HELLOWEEN - DR STEIN PICTURE DISC 12" MAXI-SINGLE / MINI-LP VINYL

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.

 

High Resolution Photo #1 HELLOWEEN Dr Stein Picture Disc

HELLOWEEN's DR STEIN: A Frankenstein's Monster of Power Metal, Forged in the Fires of '80s Excess
Album Description:

Forget the leather jackets, the teased hair, and the endless guitar solos; in 1985, a new beast rose from the fertile grounds of German heavy metal. HELLOWEEN, a band of Hamburg upstarts, unleashed "Dr Stein," a 12" maxi-single that would not only become their signature song but a landmark in the power metal genre. This wasn't just music; it was a sonic assault, a Frankenstein's monster stitched together from the remnants of NWOBHM, thrash metal, and a heavy dose of adolescent adrenaline.

A Mad Scientist's Brew: The Musical Experimentation

"Dr Stein" is a whirlwind of energy, a seven-minute epic that refuses to let up. From the opening screams to the relentless drum beat, the song grabs you by the throat and drags you along for the ride. Kai Hansen's vocals are a mix of manic glee and theatrical terror, perfectly embodying the titular mad scientist. The twin guitar attack of Hansen and Michael Weikath is a dizzying display of neoclassical shredding, while Markus Grosskopf's bass provides a thunderous foundation for the chaos.

What sets "Dr Stein" apart from its contemporaries is its sheer audacity. This isn't just a song about a mad scientist; it *is* a mad scientist's experiment. The song's structure is a rollercoaster of tempo changes, unexpected breakdowns, and melodic twists and turns. It's a testament to the band's willingness to push boundaries and embrace the absurd.

Power Metal's Birth Cry: A Genre-Defining Moment

While HELLOWEEN weren't the first band to play what would eventually be labeled "power metal," "Dr Stein" undoubtedly helped to codify the genre's sound and aesthetic. The song's galloping rhythms, soaring vocals, and fantastical lyrics became a blueprint for countless bands that followed. It's a track that's as infectious as it is complex, with a chorus that's both anthemic and slightly unhinged.

Yet, "Dr Stein" also stands as a monument to the excesses of its era. This was the '80s, after all, a time of big hair, bigger egos, and even bigger guitar solos. The song revels in this over-the-topness, embracing its own ridiculousness with a knowing wink.

A Monster Unchained: The Legacy of "Dr Stein"

"Dr Stein" wasn't just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon. The song's iconic music video, featuring the band dressed as mad scientists and ghouls, became a staple of MTV's Headbangers Ball. The track itself became a live staple, with its sing-along chorus and theatrical stage show inciting countless mosh pits and stage dives. It's a song that has transcended its time, becoming a Halloween anthem and a staple of heavy metal radio.

The song's popularity also sparked debate. Some critics dismissed it as a novelty song, too silly to be taken seriously. Others hailed it as a masterpiece, praising its technical prowess and boundless energy.

More than just a novelty song, "Dr Stein" proved that power metal could be both fun and intelligent. It was a celebration of the genre's escapist fantasies, while also acknowledging its own absurdity. In doing so, it paved the way for a generation of bands who would take the genre to even greater heights.

So, crank up the volume, don your lab coat, and prepare to be experimented on. "Dr Stein" is a monstrous creation, a testament to the power of youthful exuberance and the boundless possibilities of heavy metal.

Listen to: Helloween - Dr. Stein

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

Photography: Kohichiro Hiki, Gutchie Kojima, Burrn, R. Limb Schnoor

Record Label & Catalognr:

  NOISE International N 0116-8

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

  Made in Germany
Complete Track-listing of the album "HELLOWEEN Dr Stein Picture Disc"

The detailed tracklist of this record "HELLOWEEN Dr Stein Picture Disc" is:

    Side One:
  1. Dr Stein
    Side Two:
  1. Savage
  2. Live Ain't no Crime
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "HELLOWEEN Dr Stein Picture Disc"
 
High Resolution Photo #1 HELLOWEEN Dr Stein Picture Disc  
Album Back Cover  Photo of "HELLOWEEN Dr Stein Picture Disc"
 

High Resolution Photo #2 HELLOWEEN Dr Stein Picture Disc

 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 ).