With this album, it was quite obvious that Helloween no longer wanted to release shitty pop albums, as was the case with the two previous discs. While not nearly fast as the 80's material, this album is still faster, heavier, and tons better than anything they've done in the past four years. On a particularly encouraging note, Michael Kiske left to pursue his religious pop/rock career (nothing good about it; it's just great that he finally left!), and we see a very capable frontman, Andi Deris, take over. On the other hand, it was around this time that Ingo Schwichtenberg committed suicide, so ex-Gamma Ray drummer Uli Kusch took over. Although being new to the band, Deris does a big chunk of the writing here, and already proves that he can write songs much better than Kiske. Unfortunately this is not the album where we see Kusch writing any music (something he's very skilled in doing), but even so, the music is very lighthearted and enjoyable.

Most of the songs are noteworthy, though there are several defenite standouts. These are the usual Helloween-style tracks such as "Sole Survivor", "Where the Rain Grows", and "Still We Go"; and also the hard-rock style songs such as "Why?", "Mr. Ego", "Perfect Gentleman", and the excellent ballad - "In a Middle of a Heartbeat". On the lower end of the scale are tracks such as "Secret Alibi", and "The Game is On", with the latter being particularly idiotic, with it's redundant Atari-style beeps. On most of the U.S. released of the album, there was also included a 35 minute bonus disc, with some decent tracks, particularly the 6 1/2 minute "Grapowski Malmsuitte", with some great shredding, courtesy Roland. Good stuff, though nothing particularly memorable.

Overall though, this is very enjoyable album, and an absolute must for the Helloween fan(s). The band finally got their sound working again, and are defenitely headed on the right track (as will be proven with the next two discs). Highly recommended.

Parting Comments: The song Perfect Gentleman, would definitely appeal to a more hard rock oriented audience, but it is superb!  It has that HOOK that you can hang your hat on! With a very addictive rhythm.  Its worth the price of the album.  Andi Deris sounds like a doll, I have loved his voice since the Pink Cream 69 days, and still adore him TO DEATH!

My rating - 7.9
By:  Ilya Ulberg
Parting Comments by: Alanna Evans