Helloween: Straight Out Of Hell

German legends Helloween are still on a roll following so many fantastic power metal recordings, and the latest Straight Out Of Hell maintains that impressive record. One of the main reasons Helloween have remained my favourite power metal group since the '80s is they never let me down, and sure they went through a time of change in the early nineties which didn't appeal to every fan. But Helloween would soon return with a new vocalist Andi Deris (who remains their longest serving lead singer) to give us more of that metal we knew and loved on the excellent Master Of The Rings. The band really haven't changed significantly since then, if anything they have become heavier at times like on their last album with a harder darker edge the winner 7 Sinners.

When you consider the talent that has come and gone over the years with just two of those original members left in the band now, so the fact that they still release albums as good as Straight Out Of Hell is a real testament to those who remain. Straight Out Of Hell has thirteen tracks on the standard and two extra on the special version including a Hammond version of "Burning Sun", which is dedicated to the much admired John Lord(Deep Purple) who of course passed away in 2012.

The first single and opener is an upbeat song called "Nabataea" which takes us a back in time to ancient times. Then next up is the technical "World of War" as Helloween crack open the speed metal increasing that speed and it really is cool how the guitar and kick drums duplicate each other in synch at times. "Live Now!" is a more straight forward Helloween rocking number while "Far From The Stars" has a super catchy groove and one of those vibrant power metal choruses they do so well. "Hold Me In Your Arms" is the albums most tranquil track but that calm is soon dispelled by the drums of "Wanna Be God" with a similar structure to Queen's "We Will Rock You" as the drums and vocals dominate before their guitars come screaming through later on.

Besides the traditional Helloween speedsters in the mix you will find a mid- paced and very cool crunching metal song called "Asshole" and I suppose we all know a few people fitting of that title that we would love to play this one to, great stuff.

The greatest European power metal band are back and aren't showing any signs of mellowing out plus with many of their trademarks still remaining including those pumpkins. Helloween's Straight Out Of Hell is a no brainier purchase for fans of great power metal.

Track list:
1.Nabataea
2.World of War
3.Live Now!
4.Far from the Stars
5.Burning Sun
6.Waiting for the Thunder
7.Hold Me in Your Arms
8.Wanna Be God
9.Straight Out of Hell
10.Asshole
11.Years
12.Make Fire Catch the Fly
13. Church Breaks Down

Added: January 16th 2013
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 3744
Language: english

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