Helloween – Live at Budokan Review

From Walls of Jericho to Pumpkins United: Helloween's Perfect Night at Budokan...

Released by: Reigning Phoenix Music

Release Date: Out Now!!!

Genre: Power Metal

 

Line Up:

Michael Kiske | vocals
Andi Deris | vocals
Kai Hansen | guitars, vocals
Michael Weikath | guitars
Sascha Gerstner | guitars
Markus Grosskopf | bass
Daniel Löble | drums

 

Tracklist:

Orbit
Skyfall
Eagle Fly Free
Mass Polution
Future World
Power
Save Us
Kai’s Medley [Walls Of Jericho, Metal Invaders, Victim Of Fate, Gorgar, Ride The Sky, Heavy Metal Is The Law]
 Forever And One (Neverland)
 Best Time
 Dr. Stein
 How Many Tears
Perfect Gentleman
 Keeper Of The Seven Keys
 Drumokan *Blu-ray/DVD only!*
 I Want Out

 

Since reuniting in true Blues Brothers style, German power metal titans Helloween have been on what seems like a mission from god – and their latest release captures 2 hours and 15 songs of pure beauty at Japan’s legendary Budokan venue. That they still sound this magnificent live, four decades after defining their musical genre, speaks to the brilliant reinvention of what Helloween has become.

The current incarnation features an impressive lineup with three lead singers and three lead guitarists, delivering the best of every era: from the raw energy of Walls of Jericho, through the majestic Keepers… period, to the Deris era beginning with Master of the Rings and culminating in their triumphant Pumpkins United reunion. Their recent self-titled album was so well received that it’s fitting to see both Orbit and Skyfall opening this historic Budokan performance.

Throughout the recording, Kiske and Deris masterfully share vocal duties as the band delivers flawless renditions of classics like Eagle Fly Free, Futureworld, and Dr Stein. The new material sits perfectly alongside these standards, while Andi Deris’ signature songs such as Power and Perfect Gentleman sound absolutely immense. The rabid Budokan crowd matches the band’s energy, hollering and singing every word back to them.

Standout moments include Save Us (arguably the greatest bonus track ever to grace a metal album) from Keepers Pt II, Kai’s electrifying medley of Walls of Jericho favorites that drives the crowd wild, and the Kiske classic I Want Out serving as the perfect closer.

While live albums typically don’t appeal unless you attended the show, this recording transcends that limitation. Despite never having visited Japan, the incredible energy, outstanding musicianship, and perfectly curated setlist make this an essential purchase for any Helloween fan. That it marks their first-ever performance at the Budokan makes it even more special – and proves the wait was more than worth it.

 

Written by: Adrian Hextall

Ratings: 8/10

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