Helloween, the German power metal band from Hamburg, has been a defining force in heavy metal since their formation in 1984. Known for their high-energy sound, intricate guitar work, soaring vocals, and fantasy-themed lyrics, they are often credited as the “fathers of power metal.” With over 10 million records sold worldwide, multiple lineup changes, and a reunion that brought back original members, Helloween continues to influence the genre. Their music blends speed metal aggression with melodic elements, creating anthems that have resonated across generations.
Helloween was formed in 1984 by members from bands like Iron Fist, Gentry, Second Hell, and Powerfool. The original lineup included Kai Hansen (guitars/vocals), Michael Weikath (guitars), Markus Grosskopf (bass), and Ingo Schwichtenberg (drums). They signed with Noise Records and released their debut EP Helloween in 1985, followed by Walls of Jericho later that year, which helped pioneer speed metal.
The band’s breakthrough came with the addition of vocalist Michael Kiske in 1986, leading to the iconic Keeper of the Seven Keys albums (Part I in 1987, Part II in 1988). These releases achieved commercial success, including gold status in Germany. Internal tensions led to Hansen’s departure in 1988 to form Gamma Ray, and further changes in the 1990s, including Kiske’s exit in 1993 and Schwichtenberg’s tragic death in 1995.
Andi Deris joined as vocalist in 1994, ushering in a new era with albums like Master of the Rings (1994). The band faced label issues and lineup shifts but stabilized in the 2000s. The “Pumpkins United” reunion in 2016 brought back Hansen and Kiske, resulting in the self-titled album Helloween (2021) and their latest, Giants & Monsters (2025), released on August 29, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music. As of October 2025, they remain active, with recent releases like the live album Live at Budokan (December 2024).
Helloween‘s style evolved from thrashy speed metal in their early days to the melodic, technical power metal they’re known for. Influences include Queensrÿche, with soaring vocals, dual guitars, and fantasy lyrics. Albums like the Keeper series feature epic storytelling, while later works experimented with hard rock, darkness, and covers. Recent releases maintain high energy with keyboards and multiple vocalists.
Based on rankings from critics (e.g., Loudwire, RateYourMusic), fans (Reddit, X discussions), and charts (BestEverAlbums, album sales), here’s a compiled list of Helloween’s top albums. The Keeper duology dominates, reflecting their impact.
Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II (1988) – Often ranked #1 by critics and fans for its commercial success, iconic tracks like “I Want Out,” and power metal blueprint; gold in Germany, UK Top 30.
Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I (1987) – Praised as a masterpiece; highest overall chart rank on BestEverAlbums; fans call it the start of Euro power metal.
Walls of Jericho (1985) – Debut full-length; influential in speed metal; high fan rankings for raw energy.
The Dark Ride (2000) – Pinnacle for some fans; darker sound; top on RateYourMusic.
Helloween (2021) – Reunion album; topped German charts; fans appreciate the united lineup.
Gambling with the Devil (2007) – Heavy and acclaimed; top in Deris-era rankings.
7 Sinners (2010) – Fastest and heaviest in years; gold in Czech Republic; fan favorite.
Better Than Raw (1998) – One of their heaviest; strong fan support.
The Time of the Oath (1996) – Raw and powerful; dedicated to Schwichtenberg.
Giants & Monsters (2025) – Newest release; early reviews call it a potential best of 2025, preluding their 40-year career.
Legacy in Power Metal
Helloween is widely regarded as the originators of power metal, blending speed metal’s aggression with melodic, fantasy-driven elements in the Keeper albums. They influenced bands like Blind Guardian and Gamma Ray, establishing European power metal as a genre. As part of the “big four” alongside Grave Digger, Rage, and Running Wild (or globally with Sabaton and DragonForce), their evolution from speed to symphonic power metal set benchmarks. Their reunions and continued output keep them relevant, inspiring new generations.
Achievements and Recent Activities
Helloween has 14 gold and six platinum awards, with hits at major festivals like Monsters of Rock and Rock in Rio. Inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame (2023), they won Best German Metal Band (2024) and Thunderflix Awards (2025). Recent works include comics, books, and tours, with Giants & Monsters marking their 40th anniversary.
In summary, Helloween‘s innovative sound and enduring spirit have made them titans of power metal, proving their legacy through decades of evolution and influence.
