TRACKLIST:
01. Invitation
02. Eagle Fly Free
03. You Always Walk Alone
04. Rise and Fall
05. Dr. Stein
06. We Got the Right
07. March of Time
08. I Want Out
09. Keeper of the Seven Keys
Recorded & Mixed at Horus Sound Studio, Hannover, May/June ’88
LINEUP:
- Michael Kiske – vocals
- Kai Hansen – guitar
- Michael Weikath – guitar
- Markus Grosskopf – bass
- Ingo Schwichtenberg – drums
CREDITS:
- Engineer – Tommy Hansen and Tommy Newton
- Mixed by – Tommy Newton except “Invitation” mixed by Tommy Hansen
- Cover design – Edda and Uwe Karczewski
- Concept By [Frontcover] – Michael Weikath
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“Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II” was originally released in 1988 . The album was a huge success throughout Europe, Asia, and even the United States. It went gold in Germany and peaked at No. 108 in the US.
“Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II” 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 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 opening “Eagle Fly Free”, you’re swept away on a musical odyssey. Each track is a mini-epic, a microcosm of the band’s musical prowess. Michael Kiske’s soaring and melodic vocal style contributed significantly, 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 iconic sound. 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.
Two singles were released from the album, “Dr. Stein” and “I Want Out”.
Helloween’s “Dr. Stein” single, stands as a testament to the vibrant era of power metal in the late 1980s. Released on October 6, 1988, by Noise International, it became a significant milestone in the band’s discography and a collector’s item for fans of the genre. The creation history of this single is deeply rooted in the band’s evolution and the burgeoning power metal scene of the time.
The A-side of the single features the iconic track “Dr. Stein,” a song that showcases Helloween’s signature blend of melodic guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and energetic rhythms. The lyrics, penned by the band’s vocalist Michael Kiske, tell the tale of the fictional Dr. Stein and his peculiar experiments. The infectious chorus and dynamic instrumentation solidified the song’s place in the power metal canon. Dr Stein serves as a testament to the band’s ability to create anthemic metal tracks that resonate with their audience.
On the B-side, listeners are treated to “Savage,” another potent display of Helloween’s musical prowess. The track is characterized by its driving rhythm section, powerful guitar work, and Kiske’s impressive vocal delivery. “Livin’ Ain’t No Crime” offers a melodic and introspective journey, balancing the overall sound with a more reflective and emotionally driven composition. Together, “Dr. Stein” and “Savage” capture the essence of the band’s sound during this era, marking a pivotal moment in their artistic progression.
Single Tracklist:
A1. Dr. Stein
B1. Savage
B2. Livin’ Ain’t No Crime
The world of music has witnessed countless iconic singles that have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of fans. One such memorable release is the single of “I Want Out”. Let us delve into the significance of this single, explore the tracks within, and understand its enduring appeal.
The A-side of the single features the anthemic track “I Want Out” which stands as one of Helloween’s most iconic songs, showcasing their signature power metal sound. With its energetic guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and soaring vocals, the song encapsulates the essence of Helloween’s musical prowess. Its lyrical theme of longing for personal freedom and breaking away from societal constraints resonates with fans worldwide. “I Want Out” has become an anthem for those seeking independence and expressing their desire to live life on their own terms.
On the B-side of this single features the track “Save Us”, a dynamic piece that showcases Helloween’s versatility. A heavy, but thought-provoking piece with crushing reality. With its driving rhythm section and soaring vocal performances, “Save Us” exemplifies the band’s ability to create complex and engaging compositions. The natural disasters, our own ignorance, hardly any possibilities to escape from all threats — “Save Us” is a desperate plea for rescue.
The song “Don’t Run for Cover”, a lesser-known gem that deserves recognition in its own right. With its catchy hooks, melodic harmonies, and powerful vocal performance, the song exemplifies Helloween’s ability to craft memorable and engaging compositions. “Don’t Run for Cover” delivers a message of resilience and determination, urging listeners to face challenges head-on instead of seeking refuge or running away. ”
The enduring popularity of Helloween and their impact on the power metal genre contribute to the significance of this release. Helloween’s music has inspired and influenced generations of musicians, and “I Want Out” remains a staple of their live performances to this day.
Single Tracklist:
A1. I Want Out
B1. Save Us
B2. Don’t Run for Cover
A music video was made for the melodic “I Want Out”. Storm Thorgerson directed the music video.
