Helloween - Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part 1 Review

Revision as of 20:29, 16 March 2009

Warrel Dane - Praises To The War Machine

General Information

Original Author: The Uncreator

Artist: Helloween

Album: Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I

Genre: Heavy Metal/Power Metal

Tracklist: 01. Initiation 02. I'm Alive 03. A Little Time 04. Twilight of the Gods 05. A Tale That Wasn't Right 06. Future World 07. Halloween 08. Follow the Sign

Sound: 10 - It's a raw sound for a classic metal album that needs to be raw. It sounds incredible because of this and it has a greater impact on the listener. The leads are always perfectly mixed with the rhythms in the band. All the harmonies are spot on all the way through. This album isn't a normal album. It is close to perfection.

Guitar: 10 - I don't think anyone will disagree with me here in saying that Kai Hansen and Michael Weikath are two incredible guitarists but together as a unit they are up there amongst the best in classic metal. They are constantly doing dueling solos and harmonising lines that many other bands could only dream of being able to pull off. The riffs in I'm Alive, A Little Time, Future World and Halloween are among some of the best ever written in my opinion and this album is flawless on the guitar. You can't fault it at all.

Bass: 10 - I've always loved the basslines for Helloween. They have a very weird way to record them in how it sounds when you listen but it's very different and it makes you listen out for the bass as much as the guitar as in a lot of parts he is using the bass like a lead instrument but when it needs to have solid rhythm for the guitars it has this. An incredible bassist for certain and one of the best parts about this album.

Drums: 8 - Very strong drums throughout and it really compliments the guitars and vocals well and sets out a great rhythm for each track. I love the drums on this album as they are very appropiate to the songs. I'm not a drummer though so I'm not good in this area.

Vocals: 10 - One of the greatest vocalists around for certain in Michael Kiske and he was 18 when this record was recorded but man does he have a voice on him. He captures you with his singing style and you can't fail to listen as he puts everything into the performance and keeps the listener interested

Lyrics: 9 - Some good lyrics which grab your attention and they have incredible attention to detail to bring you into their "world". Very epic lyrics and this is especially the case on Halloween. A 14 minute song which is just incredibly written, musically, lyrically and it has incredibly powerful vocals from one of the best vocalists in metal in my opinion.

From "Halloween" Masquerade, masquerade Grab your mask and don't be late Get out get out well disguised Heat and fever in the air tonight Meet the others at the store, Knock on other people's door Trick or treat they have the choice, Little ghosts are makin' lotsa noise

But watch out...beware - listen...take care

In the streets on halloween There's something going on No way to escape the power unknown In the streets on halloween The spirits will arise Make your choice, it's hell or paradise Ah--it's halloween Ah--it's halloween...tonight!

Someone's sitting in a field, Never giving yield Sitting there with gleaming eyes, Waiting for big pumpkin to arise Bad luck if you get a stone, Like the good old charlie brown You think linus could be right The kids will say it's just a stupid lie

But watch out...beware - listen...take care

In the streets on halloween There's something going on No way to escape the power unknown In the streets on halloween The spirits will arise Make your choice, it's hell or paradise Ah--it's halloween Ah--it's halloween...tonight!

Listen now--we are calling you... And there is magic in the air

Magic in the air...on halloween Black is the night full of fright You'll be missing the day What will be here very soon Changing your way A knock at your door Is it real or is it a dream On trembling legs you open the door And you scream...on halloween

Darkness Where am I now Is there anybody out there What has happened Am I in heaven Or is it hell I can see a light comin' It's comin' nearer It's shining It's shining so bright It's shining on me

I am the one, doom's in my hands Now make your choice, Redeemed or enslaved

I'll show you passion and glory He is the snake I'll give you power and abundance He's the corrupter of man

Save me from the evil one Give me strength to carry on I will fight for all mankind's Deliverance and peace of mind

But watch out...beware - listen...take care

In the streets on halloween There's something going on No way to escape the power unknown In the streets on halloween The spirits will arise Make your choice, it's hell or paradise Ah--it's halloween Ah--it's halloween...tonight!

Yeah, it's halloween Yeah, it's halloween...tonight

Overall Impression: 9.5 - If you don't own this album and have never heard the songs then you are really missing out to say the least. From the epic song Halloween to the cheesyness of Future World and the classic metal stylings of A Little Time it is an incredibly written album that will be talked about within the Metal community for many years to come. Not many bands can claim to have an album this great but Helloween whether you like them or not created a masterpiece. As close to perfection as you can possibly get. If you don't own this album and you like metal then you HAVE to purchase. You wont be disapointed

Stand Out Tracks: Future World, Halloween and A Little Time

Links: http://www.helloween.org/