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Helloween - 7 SinnersLabel: The EndFormat: CD download Released: 2010 Reviewed By: Rich Catino Rating: 8/ 10 |
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If you've been following Helloween's music since 1985 (I sure have), you'll already know this is not quite the same group of pumpkin pickers (only bassist Marcus Grosskopf and guitarist Michael Weikath remain) who recorded "Keeper of The Seven Keys Pt. 1&2". Have no fear, they didn't abandon their past, just evolved since and always incorporating those elements from both "Keeper" albums on new music. Case in point with "7 Sinners", and the previous 5 albums since 1998 ("Better Than Raw" which is one of their best, "The Dark Ride", "Rabbit Don't Come Easy", "Keeper Of The Seven Keys – The Legacy", and the excellent "Gambling With The Devil" in 07). Helloween are now, and have been more aggressive, even more modern at times, within their style. Yes, the bouncy rhythms and twin guitar harmonies are used but not as prevalent as the "Keeper" albums, or even "Master Of The Rings" and "Time Of The Oath". Now, riffs drive more of the songs (on "7 Sinners"), which is front to back their most aggressive album. And if you're familiar with "Gambling with The Devil", this will be of no surprise. |
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'Where The Sinners Go' is "Dark Ride" Helloween, with mid pace modern heavy riffs carrying the tune, tempo changes, and Andi Deris making the chorus easily memorable, that is until the solo section briefly transports the tune into their 80s sound. Good stuff. The opening keyboard melody to first single/video 'Are You Metal?' is unavoidably catchy despite the tracks heaviness and Dani's head spinning drums. The beginning melody to 'Who Is Mr. Madman' tips its hat to 'Perfect Gentleman' ("Master of The Rings") and 'The Sage, The Fool, The Sinner' is nicely catchy. Without repeating my fellow journalists thoughts I think I've said enough and will close with this…strange how (the planets have aligned, again) Helloween and Gamma Ray both released albums in the same year, and with similar titles (the Ray's "To The Metal", Helloween's single 'Are You Metal?'). Last occurrence was in 2005, when Helloween succeeded (somewhat) with "Keeper – The Legacy", but Gamma Ray were crowned "Majestic". But, in 2010, this time Helloween proved they are more Metal. |
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It took a couple of days, driving back and forth to work to finally "hear" the new Helloween, as from the get-go, it's evident the longstanding Germans have adopted modern technology (7 string guitars?) and down tuning. Once past the initial shock, I realized this is their most aggressive/heaviest platter in recent memory and not with the same controversial overtones as The Dark Ride. These songs actually rock! Guess that tour with Gamma Ray kind of proved to Andi Deris (vocals) and Michael Weikath (guitars), as chief songwriters, what fans want. The drums, staccato riffs and otherworldly effects that introduce 'Where The Sinners Go' eventually gives way to an easy-to-sing chorus and some enthusiastic guitar synthesizer. First single 'Are You Metal?' follows, simple but effective, is accented by keyboards (which hold major sway over the entire album, but as ear candy filler, not the predominate instrument). Once again they've asked Biff Byford (Saxon) to do a song-beginning voiceover, although his work on the speedy 'Who Is Mr. Madman' seems leftover from last album's 'Crack The Riddle' intro. In a nod to that first metal Grammy winner, Jethro Tull, a rollicking 'Raise The Noise' briefly employs a flute. Infectious power metal bounce is the name of the game for 'World Of Fantasy', while 'Long Live The King' rides a wicked double bass drum barrage and equally quick picking on guitar. Piano and violin commence the ballad, 'The Smile Of The Sun'. It only serves to make 'You Stupid Mankind' (debunking religion's contention evolution is a lie and there are no other lifeforms in the universe) sound heavier, despite its tolling bells and keys. 'If A Mountain Could Talk' is an ecological parable, a little light musically, but most interesting, lyrically. 'The Sage, The Fool, The Sinner' might be an Edguy outtake, if (re)arranged, slightly. 'My Sacrifice' is one of those that probably should have hit the cutting room floor, paring a couple of tunes from the13 offerings certainly seems warranted. Actually 'Not Yet Today' is a bizarre, bass heavy (resonated by speakers) 72-second intro to the disc closing 'Far In The Future'. Stylistically, seems a continuation of the staccato riffage on the 'Are You Metal?' single. Could have rated as much as one point higher, with some judicious cutting, especially on the latter third, which seems to drag. Overall, still enjoyable.
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