INGO SCHWICHTENBERG - Mini-Biography and Career

- Ingo Schwichtenberg: The Heartbeat of Helloween

"Helloween - The Best, The Rest, The Rare" is a seminal compilation album showcasing the German power metal band's diverse catalog. Released in 1991, it features a curated selection of their finest tracks, including rare gems. The inclusion of a free 12" vinyl LP adds a collector's touch. This album stands as a testament to Helloween's musical prowess and enduring influence in the metal genre.

Helloween's "Dr. Stein" 12" Vinyl LP Album, limited to 750 copies, boasts a rare transparent vinyl pressing and a gatefold cover. The surprise lies within – an amusing pop-up phallus-shaped pumpkin. This unique release marries musical artistry with playful creativity, captivating collectors and fans alike, showcasing Helloween's commitment to delivering exclusive and memorable experiences in the realm of rare vinyl.

The French release of Helloween's "Dr Stein" 12" Maxi-single on Accord Records in 1988 marked a pivotal moment in the band's ascent to global metal acclaim. A strategic collaboration with the French label showcased the growing demand for collectible formats. The release, with extended mixes and captivating cover art, remains a cherished relic, reflecting the vibrant era when metal transcended borders and became a dynamic subculture.

The Helloween "Dr. Stein" picture disc 12" maxi-single/mini-LP vinyl is a rare and coveted collector's item. Featuring the band's infectious track "Dr. Stein", this picture disc edition adds a visual dimension to the experience. With its unique artwork and limited availability. This special edition captures the essence of the band's energetic sound and makes for a prized addition to any music collection.

The 12" Maxi-Single Vinyl of Helloween's "Dr. Stein" stands as a collector's gem in Germany. Released on a distinctive yellow record label adorned with captivating "pumpkin" artwork, this edition embodies the band's iconic presence. A cherished piece among enthusiasts, its historical significance is rooted in the vibrant tapestry of Helloween's musical journey, reflecting an era when vinyl reigned supreme in the realm of musical expression.

Helloween's iconic "Dr. Stein" EP, now available on a stunning Yellow Vinyl 12", encapsulates the essence of the band's power metal prowess. This edition, a testament to the enduring appeal of physical formats, stands out with its vibrant color. Released amid Helloween's illustrious career, the Yellow Vinyl EP pays homage to the era when such extended plays were cherished collector's items, a sonic treasure for fans of metal's golden age.

Helloween's 1988 7" vinyl single, "Dr. Stein" b/w "Savage," epitomizes the band's rise in the power metal scene. Released by Noise International, the A-side's iconic "Dr. Stein" and its B-side counterpart "Savage" showcase the group's dynamic sound. The inclusion of a Derek Riggs-designed poster enhances its collector's appeal, cementing its status as a treasured relic from the golden era of European power metal.

Helloween's "Future World" 12" Vinyl Picture Disc, born in the late '80s during the band's peak, epitomizes the marriage of auditory and visual artistry. Crafted amidst the vinyl era's zenith, this collector's gem features vibrant artwork directly printed onto the disc's surface. With limited availability, it stands as a coveted relic, blending melodic power metal with striking visuals for an immersive musical journey.

The Helloween self-titled vinyl picture disc mini-LP is a true gem for fans of the band. This superb 186gr picture disc not only showcases the band's iconic sound but also features a surprise track that adds an element of excitement. With the addition of Michael Kiske's exceptional vocals, this release becomes a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts, offering a unique and captivating listening experience.

Helloween's self-titled debut, released on 26 May 1985, stands as a pivotal moment in power metal history. Produced by Harris Johns, the mini-LP showcased the band's fusion of speed and melody. With tracks like "Starlight" and "Murderer," it left an indelible mark on the metal scene, influencing a new wave of bands. This iconic album remains a testament to Helloween's innovation and enduring impact on the genre.

Helloween's self-titled debut EP, the Banzai Mini-LP, marks the genesis of the German metal band's journey in the early 1980s. Produced by Harris Johns, the Canadian release through Banzai Records propelled Helloween onto the international stage. With tracks like "Starlight" and "Murderer," the EP showcases the band's signature melodic riffs and powerful vocals, leaving an indelible mark on the global heavy metal scene.

"I Want Out" was written by Kai Hansen, who confirmed in an interview, that it was a hint of him really wanting "out" of the band. Musically, the song is characterised by a recognisable introduction and Michael Kiske's trademark high pitched singing in the chorus

The Helloween "I Want Out" PD Picture Disc 12" Vinyl Maxi-Single showcases their iconic sound and features the unforgettable tracks "I Want Out", "Save Us", and "Don't Run For Cover". The artwork screams late-’80s rebellious metal energy, with its cartoonish, anarchic Uncle Sam pumpkin daring you to break free from the system—loud, bold, and utterly defiant.

Helloween's 7" vinyl single, "I Want Out" b/w "Don't Run for Cover," is a collector's delight. Released in the Picture Sleeve format, this edition boasts a compelling fusion of melodic metal. Accompanied by a Large Poster, the release not only delivers musical prowess but also visual appeal. A must-have for enthusiasts, it encapsulates Helloween's sonic excellence and adds a touch of artistry to the vinyl experience.

The HELLOWEEN 12" Vinyl EP Album featuring "Judas," "Ride The Sky," and "Guardians" holds historical significance as the band's inaugural release. Initially absent of a barcode, subsequent re-issues incorporated this feature. This artifact showcases the band's early artistic prowess and the evolution of album production practices, marking a pivotal moment in HELLOWEEN's musical journey.

"Helloween's 'Keeper of the Seven Keys" Part I,' a pivotal 1987 power metal album, emerges as a collector's gem with its genuine German gatefold 12" vinyl issue. Marked by a distinctive black label and white artwork, this edition embodies the band's evolution and showcases the allure of vinyl's tactile experience. A sought-after artifact, it encapsulates a crucial chapter in heavy metal history."

"HELLOWEEN's iconic album, 'Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I,' marked its French debut on a distinctive 12" Vinyl LP. Released with a unique light blue label adorned with captivating white artwork, this edition stands out in the vibrant tapestry of musical history. The fusion of melodic mastery and visual aesthetics encapsulates HELLOWEEN's influential journey, offering French enthusiasts a cherished sonic experience through this carefully crafted vinyl release."

Released in 1988, "Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II" is Helloween's third studio album, following the triumph of Part I. This German power metal masterpiece seamlessly continues its predecessor's legacy, captivating audiences across Europe, Asia, and the United States. The 12" Vinyl LP format enhances the sonic experience, making it a cherished gem for metal enthusiasts and a pivotal chapter in Helloween's illustrious career.

This album "HELLOWEEN - Keepers of the Seven Keys Part II" is the third studio album by German power metal band Helloween, released in 1988. The album capitalized on the success of Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1 and picks up where it left off.

This album "HELLOWEEN - Limited Edition Interview Picture Disc" is an unofficial recording of an interview with Helloween .

"Live in the U.K." is the first live album released by the band Helloween. It was released in some countries as "Keepers Live". In the United States, it was released as "I Want Out – Live "without the track "Rise and Fall", and with a shorter edit of the introduction.

Helloween's "Live In The UK" Picture Disc 12" Vinyl LP stands as a coveted gem for collectors. This limited edition release showcases the band's electrifying live performance, offering fans a unique auditory and visual experience. The intricate design of the picture disc adds an extra layer of allure to this hard-to-find album, making it a prized possession for enthusiasts of both Helloween and vinyl records.

Helloween's "Pink Bubbles Go Ape" Gatefold + Lyrics Sleeve 12" Vinyl LP Album, released in 1991, signifies a pivotal moment in the band's history as guitarist Kai Hansen departs and Roland Grapow assumes the role. This collector's edition, featuring a gatefold and lyrics sleeve, encapsulates the evolution of Helloween's sound, making it a must-have for aficionados seeking a tangible piece of the band's transformative musical journey.

The Helloween Pumpkin Box, a rare gem from Japan, is a collector's dream. This box set encompasses four CDs, a captivating book, and two sizable posters, offering enthusiasts an immersive journey into the band's musical and visual universe. With limited availability, this treasure trove is a testament to Helloween's enduring legacy, making it a prized possession for ardent fans and collectors alike.

This is the Red Vinyl release of Helloween recorded live at Noorderligt, Tilburg, Netherlands 28 March 1987. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

"Helloween's 1985 release, 'Walls of Jericho,' epitomized the birth of power metal. Crafted by guitarist Kai Hansen and vocalist Michael Weikath, the album melded speed, melody, and fantasy-themed lyrics. Its impact reverberated, influencing the genre's trajectory. This iconic work remains a cornerstone in the evolution of power metal, leaving an indelible mark on heavy metal history."

Released in 1985 by Banzai Records, Helloween's "Walls of Jericho" 12" vinyl LP marked a pivotal moment in metal history. Fusing speed and melody, the album's biblical themes and distinctive sound influenced the power metal genre. The iconic artwork, featuring the band's pumpkin-headed mascot, became synonymous with Helloween. This vinyl masterpiece remains a cherished collector's item, embodying the spirit of the vibrant European metal scene of the 1980s.