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.
In the realm of heavy metal music, few bands have left as indelible a mark as Helloween. The German power metal pioneers, renowned for their energetic performances and elaborate compositions, reached a significant milestone with their 1988 album "Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 2." One of the standout tracks from this opus is "Dr Stein," and the French release of the 12" Maxi-single on Accord Records further solidified the band's presence in the global metal scene.
The creation history of this particular release is intertwined with the band's rising success and the vibrant metal scene of the late 1980s. Helloween, formed in 1984 in Hamburg, Germany, quickly gained recognition for their distinctive sound, characterized by soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, and a penchant for epic storytelling in their lyrics.
As the band's popularity soared with the release of the "Keeper of the Seven Keys" albums, the demand for extended and alternative versions of their songs grew. The 12" Maxi-single format was a common choice for metal bands during this era, providing a platform for extended mixes, live recordings, and additional tracks that showcased the band's versatility.
Accord Records, a French record label, played a crucial role in bringing "Dr Stein" to the French audience in this particular format. The label, known for its diverse catalog spanning various genres, recognized the potential of Helloween's music to resonate with the French metal community. The decision to release the 12" Maxi-single of "Dr Stein" was a strategic move to cater to the growing appetite for collectible and special edition releases among metal enthusiasts.
The Maxi-single itself featured the titular track "Dr Stein" along with carefully curated additional content. Extended versions of the song, remixes, or exclusive live recordings were common inclusions, providing fans with a unique listening experience. These releases often became coveted items for collectors and dedicated followers of the band.
The cover art of the French 12" Maxi-single, like many metal releases of the time, was a visual feast, capturing the essence of Helloween's theatrical and energetic stage presence. Artwork for such releases was considered an integral part of the overall package, contributing to the immersive experience for fans.
The creation history of the "Dr Stein" 12" Maxi-single on Accord Records reflects a pivotal moment in Helloween's journey, marking their ascent to international acclaim. The strategic collaboration with a French label highlights the global reach of metal music during the late 1980s and the efforts made by bands and labels to connect with fans across borders.
Music Genre: Power / Speed Metal |
Album Production information: The album: "HELLOWEEN - Dr Stein 12" Maxi-Single" was produced by: Karl Ulrich Walterbach Karl-Ulrich Walterbach: German music producer who transformed the heavy metal scene. Founder of the iconic Noise Records, he launched the careers of Helloween, Celtic Frost, and countless others.
Walterbach's Career Description
Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Tommy Hansen and Tommy Newton
Tommy Hansen: delve into his world and the albums that shaped a genre, his lasting influence on heavy metal, and the stories behind the music. Tommy Newton: The sonic architect of hard rock and heavy metal. Delve into his legacy as a producer and guitarist, crafting iconic albums and leaving an enduring mark on the music scene. This album was recorded May-June 1988 at: Horus Sound Studio, Hannover, Germany. Horus Sound Studio is located in Hannover, Germany and has been the recording and sound mix studio for sound engineers like: Tommy Hansen , Tommy Newton , Jan Nemec, . During the 1980s this studio has been used by bands like: Celtic Frost, Helloween, Rage, Sodom, Victory and many others |
Packaging: This album "HELLOWEEN - Dr Stein Accord" includes the original custom inner sleeve with Hellowwon on Tour information during 1988, album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
Record Label & Catalognr: ACCORD 101.376, Distributed by Musidisc, Published by Malodor MusicWintrup Musik |
Record Format45Rpm 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country1988 Made in France |
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "HELLOWEEN - Dr Stein Accord" |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ) |
Album Back Cover Photo of "HELLOWEEN - Dr Stein Accord" |
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Inner Sleeve of "HELLOWEEN - Dr Stein Accord" Album |
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Photo of "HELLOWEEN - Dr Stein Accord" Album's Inner Sleeve |
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Close-up Photo of "HELLOWEEN - Dr Stein Accord" 12" Record Label |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "HELLOWEEN - Dr Stein Accord" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "HELLOWEEN - Dr Stein Accord" is:
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