Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II
- FaceOff - עימות חזיתי
- Aug 29
- 5 min read
On August 29, 1988 "Helloween" released their third album "Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II" and established their position as one of the most important and influential Power Metal bands in the world.
Few power metal or symphonic metal bands have escaped the influence of "Helloween," particularly their album "Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II".
This album embodies all the classic elements of Power Metal. It features high-speed metal, energetic double bass, neo-classical and melodic guitar work, epic compositions, symphonic influences, and lyrics inspired by fairy tales and fantasy.
The band was formed in 1984 in Hamburg by singer and guitarist Kai Hansen, bassist Markus Grosskopf, guitarist Michael Weikath, and drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg. Initially a Speed Metal band, they released their first EP "Helloween" in 1985, followed by their debut album "Walls of Jericho" the same year, with Kai Hansen also handling lead vocals.
In 1986, the band underwent a lineup change that also impacted their style. Kai Hansen realized that being the lead singer limited his guitar playing during live performances. This led the band to seek a new vocalist, allowing Hansen to focus on his guitar skills and songwriting. Michael Kiske, an 18-year-old with an impressive four-octave vocal range, was chosen for the role, adding a new dimension to the band's sound and musical style.
(Photo: Krasner/Trebitz)
Helloween's decision proved successful when, in 1987, they released their second album, "Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I." This album was primarily composed by guitarist Kai Hansen, who also contributed to the design of its distinctive cover. The album signified a shift in their musical direction, becoming slightly slower and more melodic with classical and symphonic influences. This laid the groundwork for the European Power Metal genre, heavily relying on Michael Kiske's dramatic vocal style, reminiscent of a blend of Geoff Tate, Bruce Dickinson, and Rob Halford.
Indeed, it's accurate that some of you might correctly point out that these foundations were established by "Rainbow" in 1976, with legendary tracks like "Stargazer" or "A Light in the Black" from the album "Rising", or with the fast pace and double bass of "Kill the King" from the album "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" released two years afterward. Some argue that it was Rob Halford's vocal style and the "twin guitar" sound of his bandmates in "Judas Priest" that shaped the subgenre. This is indeed true! However, "Helloween" succeeded in taking these influences, pushing them to their limits, and elevating them to new heights, particularly with their album "Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II". This album became one of the genre's most influential works and propelled the band to the forefront of the metal scene.
It's noteworthy that all this success occurred precisely when guitarist Kai Hansen began losing interest in the band. This shift allowed guitarist Michael Weikath to step up and take charge of the writing process for this album, as well as the cover design, much like his friend Kai Hansen did for the previous album. This change was likely essential for creating such a masterful album.
True to the epic nature of a Power Metal album, "Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II" starts with a brief symphonic intro titled "Invitation" designed to "invite" us into the enchanting world of "Keeper of the Seven Keys." Following this is the timeless track "Eagle Fly Free," which encapsulates the essence of the Power Metal subgenre in just five minutes. It features fast and powerful double bass drumming by Ingo Schwichtenberg, an incredible melody with virtuosic and clear high vocals by Michael Kiske, stunning neo-classical twin guitar work by Kai Hansen and Michael Weikath, and explosive, pulsating bass by Markus Grosskopf, who even takes the lead momentarily. With violins, choir, and trumpets, what more could you ask for in this mind-blowing song that many others have tried to emulate?
The album progresses with "You Always Walk Alone", whose introduction brings to mind "Iron Maiden", another band that clearly influenced "Helloween". As the song advances, Michael Kiske delivers outstanding vocals, reaching impressive heights with a voice that somewhat echoes Geoff Tate.
The album shifts with a humorous anthem titled "Rise and Fall", written by Michael Weikath, who also added quirky sound effects. It's worth noting that the lyrics, particularly the story of Romeo's inability to consummate his love for Juliet due to impotence, remind us of "Alestorm", a band likely inspired by "Helloween's" humor and style. This comedic tone continues with "Dr. Stein", the amusing hit single dedicated to Frankenstein. This track is among the band's most popular, frequently played at concerts. In 2010, the band released an entertaining video for the jazz-style remake of the song, featured on the album "Unarmed – Best of 25th Anniversary".
The first side of the vinyl concludes with the outstanding and dynamic "We Got the Right," which slightly reduces the tempo. This track serves as an ideal contrast to the two preceding songs, providing a "more serious" counterbalance to the band's signature "Happy Metal" style, effectively balancing the first side. The song was honored with an operatic-symphonic tribute version featuring several renowned musicians, including Arjen Lucassen, Blaze Bayley, Tim Ripper Owens, and others.
The second side of the vinyl begins with an epic introduction featuring the piano and guitar sounds of "March of Time". This rhythmic track boasts a sweeping and melodic chorus, making it undoubtedly one of the album's highlights. It showcases an impressive display of the "Power Metal" style. Weikath and Hansen's guitar work aims for perfection, the rhythm section is at its peak, and once again, Michael Kiske's incredible vocals manage to stand out, even amidst the thunderous drums and intense guitar riffs.
Next comes "I Want Out", arguably the band's most famous hit and one of the greatest metal singles ever, which even received some airplay on MTV. We stand by this claim, as the song features an irresistibly catchy guitar "hook" and chorus that can lodge in your mind after just one listen. Hansen penned the song out of frustration with the pressures and stress of live performances and the band's disputes with the record label, feelings that eventually led him to lose interest in the group.
The album concludes with the masterpiece and theme song "Keeper of the Seven Keys." This track is Michael Weikath's grand and enhanced response to "Halloween," a song written by guitarist Kai Hansen for the previous album, serving as the saga's first part. It's an extraordinary piece that surpasses the thirteen-minute mark, featuring frequent shifts in rhythms and styles, intense solos, impressive vocal harmonies, classical instrumental sections with symphonic support, and operatic vocals. This intense metal theater acts as a mini rock opera, narrating the story of the "keeper of the seven keys," whose task is to lock the seven days of the week. The "keeper of the keys" is destined to defeat Lucifer, a feat he can achieve only by casting the keys into the sea, as directed by the old prophet who accompanies and guides him. Thus, the keeper sets off on a voyage to distant oceans to cast the keys into the sea of hatred and sin, the sea of fear, the sea of senselessness, the sea of greed, and the sea of ignorance...
It is worth mentioning that the extended version of the album includes several bonus tracks, such as "Save Us", "Savage", "Livin' Ain't No Crime", and "Don't Run for Cover", some of which hold up to the quality of the other songs on the album.
In conclusion, there is no doubt about the impact of "Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II" on the metal world in general and the subgenres of Power and Symphonic metal in particular. The virtuosic playing, dynamic energy, classical and symphonic influences, epic vocals, and even the distinctive German humor elevated the Power Metal style in this album, creating a legacy of bands striving to emulate and recreate this unique magic.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
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