The sincerest form of flattery, a tribute album hailing the long
standing accomplishments of one of Metal's most influential and still
very active bands, Helloween, perhaps the finest Germany's ever
produced, or at least in the top three. While Helloween as a name's
remained intact throughout their ongoing fifteen-plus year existence,
the fact they've gone through as many personnel changes and executor
turmoil over their course nearly seeing them destroyed just as they were
set to completely conquer, makes this all the more incredible. For all
intents and purposes, Helloween could well have called it a day after
their fabulous "Keeper of the Seven Keys" series and their legacy would
still remain inarguable.
Here, some of the finest European Epic Power
Metal acts lend their own stellar talents in reproducing the near fabled
early years, basically the first half of Helloween's dual
identity -- considering the band's current make up, there is a distinction,
if only a small one at that. But during the band's darker days, their
roots were firmly grounded in Speed Metal and Thrash before embarking on
the more melodious journeys of the aforementioned "Keeper" classics and
here's where the focus is -- "Keeper" part II and beyond.
Beginning with
the quickly rising and virtuosic cast of Italy's Rhapsody, "Guardian"
bursts forth, true to the original, undeniably cleaner, more
imaginative, and almost an odd foreshadowing of what the song might
sound like were it recorded today. "Heavens Gate" tackles "A Little
Time," one of the more groove-inspired tunes from the first "Keepers"
record and puts their own brand on it, giving it a much slower tempo and
maybe taking the title too seriously. While they lent their own measure
of uniqueness to it, it falls too flat to really inspire repeat
listening. "Ride the Sky" however, by Metallium, part man, part
machine, part mercury, glistens and gleams in near perfection,
maintaining the core of the original with modern day instrumental
techniques, namely the kick drum staple that gives it an extra boost all
throughout. Back to Italy for the next, Luca Turilli, soloist, leader
for Rhapsody, does a majestic take on what at the time in 1987, was
Helloween's first recognizable Metal "hit" and "I'm Alive," one of their
most encouraging and long-heralded anthems, again going back to the
first "Keepers" classic.
"The Keepers of Jericho," also featuring true
to life cover art by one Uwe Karczewski, fittingly, and responsible for
those many dark and daunting images from the early covers, announces the
rediscovery of Helloween's formative golden years, played today with
pride, passion and power by the next generation of standout musical
talents. Top to bottom, all are nearly flawless in their
interpretations and never lose sight of their own individuality, which
granted, owes much to those whom they tribute. An expectedly splendid
performance with plenty of pumpkins to go round.
