Helloween
Formed: 1983
From:
Hamburg,
Germany
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Helloween News
Below is our complete Helloween news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 155 1 2 3 ... 7 8 Last
OpEd
Diamond's Mine: The Best Of 2025
Well... 2025 was crap wasn't it? More war, more hatred and AI is both rampant and mostly promoted by the biggest losers you know. Once again though, we find some solace in metal music, there as always to offer an outlet for our anger, frustration and general negativity. There's been no shortage of memorable moments, including the passing of metal's first frontman Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Mustaine announcing that Megadeth will be hanging up the gloves so he can talk about Metallica full time, the unexpected return of Acid Bath and the sad disbandment of many legends including Orange Goblin, Whitesnake and Bury Your Dead, along with some younger casualties in Ithaca and Svalbard. We also said our sad farewells to John Sykes of Thin Lizzy and Tygers Of Pan Tang, Mastodon vocalist and guitarist Brent Hinds, At The Gates frontman Tomas Lindberg original Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, to name only a few.
Ordinarily, I begin my annual column by picking a favourite newcomer, but despite seeing plenty of bands this year, I don't think I caught anyone making their debut, nor did I hear a debut album which particularly grabbed me. Hell, even Googling "metal debut albums 2025" was practically useless. The closest I've come was seeing three bands who released their first album in 2024; High Parasite, Brat and Bobbie Dazzle. I would highly recommend all three to fans of different genres, especially the first on that list, but I can't really give them the award when they didn't form or release their first albums this year. So instead of arbitrarily picking a young band and pretending I know anything about them, I invite all readers to tell me which new acts they'd recommend in the comments below. More...
Report
Helloween Puts On A Power Metal Spectacle
Hammersmith. Just the name alone evokes memories and lore of rock and heavy metal's past. It's in this West London area that we find the Apollo, formerly known as the Odeon, which has been the setting for the transformation of heavy metal bands into icons. Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, AC/DC... They've all headlined this famous venue and everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Celtic Frost have recorded live releases here. Hell, this writer's first show was seeing Motorhead here in 2003, so it's fair to say there's some personal attachment to the Apollo, as well as the legacy it already holds. Tonight, Hammersmith was once again hosting an important name in heavy metal, as power metal pioneers Helloween were set to headline on the only British date of their 40th anniversary tour.
Entering into the small but grand lobby and heading up the stairs, excitement was in the air not just for the legends, but for tonight's support act, one of Europe's fastest rising power metal stars, Beast In Black. Formed in Finland ten years ago, Beast In Black has three studio albums to their name, with a fourth almost completed, as confirmed by vocalist Yannis Papadopoulos during the show. While they're definitely in the power metal category, the quintet also holds a strong electronic influence, forging the kind of metal which appears in the Eurovision Song Contest every so often. This all comes together to create an upbeat, animated energy that permeates every inch of the room as soon as the first notes of the opening song, "Power Of The Beast" were played. More...
Helloween Shares "Eagle Fly Free" Live Clip
Exciting things are underway: as they record the follow-up to their highly acclaimed 2021 self-titled album with producer Charlie Bauerfeind, metal legends Helloween treat fans to another preview from their upcoming "Live At Budokan" release (Reigning Phoenix Music). This high-octane rendition of their timeless classic, "Eagle Fly Free," captures the unmistakable chemistry between the band and the spirited Japanese audience at Tokyo's legendary Budokan, elevating the track to an entirely new level. You can check it out below.
"A song that is just as wonderful and popular today as it was when it was first released. It comes with an effective overture, has a great upbeat and a brilliant, epic chorus. 'Eagle Fly Free' has the ultimate vibe and encourages you to sing along. It has everything you would expect from an all-time Helloween classic, I love playing it," states guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen.
"Live At Budokan" will be released on DVD and Blu Ray on December 13th. More...
Helloween Announces New Live Album
Get ready to dive headfirst into the electrifying world of Helloween with their new live album "Live At Budokan," a colossal release that immortalizes their iconic performance at Tokyo's legendary Nippon Budokan! Dropping on December 13, 2024 through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), this release will be available in a plethora of formats: 2CD-digipak and 3LP vinyl in trifold with the first print run of both coming as "deluxe edition" including embossed cover artwork, as well as Blu-ray, DVD and digital. Each version is meticulously crafted to suit the metal community's diverse tastes, ensuring every fan can relive the raw, unfiltered energy of Helloween in their preferred medium.
To tide fans over until "Live At Budokan" arrives, the band have launched the first single "Best Time (live)." This electrifying live version of the hit single and most streamed track (more than 11 million streams on Spotify) from Helloween's self-titled reunion album (2021) can be watched below.
Guitarist Sascha Gerstner comments: "'Best Time' captures the energy and the moment when everything fits together perfectly and you leave everything negative behind. For me, this track is an anthem for all those nights when you're heading towards the future. That's why it conveys exactly this mood in concert, as if you were living in a single great moment that lasts forever." More...
Helloween Signs With Reigning Phoenix Music
Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) announces the signing of legendary power metal institution Helloween for their upcoming studio album! Since their formation in 1984 and the spectacular reunion in 2017, Helloween are undoubtedly one of the world's outstanding representatives of the genre.
RPM proudly comments on the signing: "It is a true milestone for Reigning Phoenix Music to welcome Helloween to our family of artists. Helloween are not just a band, they epitomize the energy and passion of power metal. Their music has inspired generations, and we are proud to collaborate in order to reach new heights."
Helloween themselves are equally enthusiastic about the new partnership: "Sven Bogner and his team have convinced us with their ideas and enthusiasm. They live and love metal, and this is what connects us - we look forward to working with them!" explains Andi Deris from Helloween.
The combination of Helloween and Reigning Phoenix Music promises a powerful synergy between one of the world's most influential power metal bands and a label that is passionate about promoting up-and-coming talents as well as established artists. Fans can look forward to thrilling musical experiences and innovative projects. Specifically, Helloween will start working on new material from the summer and are planning to release a new studio album in 2025.
KK's Priest Replaces Helloween At Bloodstock 2023
German power metal legends Helloween has announced that they will no longer be performing at this year's edition of the Bloodstock Open Air festival. The band stated:
"The heavy storms in Slovenia (our thoughts are with the flood victims) and cloudbursts in Wacken couldn’t harm us - we played all our scheduled shows and celebrated together with our loyal fans. Much more difficult for us is now to inform you that we have to cancel the upcoming festival gigs at the Hellsinki Metal Festival in Finland and Bloodstock Open Air in the UK due to an acute laryngitis our singer Michael Kiske is suffering of. We did make this decision with a lot of consideration and with heavy hearts but Michael’s condition unfortunately does not leave us any other choice. Thanks for your understanding."
Stepping in to replace them will be KK's Priest, the band led by former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing and fronted by Tim "Ripper" Owens, who will release their sophomore album, "The Sinner Rides Again" on September 29th.
"KK and the band are extremely delighted to be able to add Bloodstock to our summer 2023 European festival run and we consider it a real bonus to play in front of our English fans. We're certain it's going to be a great evening of metal. We're very much looking forward to it and we'll see everybody there ready to rock!" —KK's Priest
Helloween Debuts "Best Time" Music Video
June 2021 saw the release of their sensational new studio album "Helloween" and it was THE metal news of the year! Media and critics were cheering almost breathlessly: "sleight of hand," "healing" and "a 65-minute celebration." Finally, the fans were the ones who catapulted the album straight to No. 1 in Germany and Spain, into the top 5 of seven countries and worldwide 15 times into the best 15 of the album charts. Everybody was united in their opinion: these 12 tracks generated their own genre universe and leave all competitors behind, even after 35 years of band history.
Because this success is not being a given in these times, Helloween would like to celebrate again with their fans: with "Best Time," THE party song of the album - streamed via Spotify more than 4 million times - the song propagates a lot of hope and optimism.
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery
I will have the best time of my life
Yes, I know I'm gonna be alright
I'm feeling better in the neon light"
The sunny and straight hymn by Sascha Gerstner and Andi Deris revives the good times and shows with their drifty guitars and top form front men a song full of the joys. About the songwriting of 'Best Time,' Sascha Gerstner states: "I had an '80's neo noir vibe' in my head. The riff originally was a synth riff, which we arranged for guitars later. The wording 'I will have the best time of my life' was pretty spontaneous because I had this strong feeling to leave the past behind and to seize the day! Andi instantly loved the idea as well as the refrain and together we created the track as it is now!"
Visually, the new single is a real goodie as well: under the administration of Martin Häusler ("Skyfall"), an extremely cool 3D road movie developed and one lost sight of the difficult conditions. The band was added via live material and Canadian Arch Enemy front-woman Alissa White-Gluz complimented the video with her appearance and stated: "After playing multiple festivals and touring extensively in South America together a few years back, Helloween and I decided to make a fun video to reminisce about the good times while simultaneously planning for many more!" More...
Helloween Postpones Select European Tour Dates
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Helloween and Hammerfall are unfortunately forced to postpone again parts of the United Forces Tour 2022.
Even though the situation seems to be partly easing, after consulting all European promoters they came to the conclusion that the still existing restrictions of individual countries and regions make it impossible to play the tour in one piece as planned. Helloween and Hammerfall are very sad about this, but are happy to be able to start with the original dates in England in May.
They are convinced to be close to the end of the pandemic and with the new dates they will finally be able to play the United Forces concerts for the fans!
Tour dates still going ahead:
04.05.2022 UK Manchester - Manchester Academy
05.05.2022 UK London - Brixton Academy
23.05.2022 FR Lyon - Transbordeur *
25.05.2022 FR Paris - Olympia * More...
Helloween Tops The German Album Charts
It's the album that every metal fan has been waiting a long time for.
"Helloween" bundles everything that defines Helloween", writes Deaf Forever editor Lothar Hausfeld. "An epic adventure for the ages", judges Peter Albers from Breakout magazine and Rüdiger Stehle of Powermetal.DE states: "The new album from Helloween is a constructive lesson in exceeding incredibly high expectations. It combines all the strengths of a band's history and seven exceptionally great musicians into a work that is creative, finely balanced, epic and thrilling in every respect."
This milestone that has been out for one week, exceeds all expectations and has now acheieved a sensational, well-deserved number 1 in the official German album charts! "For us this is the highest form of honour and we are very proud, thank you very much," says guitarist and founding member Michael Weikath. "In my eyes, artists shouldn't primarily be looking at charts and sales figures, but of course you're really happy to get such a response for such a special album," says vocalist Michael Kiske and his vocal colleague Andi Deris adds: "I have been travelling around the world with our music for 30 years - but a number 1 album in my own home country is probably THE dream par excellence for all musicians ... WOW ... we actually achieved it. Unity makes us strong - Pumpkins United we are!"
Helloween Announces Tour With Hammerfall
Due to the pandemic, the dates for Helloween's European tour, that was originally scheduled for April/May 2021, have been postponed again. However, this is no reason to hang your head, as the newly rescheduled tour will be even more exciting.
We all have to stick together to make it through this agonising live music gap, and because extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures, Helloween have invited their friends from Hammerfall to join them on their rescheduled European tour, to create a tremendous metal-package. The United Forces tour 2022 will now not only feature the full Helloween experience, but fans will also get a taste of fine Swedish steel, straight out of the Hammerfall forge. Both bands will have brand-new albums in their arsenal, and it will be the first opportunity for European fans to experience these new songs live. The long–awaited end to this dry spell is finally in sight.
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!“ More...
Helloween Reveals New Album Details
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 a glorious 35 year long career. The future of one of the most influential German metal bands 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! I have always been fascinated by the different character traits and facets of Helloween's history. For example 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 upcoming single "Skyfall" (out on April, 2nd), a 12 minute epos written by Kai Hansen, has the long yearned for “Keeper-vibe” - even if the full album can by no means be limited to just that. "Skyfall" carries a musical arch that will be loved by fans of every era. This first album of this new age will take fans from unforgettable memories of their fifteen studio records and four live CD’s to new adventures.
"Skyfall" begins with a bang. The epic track describes an alien landing on earth and a dramatic chase while Kiske, Deris and Hansen duel with each other in a truly breathtaking manner. Produced by Martin Häusler, it is the most elaborate video clip in the history of the band. Portrayed via truly cinematic 3-D animation, this video is a real high end experience. More...
Helloween Teases New Single
The sensation was perfect – Helloween, who has sold more than 10 million records worldwide, being one of the most respected German metal bands since 1984, announced their Pumpkins United World Tour in 2016. The media was raving about the tour of the year, playing 69 shows in 32 countries all over the world. More than one million fans on three continents were ecstatic because it was not only a reunion of the original band, it was the summit of seven ultimate Helloween heroes: Andi Deris, Michael Kiske, Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, Markus Grosskopf, Sascha Gerstner & Dani Löble. Or to put it simply, it was a dream come true for fans around the world. The band received five times more spectators and all of them had only one wish: Please stay together!
Following the excitement, one of the biggest magazines in this genre, Burrn! (Japan), honored the band with four unbelievable cover stories, followed by the thunderstorm of the century within the social media universe, a celebrated Pumpkins United single and the quenchless hunger for more – much more! And yes, the musicians tasted blood and it was clear, there was no way back – the future of Helloween will be written in unity. It marked the beginning of a new era and the re-birth of a metal legend with exceptional artists. Their first new album will be released in summer 2021. Look out, because on April 2nd, 2021 the spectacular single "Skyfall" will be released!
"Skyfall" will be available on CD, digitally and in two different vinyl versions.
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. More...
Helloween Posts Live Album Trailer
Everyone is clued in: From October 4th, 2019 we can all revisit the Pumpkins United World Tour every night without even leaving the couch. What is served, is no less than the greatest hits from 30 years and a breakneck trip through the entire Helloween repertoire – a 14 month metal quake, featured on the cover of almost every metal magazine including the world’s biggest metal magazine, Japan´s BURRN!, which dedicated an unbelievable four cover stories to this tour. In other words: clear the ring for the next round of Pumpkins United madness!
Today, the band reveal their second album trailer, offering an insight into the upcoming live release and into the band members' thoughts. Watch the new clip below. More...
Helloween Announces New Studio And Live Albums
German power metal legends Helloween has announced that they will be releasing a live CD/DVD package of their recent "Pumpkins United" tour next year, with a new studio album to follow in 2020. An update from the group reads thusly:
"A very special summer season, not only due to the tropical heat, is slowly coming to an end: Festivals have been rocked so hard that we would’ve been sweating even if mercury hadn’t been on a permanent high. Among the massive Pumpkins United World Tour’s open air highlights were, of course, the headline slots at Wacken, Barcelona’s Rock Fest and Masters of Rock – but also the mega gigs with Iron Maiden at Sweden Rock Festival and Florence’s Firenze Rocks in June were definitely shows we’ll remember for all eternity. Thanks to everyone who has been with us until now!
"Fortunately the tour is by no means over, and dates in the US and Canada are next on the schedule – there will also be, due to the tremendous demand, additional dates in Latin America to follow: And as first class support, no other than Kreator and Arch Enemy will be firing up the stages for the Pumpkins! Final shows with the full United cast will take place at the end of 2018 with a right royal farewell blast: In Hamburg, right where all the madness started in 1984, Pumpkins United will burn down the house with the tour’s last show in the legendary Sporthalle on December 22nd.
"For those, who mysteriously missed the tour – but also for everyone, who has been a part of it and would love to revisit those unique nights, the boys have recorded the very best moments. Goose bump inducing footage of the Pumpkins United world tour, which has been reveled as “tour of the year” by fans and press everywhere, will be released as a live CD as well as on DVD and Blu-ray at the beginning of 2019, so that those nights can be celebrated over and over without even having to leave the sofa.
"As we are reeling from Wacken and preparing for the upcoming show in Bamberg, those maniacs are already launching the next sensation: For starters, Nuclear Blast has insisted to keep the band on their roster for a few more years, and – double bass drum roll – there will be a brand-new studio album with Kiske and Hansen. With the band’s songwriting trio of Weikath, Hansen and Deris retreating to the studio together with these two exceptional singers in 2019, it’s clear that the album scheduled for 2020 will be no less than epic."
Helloween Announces North American Shows
German power metal institution Helloween announced the North American shows for the "Pumpkins United" Tour, which features the current lineup reuniting for the tour with former founder/vocalist Kai Hansen, as well as former vocalist Michael Kiske. The band recently released the new single "Pumpkins United" featuring all the members, which you can check out over here.
The band announced: "Indeed, the North American Helloween fans had to be very patient. Reading about Pumpkins United's touring schedule and sold out shows in Latin America, Europe & Asia, but yet any shows in the upper half of the American continent... but your constant demands were heard!
"We proudly announce the Pumpkins United shows in the USA & Canada!
Sales are available now through Enter the Vault.
Confirmed dates are:
Sept. 07, 2018 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
Sept. 08, 2018 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Palladium - LA
Sept. 10, 2018 - Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
Sept. 12, 2018 - CAN - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
Sept. 14, 2018 - USA - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
Sept. 15, 2018 - USA - New York City, NY @ Irving Plaza
Helloween Issues "Pumpkins United" Single
German power metal pioneers Helloween issued the new single "Pumpkins United," the launch pad for the band's upcoming tour joining the forces of all eras of the band - Kai Hansen, Michael Kiske and Andi Deris. The song is available digitally now at this location and on December 8th in physical form from Nuclear Blast Records.
The upcoming super tour’s first confirmed date is October 28, 2017 in Sao Paulo and takes the full Pumpkins entourage across selected cities and venues in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the US.
Check out the single here:
Headline News
Helloween Announces "Pumpkins United" Reunion
Here comes the sensation for all Hellowen fans: You believed in it for years and continued to ask for it – now is the time: In fall 2017, Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen will once again mount a Hellowen stage together and resurrect the band’s legendary original line-up.
Yes, it’s official: Weikath, Kiske, Hansen, Grosskopf are going to play Hellowen classics live and on a joint tour. Massive news. Awesome. But you might want to sit down again, because that’s not all of it! Under the flag Pumpkins United all pumpkin heads will step up – meaning Andi & Kiske on vocals, Kai & Weiki & Sascha on guitars, and Markus & Dani in the rhythm section.
The super tour’s first confirmed date is October 28, 2017 in Sao Paulo and takes the full Pumpkins entourage across selected cities and venues in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the US. An extremely big deal, which, including a few secret surprises, will present almost three hours of the biggest hits from three decades of Hellowen as the band will obviously insist on performing a full-speed trip through the Hellowen repertoire. "We already had an awesome time on the Hellish Rock part 1 & 2, but this time we’ll definitely double down on it" says Kai Hansen, and Markus Grosskopf adds: "There’ll for sure be songs that we haven’t played in a very long time or even ever before." More...
Just For Fun
Helloween Announces Lineup Reunion
This was obviously an April Fool's gag. For the full list of our 2016 jokes, head here.
German power metal pioneers Helloween have been long rumored to have a reunion of the band's "Keeper of the Seven Keys" lineup with former vocalist Michael Kiske at the helm. Today, the band confirmed a reunion is indeed in the works! However, the reunion is of the majority of the classic "Walls of Jericho" lineup, featuring Kai Hansen, Michael Weikath, Markus Grosskopf. Uli Kusch, who played with the band from 1994-2001, following the death of original drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg, will be tapped for the drums.
Guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen explained: "Originally, Weiki intended on having Michael back, but his commitments with Avantasia would have delayed this further than he wanted the fans to wait. Gamma Ray is currently writing new material, so the time was right to give the real early Helloween fans a treat."
The lineup was originally going to go under the moniker "Gorgar," but vocalist Andi Deris was so excited about the idea that he gave his blessing to just use Helloween. Deris commented: "I was pumped for the possibility of Michael Kiske returning, but to have Kai back on vocals...I mean, how can I argue with that!"
On whether this would affect the band's current lineup, band leader Michael Weiketh stated: "Not at all. Andi and Dani will get a well deserved break from action and we will regroup by Halloween 2017 to begin work on the follow up to 'My God Given Right.'"
Helloween plans to release one album under this lineup, which is due out by February 2017 via Nuclear Blast Records. It will be followed by a summer world tour featuring songs from both the new album and "Walls of Jericho." The album will be produced, engineered and mixed by Harris Johns, who worked with the band on "Walls of Jericho." The band has also tapped "Walls of Jericho" artists Uwe & Edda Karczewski to create the new album's artwork. More...
Helloween Posts Live Video
The German godfathers of melodic speed metal from Helloween are currently touring Europe in support of their latest album "My God-Given Right" released May 29th, 2015 via Nuclear Blast.
During this tour, the band recorded an "official bootleg: live video for the album opener "Heroes." Check out the clip below, and a full listing of upcoming Helloween tour dates is available after the jump.
Helloween Releases "Lost In America" Video
German power metal pioneers Helloween issued a new music video for the track "Lost in America." The song appears on the latest album "My God Given Right," which is available via Nuclear Blast.
Helloween will be "lost in America" and Canada on a brief North American tour starting with the Monsters of Rock Cruise in Miami in February. Confrimed dates are as follows:
Feb 22, 2016 Monsters Of Rock Cruise (East), Miami, FL
Feb 28, 2016 Corona Theatre Montreal, Canada
Feb 29, 2016 Imperial de Quebec, Quebec, Canada
Mar 01, 2016 Playstation Theater, New York, NY
Mar 03, 2016 The Agora Theater, Cleveland, OH
Mar 04, 2016 Concord Music Hall, Chicago, IL
Mar 06, 2016 The Showbox, Seattle, WA
Mar 07, 2016 Avalon, Hollywood, CA
Check out the clip here: More...