch up two years ofMETALPARTY to get cured from a lot of withdrawal symptoms!
Andi Deris:“We are ‘hammered’ to have our friends from HAMMERFALL with us on tour! Back in 2002 the band produced their album “Crimson Thunder” in my studio in Tenerife and we had a lot of fun back then.” This mega-package is delivering the appropriate metal-spectacle to enter the stage with full power! Oscar Dronjak can hardly wait: “We are so ridiculously excited about this! Not only do we get to go out on tour again after two looooooooong years of stage draught, but we get to do it with a band that we love and was a great inspiration to us in forming HAMMERFALL in the first place. The UNITED FORCES TOUR will be something truly special, you can count on that! “
For the dry run up front, HELLOWEEN is releasing their fantastic new album and with the unification of their three vocalists Kiske,Deris & Hansen the album reminiscences to all eras of the band’s history. This already is a sensation in itself, but also HAMMERFALL is ready to release a brand-new record before the tour starts. A great forerunner to get warmed up for the double load of live power with the ultimate UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022. And whoever misses the just announced dates was probably never infected by the metal virus …
HELLOWEEN & HAMMERFALL UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022 presented by Metal Hammer, Rockantenne, Piranha, Start, Rocks & Rock It
25-Mar-2022 NOR Oslo – Sentrum Scene 26-Mar-2022 SWE Gothenburg – Partille Arena 28-Mar-2022 FIN Helsinki – Black Box 29-Mar-2022 EST Tallinn – Noblessneri Valukoda 01-Apr-2022 GER Bamberg – Brose Arena 02-Apr-2022 GER Hamburg – Sporthalle 03-Apr-2022 GER Berlin – Verti Music Hall 04-Apr-2022 GER Regensburg – Donau Arena 08-Apr-2022 ES Madrid – Wizink Center 09-Apr-2022 ES Barcelona – St. Jordi Club 11-Apr-2022 IT Milan – Lorenzini District 12-Apr-2022 GER Kempten – bigBOX 13-Apr-2022 CH Zürich – Samsung Hall 15-Apr-2022 LUX Luxemburg – Rockhal 16-Apr-2022 NL Tilbourg – 013 18-Apr-2022 PL Katovice – MCK 20-Apr-2022 BG Sofia – Arena Armeec 22-Apr-2022 AT Vienna – Gasometer 23-Apr-2022 CZ Prag -O2 24-Apr-2022 SK Zvolen – Ice Stadium 26-Apr-2022 HU Budapest – Papp Laszlo Sportarena 29-Apr-2022 GER Bochum – Ruhrcongress 30-Apr-2022 GER Stuttgart – Schleyerhalle 01-May-2022 GER Frankfurt – Jahrhunderthalle 04-May-2022 UK Manchester – Manchester Academy 05-May-2022 UK London – Brixton Academy
19-May-2022 RU St. Petersburg – A2* 21-May-2022 RU Moscow – Adrenaline-Stadium* 23-May-2022 FR Lyon – Transbordeur* 25-May-2022 FR Paris – Olympia* * without HAMMERFALL
Tickets: https://bit.ly/2E1KcHE Helloween tickets that have already been purchased remain valid
HELLOWEEN have released their new, second single “FEAR OF THE FALLEN” along with an amazing lyric video clip. The song is a fast paced, melodic track done the way only Deris can do it. ”I 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 melodies“, says Deris and Kiske adds: ”The 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 – 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 all”.
TRACKLISTING „HELLOWEEN“ 01 – Out For The Glory 02 – Fear Of The Fallen 03 – Best Time 04 – Mass Pollution 05 – Angels 06 – Rise Without Chains 07 – Indestructible 08 – Robot King 09 – Cyanide 10 – Down In The Dumps 11 – Orbit 12 – Skyfall
Bonustracks Mediabook & Vinyl: 01 – Golden Times 02 – Save My Hide
Bonustracks Earbook 01 – Golden Times 02 – Save My Hide 03 – Pumpkins United
»Please stick together!« 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:”This 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 I’d 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 experience”. It is therefore not surprising that the first single SKYFALL, a 12 minute epos written by Kai Hansen, has the long yearned “Keeper-vibe” – 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 CD’s to new adventures.
Along with massive album tracks such as HELLOWEEN classic and album opener “OUT FOR THE GLORY“, the epic “DOWN IN THE DUMPS”, both written by Weikath, the power metal shouter “MASS POLLUTION“ by Deris and Grosskopf’s scuff proof rocker“INDESTRUCTIBLE“ (which could be an analogy towards the unbreakable career of the band), the album release is flanked by the ‘party-track‘ of the record, “BEST TIME“. Lyrically the song by Sascha Gerstner reminds of the good old days, musically it´s convincing with confident HELLOWEEN style guitar harmonies and a chorus that stays in your long-term memory after hearing it for the first time. With “ANGELS“, a no less powerful song of his comes into view, bursting with joy in playing: “Synergy, energy & creativity! These were the main elements on this record. We used old school recording engineering from the 80’s merged with the current HELLOWEEN-vibe and here we are: more than 35 years of heavy metal experience on one record!“ adds Gerstner. Besides the line-up and the unique interaction of world class front men – this is what makes the album outstanding: it is a precise time travel through all phases of the band’s history, going back to the roots but at the same time at the speed of light towards the future. “HELLOWEEN“ 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 ”Master Of The Rings“, ”The Time Of The Oath“ and ”Better Than Raw“ 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). ”After 30 years with the different line ups of the band I really thought I was well prepared for another extreme challenge, but I was wrong! My expectations were highly exceeded in every way with this super-sized creativity package”tells us Bauerfeind. Dennis Ward adds: ”HELLOWEEN is an institution with only one goal: making music. Not only for themselves, but for the fans as well. When we started mixing we realized that we had a record that covers the whole spectrum of the band and every one of us gave 110% for it. It was an honor to finally work with Charlie and I am grateful to the band that I became a part of their history!”
Besides all musical competence, it is also the special enthusiasm that defines HELLOWEEN. Michael Weikath characterizes in his own way: ”It is the incomprehensible encounter of seven musicians who are working as friends and even family and created something that no one would have thought it could be possible. It is like awaking from a sleep but still being in an incredible dream“. Returnee Kai Hansen reflects: ”Being 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 ‘new‘ boys. The collaboration of different songwriters and strong characters made the album very special: a unique mix with reminiscences from all chapters of the band’s history. HELLOWEEN is a big part of my life and I am looking forward to celebrating the songs live for and with our fans“! From another perspective Markus Grosskopf agrees: ”For me, being one of the last “survivors” 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 it“.
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. “HELLOWEEN“ will be released on June 18th, 2021 as 2CD-Digibook, 1CD-Jewelcase, 2LP-2CD Earbook and as an elaborate Deluxe-Boxset incl. Earbook, a Helloween-wall clock, pins, necklace, patch and an art print of the cover. Available digitally as well as on vinyl with a 2LP Gatefold-version in different colors and picture disc. For all collectors HELLOWEEN offers a limited spectacular 3LP-Hologramm vinyl.
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 – here comes HELLOWEEN!
Single 1: Vinyl, CD, digital: ‘Skyfall’ (single edit) + ‘Skyfall’ (exclusive alternative vocals mix). Both are exclusive single versions and will not be on the album. Around 20 minutes playing time.
Single 2: Vinyl only ‘Skyfall’ (single edit) + ‘Indestructible’ (exclusive album track). This is a strictly limited version of the new single with one exclusive album track.
It was already foreseeable: Due to the pandemic, the originally for April/May scheduledHELLOWEEN European tour has to be postponed again. However, this is no reason to hang your head, even more so now: it is getting even more powerful in 2022! We all have to stick together to stand and endure this agonizing live music gap and because extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures, HELLOWEEN invited their friends from HAMMERFALL to join them on their European tour in order to create a tremendous metal-package together. The UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022 called alliance is not only the full HELLOWEEN experience, on top the fans will enjoy fine Swedish steel out of the HAMMERFALL forge. Both bands will have brand-new albums in their luggage and the European fans will be able to listen to the new songs live for the very first time on theUNITED FORCES TOUR 2022. The long–awaited end of the dry spell is in sight – coming with a double dose in March, April and May 2022 as we have to catch up two years ofMETALPARTY to get cured from a lot of withdrawal symptoms!
Andi Deris:“We are ‘hammered’ to have our friends from HAMMERFALL with us on tour! Back in 2002 the band produced their album “Crimson Thunder” in my studio in Tenerife and we had a lot of fun back then.” This mega-package is delivering the appropriate metal-spectacle to enter the stage with full power! Oscar Dronjak can hardly wait: “We are so ridiculously excited about this! Not only do we get to go out on tour again after two looooooooong years of stage draught, but we get to do it with a band that we love and was a great inspiration to us in forming HAMMERFALL in the first place. The UNITED FORCES TOUR will be something truly special, you can count on that! “
For the dry run up front, HELLOWEEN is releasing their fantastic new album and with the unification of their three vocalists Kiske,Deris & Hansen the album reminiscences to all eras of the band’s history. This already is a sensation in itself, but also HAMMERFALL is ready to release a brand-new record before the tour starts. A great forerunner to get warmed up for the double load of live power with the ultimate UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022. And whoever misses the just announced dates was probably never infected by the metal virus …
HELLOWEEN & HAMMERFALL UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022 presented by Metal Hammer, Rockantenne, Piranha, Start, Rocks & Rock It
25-Mar-2022 NOR Oslo – Sentrum Scene 26-Mar-2022 SWE Gothenburg – Partille Arena 28-Mar-2022 FIN Helsinki – Black Box 29-Mar-2022 EST Tallinn – Noblessneri Valukoda 01-Apr-2022 GER Bamberg – Brose Arena 02-Apr-2022 GER Hamburg – Sporthalle 03-Apr-2022 GER Berlin – Verti Music Hall 04-Apr-2022 GER Regensburg – Donau Arena 08-Apr-2022 ES Madrid – Wizink Center 09-Apr-2022 ES Barcelona – St. Jordi Club 11-Apr-2022 IT Milan – Lorenzini District 12-Apr-2022 GER Kempten – bigBOX 13-Apr-2022 CH Zürich – Samsung Hall 15-Apr-2022 LUX Luxemburg – Rockhal 16-Apr-2022 NL Tilbourg – 013 18-Apr-2022 PL Katovice – MCK 20-Apr-2022 BG Sofia – Arena Armeec 22-Apr-2022 AT Vienna – Gasometer 23-Apr-2022 CZ Prag -O2 24-Apr-2022 SK Zvolen – Ice Stadium 26-Apr-2022 HU Budapest – Papp Laszlo Sportarena 29-Apr-2022 GER Bochum – Ruhrcongress 30-Apr-2022 GER Stuttgart – Schleyerhalle 01-May-2022 GER Frankfurt – Jahrhunderthalle 04-May-2022 UK Manchester – Manchester Academy 05-May-2022 UK London – Brixton Academy
19-May-2022 RU St. Petersburg – A2* 21-May-2022 RU Moscow – Adrenaline-Stadium* 23-May-2022 FR Lyon – Transbordeur* 25-May-2022 FR Paris – Olympia* * without HAMMERFALL
Tickets: https://bit.ly/2E1KcHE Helloween tickets that have already been purchased remain valid
Canada’s The Metal Voice recently spoke with HELLOWEEN’s guitarist Michael Weikath about the reunited classic line-up and the new upcoming studio album on June 18 via Nuclear Blast.
How did the band reunite to create this album? “It just happened on the way we have been doing the shows and then someone said you have to do a Pumpkins United track (single), which we did. Then we had these concerts (Pumpkins United ) and everything went so well, which had people crying in the first rows. it went so well we kept going. It was enjoyable and someone said because you have done the Pumpkins United recording (one single) and you proved that you can, you will have to do an album. The fans said so, the media said so, the record company said so and management said so and then we said yes.”
When asked about the musical style of the new album “We did try to put some Queen parts in it. Also Kai Hansen has a Brain May Audio Plug in which he also used wherever he could and that is the Queen aspect of it we always forget to mention. There is a bit of Judas Priest in there cause I wanted to mimic Priest Riffs or things they are known for on their older albums because they are so compatible with Helloween stuff.The album is magic in the way that it comes across and the way it sounds. Also everything was transferred onto analogue tape and mixed by analogue means.”
Why did Michael Kiske not contribute as a songwriter on the new album? “Kiske said to me I guess I quit for this time (meaning not contributing a song) He said I got so so many ideas but it did not sound so much like Helloween, it sounded more like poppy or country stuff, the way I understood. And that was ok cause we had enough of other music and he had stuff to do being involved in a full fledged Helloween production like this. He (Kiske), arranged with Deris the vocal lines. So I guess that was already a plethora of things to be done without one of his own tracks being produced.”
Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, the new HELLOWEEN LP was recorded in part at the H.O.M.E. Studios in Hamburg (where everything started in 1984). The same recording console used for such HELLOWEEN albums as “Master Of The Rings”, “Time Of The Oath” and “Better Than Raw” was utilized to record the band’s new material. The effort was mixed at the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, RAMMSTEIN).
Track listing: 01. Out For The Glory 02. Fear Of The Fallen 03. Best Time 04. Mass Pollution 05. Angels 06. Rise Without Chains 07. Indestructible 08. Robot King 09. Cyanide 10. Down In The Dumps 11. Orbit 12. Skyfall
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