What Metal Is Really About
It's a rare treat when one of the longest running bands in power metal graces the adoring metal fan base with a year long world tour jam packed full with some of the greatest anthems in metal, roaring riffs and distinctive but sometimes cheesy trademarks. It is a rare treat indeed but occasionally a band of great reputation, a pioneer and leader of their brand will step forward, dust off the cobwebs and storm back on the scene with three times the rocking force and twice the determination. It has happened in the UK with Iron Maiden, Guns and Roses played Download Festival last year and even The Smashing Pumpkins have reformed! At a time when new rave emo/nu-punk bands threaten to choke the world of metal and alternative music, the old legends are all resurfacing from their dormancy and erupting into full creative force to remind us all what metal is REALLY about. At this perfect time one of the most renowned and influential bands in power metal have joined forces of resurrected bands and taken the world by storm once more, selling out their tour venues wherever they play, delighting fans and gaining new fans who perhaps had only before heard whispers of their name.
Back in 2005 German power metal innovators Helloween relit those familiar smiling Jack-O-Lanterns and recorded a studio album dedicated to their greatest work of all time 'Keeper Of The Seven Keys: Parts 1 and 2'. 'Keeper Of The Seven Keys – The Legacy' then led to a world wide year long tour, taking over a hundred concerts in forty countries, three of which were filmed and recorded. 'Keeper Of The Seven Keys – The Legacy World Tour 2005-2006/Live on Three Continents/Live in Sao Paulo' is one of these once in a lifetime concerts released on CD and immortalised forever.
The recording is a wonderful double disk CD that has a playing time of almost two hours of powerful heaven and while many live recording album it is of very high quality, the concert's sound was incredibly well balanced and this has transferred brilliantly on to the recording, saving it from any such disappointment in that field. The vocals are as sharp and clear as they would be were you actually there at the concert, none of the clarity and emotion of the roaring and breathing taking guitar solos has been lost through poor monitoring, rather they have been lovingly transferred on to the disc which creates a mini stadium effect that when turned up full blast is nothing short of incredible. Even the bass can be clearly heard! The album perfectly re-creates Helloween's outstanding performance talents and captures every last detail, right down to the very last riff. Fans who may actually have been lucky enough to attend the concerts will feel as if they have been whisked away back to that fantastic sound experience, a perfect reflection of such a wonderful night. If you're just curious, the album will still not fail to impress.
The truth is that while Helloween may be amazing players on an ordinary studio album, they are ten times better live, and this album has portrayed this beautifully and surpassed the constraints of live recordings a thousand fold. One good reason this album is so worth buying is that it makes the listener appreciate Helloween's talents and raw power so much more. They are truly at their best and in their musical element when heard live and one only has to buy this album to realise this if you have not had the fortune of hearing them play.
If you require further convincing then let me suggest a very good reason that could alone be the deciding factor in this dilemma. Their live performances of 'Mr.Torture' and the legendary 'I Want Out' are enough to make you want to adorn your plastic swords and headband along. What was brilliant on studio albums now becomes much stronger and truly outstanding as the catchy and highly singable chorus of 'Mr.Torture' roars along. Clearly the crowd in background love it and solo are played with amazing precision and skill. A similar reaction is felt from 'I Want Out' though this should be expected as it is one of Helloween's most loved and well known songs, being the proud owner of a raging chorus even more powerful and relentless then 'Mr.Torture'.
This recording also contains a bonus rendition of 'Halloween', an amazing performance of 'If I could Fly' its epic sound resounding with unrivalled emotion and conviction as the riffs and piano introduction dance along to an encouraging chart from the audience which adds a little feeling of reverence to the mood. It features the massive anthem 'Eagle Fly Free' and the dark and sinister but powerfully written 'Hell was made in Heaven' amongst others. Essentially it is a live version of what may be considered their "best of's" and never has it been done on such a spectacular and worldwide scale by a band as big and revered as their reputation.
So, at a time where we see our gods walking the long and heavy road of metal once more, take time to listen to this album and remind yourself what metal is really about.