HELLOWEEN — Helloween (review)

HELLOWEEN — Helloween album cover EP · 1985 · Speed Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
UMUR
"Helloween" is an eponymously titled EP release by German speed/power metal act Helloween. The EP was released through Noise Records in March 1985. Helloween formed in 1978 under the Gentry monicker and went through a couple of band name changes (Second Hell and Iron Fist) before settling on Helloween in 1984. They released the "Death Metal Demo" that same year and in late 1984 the two tracks from the demo appeared on the "Death Metal" split release along with material from Running Wild, Hellhammer, and Dark Avenger.

The EP features 5 tracks and a total playing time of 26:28 minutes, so there is arguably enough quantity for the money, and there´s certainly nothing wrong with the quality either. Stylistically Helloween play a fast-paced, raw yet still melodic and occasionally neo-classical influenced speed metal style. Lead vocalist/guitarist Kai Hansen has a rather distinct sounding voice and delivery. He can sing both mid-range and extremely high pitched screaming vocals. He´s an interesting singer, because as a starting point his voice isn´t that powerful or pleasant sounding (he often sounds a little strained when singing), but somehow he still manages to produce sounds which suit the material well.

The instrumental work is relatively impressive considering the young age of the band and the fact that this EP is their first label release. Fast-paced tight drumming, a sharp sounding bass, and two guitarists churning out both ultra fast-paced speed/thrashy riffing, but also loads of melodic lead guitar lines and harmonies. There´s no arguing that Helloween were already a very well playing unit even this early on.

The first four tracks on the EP are all energetic, powerful, and fast-paced speed metal songs with an epic atmosphere, although the 6:38 minutes long "Victim of Fate" is slightly more complex featuring more dynamics and variation then the other three tracks. The EP concludes with the power ballad turns speed metal track "Cry for Freedom", which does come off slightly awkward, but not in an uncharming fashion. The whole thing reeks old school credibility and an adventurous touch, and those are great qualities.

The sound production is relatively well sounding for the time and genre, but it does sound a little dated today. Of course the unpolished and pretty raw sound production only adds to the authentic atmosphere of the release. In retrospect this became a groundbreaking speed metal release but the strained vocals and sometimes clumsy songwriting do drag my rating down a bit. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.
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