After well over a dozen albums, Helloween still has an impressive knack for grafting memorably anthemic choruses over full-throttle power metal. What's more, their quieter, more melodic moments never dissolve into schmaltzy sentimentality (a mistake made too often by the band's many followers); the ballad "Don't Stop Being Crazy" has a certain pathos without being corny. The group's chops are in top form on Rabbit Don't Come Easy (aided by moonlighting Mot÷rhead skinsman Mikkey Dee), b...   [ read more ]

CD $11.38

After a surprising resurgence following 1996's The Time of the Oath, Helloween continued to expand and enrich their patented power metal, and while 2000's The Dark Ride might lack some of the youthful exuberance of the group's seminal '80s recordings, there are still many fine songs and fiery performances to be appreciated on this late-career gem from the influential German group. While the extreme guitar solos and overall precision of The Dark Ride will surely capture the ears of first-time...   [ read more ]

CD $11.38

'Kai Hansen formed Helloween in 1984, playing guitar and singing on the speed-metal band's first four albums. He left in early 1989, however, and founded Gamma Ray with vocalist Ralf Scheepers (formerly with Tyran Pace). The duo intended to record a one-off project that Hansen originated while in Helloween, so they recruited bassist Uwe Wessel, drummer Matthias Burchardt and several other musicians. The album, Heading for Tomorrow, was released in 1990 and proved a hit with fans and critics, so much so th...   [ read more ]

MP3 $2.10

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