Helloween's "Keepers II": A sonic blitzkrieg of soaring vocals, lightning riffs, and thunderous drums. Power metal's crown jewel, a symphony of bombast and fantasy. #vinylrecords

HELLOWEEN'S "KEEPERS OF THE SEVEN KEYS PART II": A SYMPHONIC BLAST OF POWER METAL MADNESS

Album Description:

In the smoke-filled, post-NWOBHM landscape of 1988, amidst the hairspray and leather, a German band named Helloween unleashed their magnum opus, "Keepers of the Seven Keys Part II". This wasn't just another metal album; it was a sonic explosion, a symphony of speed and power that solidified the power metal genre and took it to ridiculous, glorious heights.

Emerging from Hamburg, Helloween had already garnered a dedicated following with their earlier releases. But "Keepers II" was different. It was bolder, more ambitious, and it hit the metal scene like a lightning bolt.

A Musical Odyssey

The album is a whirlwind of soaring vocals, lightning-fast guitar riffs, pummeling drums, and epic keyboards. It's like a Wagnerian opera played at breakneck speed, with a chorus of leather-clad warriors screaming along. From the moment the needle drops on "Eagle Fly Free", you're swept away on a musical odyssey. The title track is a ten-minute epic that takes you on a journey through time and space, with enough twists and turns to give you whiplash.

Each track is a mini-epic, a microcosm of the band's musical prowess. Michael Kiske's voice soars like a banshee, while Kai Hansen and Michael Weikath unleash a flurry of guitar acrobatics. The rhythm section, anchored by Markus Grosskopf and Ingo Schwichtenberg, provides a solid foundation for the madness.

Power Metal's Defining Moment

"Keepers II" wasn't just another metal album; it was a defining moment for the power metal genre. It crystallized the sound, the aesthetic, and the attitude. It was a blueprint for countless bands that followed, a standard by which all power metal albums would be judged.

The album's production was top-notch, courtesy of Tommy Hansen and Tommy Newton. It was recorded at Horus Sound Studio in Hamburg, Germany, and the sound is massive. The guitars are thick and crunchy, the drums are thunderous, and the keyboards are shimmering. The mix is perfect, with every instrument given enough space to breathe.

Controversy and Legacy

Of course, no masterpiece is without its controversies. The album's original release was met with mixed reviews, with some critics finding it too over-the-top and bombastic. But for every detractor, there were legions of fans who embraced it as a masterpiece.

Over time, "Keepers II" has become a cornerstone of the power metal genre. It has influenced countless bands and inspired generations of musicians. It's a testament to the power of music, the power of passion, and the power of a group of young Germans who wanted to create something truly special.

Music Genre:

Speed Power Metal

Album Production information:

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 at: Horus Sound Studio, Hannover, May-June 1988

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

Album cover design: Edda & Uwe Karczewski, Hamburg

Uwe Karczewski a German graphics artist known for the 1980's album covers for Heavy Metal bands like: Helloween , Iron Angel .

Front cover concept by Michael Weikath

Record Label & Catalognr:

Accord 101371

Album Packaging:

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram

Year & Country:

1988 Made in France

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: HELLOWEEN - Keepers of the Seven Keys Part II

Markus Grosskopf - Bass

Experience Markus Grosskopf's journey as the rhythmic backbone of Helloween. From their early speed metal roots to symphonic power metal heights, witness the bassist's unwavering influence on the band's enduring legacy.
Michael Weikath - Guitars

Delve into the world of Michael Weikath, Helloween's mastermind behind their iconic riffs and soaring melodies. Explore the evolution of power metal through his creative genius and lasting impact on the genre.
Ingo Schwichtenberg - Drums

Celebrate the life and legacy of Ingo "Mr. Smile" Schwichtenberg, Helloween's original drummer. Discover his vibrant energy, powerful drumming, and enduring impact on the band's early power metal anthems.
Michael Kiske - Lead Vocals

Discover Michael Kiske, the iconic vocalist behind Helloween's legendary "Keeper of the Seven Keys" era. Journey through his rise to fame, the albums that defined power metal, and his enduring legacy.
Kai Hansen

Explore Kai Hansen's metal legacy, from his groundbreaking work in Helloween to his reign in Gamma Ray. Witness the birth of power metal, iconic albums, and the enduring impact of this metal maestro.

Complete Track-listing of the album "HELLOWEEN - Keepers of the Seven Keys Part II"

The detailed tracklist of this record "HELLOWEEN - Keepers of the Seven Keys Part II" is:

Invitation
Eagle Fly Free
You Always Walk Alone
Rise and Fall
Dr Stein
We Got The Right

March of Time
I Want Out
Keeper of the Seven Keys