Better Than Raw (Expanded Edition) - Vinil Music

Helloween is a German power metal band formed in 1984 in Hamburg, Germany. The band is widely recognized as one of the founders and pioneers of power metal, a subgenre of heavy metal characterized by fast riffs, epic melodies, and lyrical themes that often touch on fantasy, courage, and heroic battles.

The band's original line-up included Kai Hansen (vocals and guitar), Michael Weikath (guitar), Markus Grosskopf (bass) and Ingo Schwichtenberg (drums). Initially, Kai Hansen was the lead singer, but after the release of the first album, Walls of Jericho (1985), he decided to concentrate solely on guitar, leading the band to search for a new vocalist. Thus, Michael Kiske was recruited, marking the beginning of a new era for Helloween.

With Kiske on vocals, Helloween released the albums Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I (1987) and Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II (1988), which are often cited as the defining albums of power metal. These albums combined catchy melodies with fast guitars and virtuoso solos, setting a standard for the genre. Songs such as "Future World", "I Want Out" and "Eagle Fly Free" became metal anthems and cemented Helloween's status as leaders of the power metal movement.

Despite their success, the band faced challenges in the following years, including the departure of Kai Hansen in 1988, who formed the band Gamma Ray. Helloween continued with albums such as Pink Bubbles Go Ape (1991) and Chameleon (1993), which represented a change in musical direction and were less well received, both by critics and fans.

The band returned to the classic style of power metal with the album Master of the Rings (1994), which marked the arrival of vocalist Andi Deris. This album revitalized the band and began a new phase of success. During the 1990s and 2000s, Helloween released a number of acclaimed albums, such as The Time of the Oath (1996), Better Than Raw (1998), and The Dark Ride (2000).

In 2016, Helloween announced a reunion with previous members, including Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen, for the "Pumpkins United" tour. This reunion was very well received and led to the release of the eponymous album Helloween in 2021, which was acclaimed by both critics and fans, uniting elements from all eras of the band.

Helloween is known not only for their groundbreaking music, but also for their energetic live performances and the lasting impact they have had on the global metal scene. The band continues to be a vital force in power metal, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans.