Live Report: Helloween and Beast in Black- Helloween 40th Anniversary tour

 So I have been a fan of Helloween for 35 years. I first picked up a best of in 1991. I loved all the songs and just kept listening. I still love their catalog and revisit it often to this day. 

I have, however, never seen them live. So when they announced last year that they were coming around, I knew I had to go. What I got was a mixed bag of sorts but all in all it was a fun night.

Beast In Black- What the fuck did I just hear? Honestly, I can't imagine worse music in my life. It's like combining hard rock with the worst of the Euro techno stuff that got popular in the late 90's. Basically imagine that "Barbie Girl" song done as  a metal cover but much, much worse. Imagine if "Eye  of the Tiger" sucked. That's the kind of music we're talking about here. But what do I know. There were several people who seemed to enjoy it. But as far as my girl and I... well, we were basically passing notes mocking them the whole time.  As far as their performance? Well, it was fine. They definitely had a good time and they capably played to and with the audience. So, if you're a fan of the band, I bet you'll enjoy it. Why you're reading this blog I can't imagine, though. 

Helloween- And finally the pumpkins arrive. A seven member band is a lot and I imagine a lot can get lost in the shuffle. Did the pumpkins pull it out? Were they good? Quite frankly, absolutely! It was one of the best shows I've ever seen. They had a electronic backdrop that changed with each song and had moving images on it. Each and every member looked like they were having the time of their lives. With three guitars, they could lean into the twin guitar thing but still have the rhythm playing. This actually made the songs feel heavier. The drums and bass held the rhythm down admirably and that drummer is one of the few that got a drum solo and truly deserved it. The vocal duties were perfectly balanced with Andi, Michael and Kai each singing songs from their specific era of the band except on some of the best known songs like "Halloween" and "Eagle Fly Free" where they would trade off. And speaking of vocals, all three sounded amazing! I really felt  like I was 14 again listening to the older stuff. Unfortunately curfew laws made them cut "Keeper of the Seven Keys" down to just the last verse after "Eagle Fly Free" but otherwise it was a great night and I left with a sore neck and a hoarse throat from yelling all the lyrics along with the band.

Either way, Helloween is a band firing on all cylinders. If this tour comes to your town I fully recommend it. Well, except Beast In Black. Maybe get a few drinks at the bar then take in a fantastic show.