When it comes to power metal, very few names resonate as large as HELLOWEEN. Over the decades, the band has survived lineup changes, stylistic shifts, and even internal crises, yet somehow always managed to emerge stronger and, more importantly, relevant. From the raw beginnings with Kai Hansen to the genre-defining “Keeper of the Seven Keys” albums with Michael Kiske, and later Andi Deris’ tireless run at the helm, HELLOWEEN have written more than just songs; they’ve authored chapters of metal history.
“The Pumpkins United” concept, which brought Hansen, Kiske, and Deris together on stage, seemed at first like a celebration of the past, a reunion tour designed to indulge nostalgia. But with their 2021 self-titled record, HELLOWEEN showed it could be far more, a new, living incarnation of the band, one where all three singers contribute not as guests but as equals. “Giants & Monsters”, released on August 29th, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music, continues down that path, expanding the formula while proving that lightning can strike twice.
Opener “Giants on the Run” sets the tone immediately. From the first notes, HELLOWEEN makes their intentions clear. The track gallops forward with the confidence of a band that knows exactly what it does best, twin-guitar melodies, soaring vocals, and a chorus that practically begs to be shouted back in arenas. It’s a song rooted in tradition, yet it feels both familiar and fresh. Instead, it feels like the culmination of everything HELLOWEEN has learned in forty years.
“Savior of the World” ramps up the intensity, moving at a blistering pace that leaves no room to breathe. Kiske’s soaring vocals remain effortlessly smooth, a reminder that his range and power are undiminished by time. The triple-guitar assault from Weikath, Gerstner, and Hansen is nothing short of spectacular, weaving fleet-fingered riffs and solos with precision and flair. Anchoring the storm, Markus Grosskopf’s bass and Dani Löble’s masterful drumming inject a relentless energy, driving the track forward with a vitality that many younger bands struggle to match.
From there, the band wastes no time in diving into nostalgia. “A Little Is a Little Too Much” could have been pulled straight from the mid-80s, with its punchy bass lines, sunlit guitar riffs, and lyrics that flirt with cheese while staying just on the right side of it. It’s cheeky, infectious, and tailor-made for live singalongs, a reminder that HELLOWEEN has always known how to mix fun with finesse.
Then there’s “We Can Be Gods”, which wastes no time showcasing HELLOWEEN’s power metal muscle. The tempo is breathless, the drumming unrelenting, and the guitarists indulge in a duel that feels both playful and ferocious. The mid-song instrumental section owes a clear debt to Iron Maiden, but the addition of a roaring choir chant keeps the energy fresh. This is HELLOWEEN at their most essential, a track that feels like both a nod to their roots.
“This Is Tokyo” is another irresistible earworm, tailor-made for live singalongs. Its sugary chorus is instantly memorable, and the 80s-inspired melodies and bright guitar riffs give it a playful, lighthearted charm. The only quirky twist is the occasional growled spoken section, which adds a touch of unexpected character without disrupting the song’s infectious flow.
“Into the Sun” slows the pace but elevates the drama. Lush synths set the stage as Kiske and Deris trade verses, their contrasting timbres blending into something more cinematic than we might expect from HELLOWEEN. It’s not hard to imagine the track over the opening credits of a Bond film, with its sweeping strings and broad melodic strokes. Still, for all its atmosphere, the song never quite reaches the spine-tingling climax it hints at. It’s a fine ballad, but one that feels like it’s holding something back.
Perhaps the most surprising detour comes with “Hand of God”. Its opening pulse is mechanical, closer to industrial metal than HELLOWEEN’s trademark style, and at first it feels almost alien in this context. But then the groove takes hold, and by the time the soaring guitar solo arrives, it’s clear that the experiment pays off. Far from a misfit, “Hand of God” stands out as one of the album’s boldest and most memorable moments.
Every great power metal album needs a statement piece, and “Majestic” rises to the occasion. Spanning more than eight minutes, it takes listeners on a progressive journey through shifting tempos, elaborate riffs, and, of course, plenty of soloing from all three guitarists. If the opening feels hesitant, the payoff more than justifies the build. By the final minutes, HELLOWEEN are firing on all cylinders, crafting an epic closer that’s indulgent, unapologetic, and completely worthy of its title.
Every great power metal album needs a statement piece, and “Majestic” rises to the occasion. Spanning more than eight minutes, it takes listeners on a progressive journey through shifting tempos, elaborate riffs, and, of course, plenty of soloing from all three guitarists. If the opening feels hesitant, the payoff more than justifies the build. By the final minutes, HELLOWEEN are firing on all cylinders, crafting an epic closer that’s indulgent, unapologetic, and completely worthy of its title.
What makes “Giants & Monsters” such a triumph is not that it reinvents HELLOWEEN but that it refines them. This is an album that draws on every era of the band’s history and fuses it into something that feels unified and vital. The interplay between the three vocalists, once a potential gimmick, now feels seamless, even natural. The musicianship is confident without slipping into excess, the production is powerful without being overwhelming, and the songwriting is consistently sharp.
Written by Peter Jerman
Tracklist
1. Giants On The Run
2. Savior Of The World
3. A Little Is A Little Too Much
4. We Can Be Gods
5. Into The Sun
6. This Is Tokyo
7. Universe (Gravity For Hearts)
8. Hand Of God
9. Under The Moonlight
10. Majestic
Lineup
Michael Kiske – lead vocals
Andi Deris – lead vocals
Kai Hansen – guitars, lead vocals
Michael Weikath – guitars
Sascha Gerstner – guitars
Markus Grosskopf – bass
Daniel Löble – drums
Label
Reigning Phoenix Music
