When Michael Kiske recorded this album, he was 18 years old. He is now 54 years old, and he is still singing it in the original key!

@klextacy

Жыл бұрын

Kiske is an absolute beast. I'm always astounded at just how great he is.

@immanuel_cunt7688

Жыл бұрын

Of course, he is the keeper of the key!

@desape

Жыл бұрын

i mean when you don't do tours for 20 plus years it kinda makes sense your voice is intact

@kiskethekeeper

Жыл бұрын

@@desape He didn't tour for 17 years. He started to tour again in 2010 with Unisonic.

@desape

Жыл бұрын

@@kiskethekeeper ohh your right completely forgot about unisonic haha my bad

The live version on the Pumpkins United Tour is just insane with Deris, Kai Hansen and Kiske combined in the vocals. Kiske is as untouchable vocally since the 80s until now.

@r2dezki

Жыл бұрын

I wish he would've done that version instead.

@rinderzuechter

Жыл бұрын

Totaly agree, Dude! That United life Version is absolutly Brilliant!

@ChristianCarrizales

Жыл бұрын

I actually saw Helloween in Chicago when they did their Pumpkins United tour. It was fantastic!

@JuanCarlosAMK

Жыл бұрын

He can still react to the seven of the seven keys pumpkins United versión

@morganlyckman4221

Жыл бұрын

agreed, I saw pumpkins united live 2018 , holy crap , so great to see and hear them live, and they seemed to be enjoying themselfes!

Is anybody going to be say something pf how amazing is the Weikath/Hansen guitar duo in this song? I think it’s just majestic. For me, probably the very best guitar duo in the history of this genre we call powermetal. Great choice!

Jesus... those vocals are not human. OMG. The power and range that singer has is off the charts. The guy has a flame thrower for a voice. Unbelievable.

@joelabel7843

Жыл бұрын

Listen to eagle fly free

@TheCyberMantis

Жыл бұрын

@@joelabel7843 Or SAVE US

@AsIfHeKnew

Жыл бұрын

He was 18 yo those days 🤘🏻

@luisnunes3863

Жыл бұрын

The band today has him and another singer, Deris. They take that top E5 together in harmony...

@flekkzo

Жыл бұрын

The genre is shock full of extremely good vocals. It’s kinda cheating pulling out the metal singers from the genres that are basically based on the idea of extreme musicianship. Examples being Kiske (here), Dickinson, Halford, Tate, Kürsch, and the list just goes on.

Classic 80's metal, you can't beat it.

Helloween are one of the pioneers of power metal where the double kick drum and 2/4 tempo is one of the most present feature to enforce power and speed in the genre. More modern power metal bands like Stratovarious or Symphony X do use this feature even more.

@gustavk962

Жыл бұрын

Not Pioneer. They invented the whole genre that is called power metal.

@ArchieArpeggio

Жыл бұрын

@@gustavk962 Not if you would ask that from Yngvie Malmsteen he would answer that he invented whole power metal scene and then came the others 😄. He´s not gonna get any credit to anyone else.

@amberlight5527

Жыл бұрын

@@gustavk962 Blind Guardian was on the same year with a album both use cloak figure faceless hood on album both was 87

@spartanRko2001

11 ай бұрын

I think Battalions of Fear is closer to thrash metal than power metal.

The man didn't even flinch when he read Ingo's last name. What a pro.

Let me first say a big THANK YOU for reacting to the full version of this epic song. I think you're the first person this holiday season that has done the correct version and not the chopped up shorter one. Helloween are basically the godfathers of power metal. They were one of, if not the first, to do so and they remain one of the premier bands of the genre. I've been a fan of them since their start in the early 80's and remain a fan to this day. They are a bit less serious than a lot of metal bands which adds to the enjoyment I get from their music.

@ArchieArpeggio

Жыл бұрын

But if you would ask that from Yngvie Malmsteen he would answer that he invented whole power metal scene and then came the others 😄. He´s not gonna get any credit to anyone else.

@sebastiansanchezmendoza7523

Жыл бұрын

@@ArchieArpeggio I think a lot of the genre involve the vocals not just the guitar shredding over fast drums.

@joaquinlezcano2372

Жыл бұрын

@@sebastiansanchezmendoza7523 also the atmosphere and feel the genre have

@ArchieArpeggio

Жыл бұрын

@@sebastiansanchezmendoza7523 i know what power metal is and what bands are pioners of it. Yngwie is just so eregantthat he thinks all the glory for starting the genre belongs to him 😂. He sure is fast player and knows the scales very well as playing solos. I´ve never been fan of him and those kind of claims in interviews just make him seem like total asshole. Even that he is talented and can do tricks, i didn´t ever liked him as a person or musicia. Too cocky (at least he was at the younger age). Of course he´s been influencer for many musician that plays or played power metal, but still, nah...

Finally! Douglas listens to more good stuff! 👍 pumpkins United! 🎃

Extremely talented band that peeked in 1987, 1988.....absolutely fantastic....Incidentally, 1987 was truly the top of the mountain ⛰ for rock, pop and heavy ambiance. Thank God I was alive and playing in bands, teaching guitar 🎸 at that time. Blessed.....I was only 16 years old....thank you for reviewing this my friend. A true musician is opened to everything.

@russellvanvleet7457

Жыл бұрын

I was playing in metal bands until the Seattle sounds came then I had to play country so I wouldn't have to get a real job! Lol.

as a drummer myself....the double time drums work in the context of the song because of the ever changing dynamics of the song itself....

@philiplainovic1837

Жыл бұрын

and because speed metal is dope asf

@tarkus1056

Жыл бұрын

Doug just doesn't like double bass period, we thought he would get used to it but nope. Just a matter of preference.

@zombiemosher1139

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, he just doesn't get speed metal. He'd better not check out any death metal then. Lol

This album is flawless! Listened to it on repeat for a year when it was released.

@chrisvanderwielen1530

Жыл бұрын

I still remember getting mine via 5-finger discount one day when a couple of us ditched school. Both my buddies grabbed GnR - Appetite, but I grabbed this one...and haven't regretted it since.

I always find it interesting that a lot of the uninitiated tend to really dislike the double time tempo and specifically the snare hits. I can underrstand how it sounds jarring, especially in songs where it feels uncalled for. But personally in power metal songs like this I love it because it gives the song so much more energy and extra fuel to burn. And once you're in that pocket you have a license to make it drawn out, so as for it to become hypnotic. It really is the meat and potatoes of power metal and is just so damn fun, yall

Wow, haven't heard this song in over 30 years. Good stuff! I forgot how genuinely good Helloween was. They were like a Teutonic version of Priest or Maiden.

Recent live version is worth checking out to here how well Kiske's voice has aged (plus the harmonies between Hansen, Kiske, and Deris). Or any live video as the band is an absolute blast live, but this song is the opener for what is frequently and almost 3 hour set that they manage to maintain the same amount of energy throughout

@toni.tapola

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, there's the _United Alive in Madrid_ (2019) version recorded & shot in Madrid on 9 December 2017, *and* the Wacken Open Air version recorded & shot in 2018, both on KZread 🎃!

"He knocked on the wrong house, y'all." #dead 😆 🤣 😂

Just in case no one else has pointed it out: Doug, your aversion to double kick and a lot of double time beats is completely a matter of stylistic preference. They may not be compositionally ideal, but we metal heads crave that energy in music. It's like an addiction; when you get a little, you want more. This is how we progressed from Iron Maiden to Helloween to Dragonforce. Still love your reactions, but maybe remember that every genre has signature style elements.

@SkyblueHippie

Жыл бұрын

Yes, the energy (power) in music. I guess a lot of non-metal heads have a hard time grasping that concept the way we do. Thank you for pointing that out.

@section8usmc53

Жыл бұрын

He was specifically talking about the snare, which he mentioned a few times. It does sound rushed, and I agree that if you took out every other snare beat, it would help it breathe just a bit.

When I saw "Helloween" the first thing that came in my mind: "Doug will not enjoy the double pedal drums". And I nailed it! 😂

Ah yes, an 18yr old Michael Kiske wailing like Geoff Tate, and hitting the E5 almost just as good. I love Helloween. 'Keeper of The Seven Keys', Pt 1 and 2....freaking masterpieces. 😎

Doug,my dear - the dbl time, together with the Russian kazatchok motif, are the highlights of this masterpiece. :-)

Well I’m here for it, I’ve been blasting keeper of the last month

@craiglindecamp9589

Жыл бұрын

Seven keys lol

Yes! Finally someone recognize the Peanuts reference in the lyrics.

Saw them live opening for Iron Maiden on their Seventh Tour of a Seventh Tour in '88. Great show!

When a classical composer headbangs to a song, you know it's a good'un.

Thanks so much for this reaction Doug!, Helloween is one of my favorite bands and hopefully you do more reactions to this band. They are really an awesome band! They were in Mexico City last September…boy, I couldn’t miss that one! A great concert, Kiske, Deris and even Hansen, they do a great job on vocals, guitars are amazing, bass and drums are awesome as well. Thanks again, great job!!

Kiske did an album of Elvis Presley covers. His vocal range was incredible.

Guess you'll have to ado Halloween by King Diamond next year

Believe or not this kinda drumming has inspired the blast beat type of drumming in black metal! Still love you for saying it as you feel!

A ridiculously young Michael Kiske, rumored he could have joined Maiden after Bruce left. Just dream of that. RIP Ingo.

A fine bunch of musicians that made all the difference for me back in the 80s. Kiske of course, one of the best if not THE best power metal vocalist ever. Kai and Michael complements each other so beautifully, Ingo(rip) and Markus holding the ground not unlike the greats of Ward/Butler or JPJ/Bonzo. Their current incarnation with singer Deris is the cherry on the cake. Kind of silly lyrics sure, but to hold it in this epic is remarkable. Also, thank you so much for almost no pauses. The live reactions is so much better without the constant pauses. This one deserves to be presented as it was recorded!

Awesome song. I’ve been listening to it every Halloween since the early 90’s and it was a pleasure listening to it with you this year. I enjoy your thoughts and analysis. Keep up the good work!

I am sincerely sorry that you are kind of annoyed by the tempo in the drums... It is such a key element of power metal and particularly, of this song. Having said that, great analysis of a great, classic, metal song. Very professional from you to "overlook" what bothers you and focus on the rest, which is a total masterpiece. Thank you for another great one, my friend!

@brianobrian9334

Жыл бұрын

Power metal involved a lot of speed metal aspects ..he does not understand the history or theory .

@carston101

Жыл бұрын

Personally I love the fast drums! Its something thats been catching my ear a lot recently in mych of the music I've been listening to (helloween, sabaton, powerwolf)

@axeldullak5011

Жыл бұрын

@@carston101 He mentiones that he feels that the percussion rushes the double time, as he calls it, and I think it's the change in accetuation that bothers him. Maybe it's because of all the years of listening to power metal that I'm so used to it I really enjoy it.

@carston101

Жыл бұрын

@@axeldullak5011 in gonna be honest, everything you said after "percussion" went right over my head.

@tarkus1056

Жыл бұрын

Doug just doesn't like double bass period, we thought he would get used to it but nope. Just a matter of preference.

I love this song and have listened to it every Halloween whilst carving pumpkins for as long as I can remember. Thanks for the reaction.

The notes in the CD booklet inform us which guitarists play which parts. It'll say Kai Mike Kai Mike and then both. Epic song.

Awesome reaction, I was hoping you would say something about the bass. This track has got so many amazing lines.

Yes!!!!!!! You can't beat Helloween on Halloween.

the creators, and masters, of power metal ! Helloween for ever. Thx Doug !

Glad this covers the full song.

Can I just say that I love these videos so much, look forward to every Monday every week And have discovered so much great music Such a great watch big man keep it up🤘 Much love from the Leeds in the UK 🇬🇧

I love this band and song. Thx again, Doug! ❤

Cool to hear you doing this! Actually I visited them in the studio when they did this one, so it's always been one of my favorites. ❤

I love your reactions, you are so techincal as a musician can be, its so interesting.

I love this song! About a year or so ago I listened to the album again after more than a decade, and I noticed that I had completely forgotten how good it was from start to finish. I honestly think it's one of the best Metal albums ever.

Hey Doug, so great to see you headbanging! They were a great band live. I saw them on this tour. Yes, two guitarists.

The live version of this song with both michael kiske and andi deris is amazing

Great video for Halloween! Would be cool to see you do "March of Time" from Helloween some time in the future

@rubicon-oh9km

Жыл бұрын

Save Us as well.

I remember Doug having some issues with the double time in Keeper of the seven keys aswell. And called it the polka beat 😁 I was hoping for this anyways and glad you did it 🤗

oh man I love this one thanks again Doug with the DEEP cuts

Great Reaction Doug! Thanks for doing this one for Halloween, very appropriate. Michael Kiske, the singer was only 19 when this album was made and he is regarded as one of the best male vocalists in rock/metal. Yes, Charlie Brown, the Big Pumpkin and Linus are in this song. There is a full 13 minute video for this song, if you want to go back and watch it Doug. Some nice nymphs that come out of the forest, if that gives you an incentive, lol Happy Halloween Doug and Megan.

@bobthebear1246

Жыл бұрын

Dude...he literally just played and reacted to the 13-minute version. 🙄 Hello, McFly; anyone home?!?

@metalmark1214

Жыл бұрын

@@bobthebear1246 You noticed I said video, not the audio. Pay attention. Now who looks stupid.

King Diamond has a song called Halloween too, and its pretty amazing.

@deed5811

Жыл бұрын

I concur. King Diamond would be a fun reaction.

@andywessel

Жыл бұрын

@@deed5811 or Merciful Fate

@Miwna

Жыл бұрын

I would love to hear Doug's take on anything from Melissa. I guess Satan's Fall would be most fitting.

@Skalarwelle

Жыл бұрын

Yes for the King.

Thank you for the video. I really enjoyed it.

Helloween is an awesome band; i love them! …. You should try How Many Tears !!!!!!

I never gave this band a real chance but now I have changed my mind. Maybe I should do a deeper dive. Where should I start y'all?

@bloodysmurf

Жыл бұрын

Start with live clips from the Pumpkins United tour.

@deivison.72

Жыл бұрын

From the keppers 1 And 2, of course, start from There. But Also There is walls of Jericho who is more fast, And Have speed And a little Trash metal. But the álbum without Kiske And hansen, are Also Great: Master of the rings, Time of the oath, And Better than raw. Enjoy It!

@NerevarineKing

Жыл бұрын

Walls of Jericho was such a great debut

@satellarknightaltair4o90

Жыл бұрын

You can try listening to the albums in order. Otherwise you can listen to singles like dr stein

Mr. Helvering, You have outdone yourself sir! 😁I enjoyed your video very very much! I would have seen it sooner but I was literary watching "It's The Great Pumpkin CharlieBrown" and some John Carpenter movies at about the time you aired this. I was stuck at home doing some science homework and listening to 105.5 KNAC (So. Cal) on my stereo on Halloween when I first heard this in the late 80's. I was hooked. It embodies the fun of kid culture, history and mystic of Halloween wrapped up in a metal masterpiece. Even the electronic 'tick tick tick tick' sound from the very first intro sounds can easily be tied to the sounds from the movie "Halloween". It is tradition form me to hear this every Halloween. Thanks for saving this one for the actual day. So much fun. This song still gives me some goose bumps every year! 🤘 BTW No offense but I love the drum timing throughout the song. It really accents the feel of the guitar work when you are playing it. Their guitar work is very percussive in their alternate picking technique and the drums seem to go right along with it. To me anyway. Thanks again! You rule!

Thank you for this posting 🥰

Fun fact: Helloween did a cover of last year's reaction "Hocus Pocus"

listened to helloween for many years still love them

If I have to preserve ONE song for the entire Powermetal .... THIS IS IT !!!

Thanks for that review. Saw Helloween few months ago 3 times. Great band! Hear them since 1987.

Wow! This was so much fun! I love this song (it gets stuck in my head so easily)! When you mentioned how the double-time felt rushed, I agree. But I think it was intentional to make it feel like you're being chased and uneasy. Just my thoughts. 🙂

I always see a lot of the snobby metalhead say say all the time that Helloween is a lesser version of Iron Maiden. But I don’t think that’s the case. What I would say is that Helloween has a timbre that is similar to Iron Maiden, such as the guitar tones, or maybe Michael’s deliverance of his vocals. But theoretically, they are definitely more technically complicated than Iron Maiden. I myself am not too familiar with Helloween though, but this did peak my interest in them a little more, especially that bass playing.

SO happy that you did this. One of the great metal bands with one of the finest vocalists of all time.

For future recommendations, Iced Earth did an entire album based off of classic horror movies called Horror Show. There are numerous songs off of that album you could react to for Halloween.

@Bobbias

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. Iced Earth rarely gets much attention, but they've got some great songs.

@beernmetal6964

Жыл бұрын

Dracula....oh hell.. I've seen both Matthew Barlow and Ripper sing this, but the "Live in Ancient Kourion" sounds the most evil. But, "Ghost of Freedom" from the album is one of the best Memorial Day songs I could ever think of.

@GrampsD63

Жыл бұрын

That album has two of my fave IE songs..Damien and Im'Ho'Tep (The Pharaoh's Curse). Matt Barlow is an incredible singer.

@HurricaneGregor

Жыл бұрын

@@GrampsD63 Don't forget The Phantom Opera Ghost as well. But for me, Iced Earth was magical the first 3 albums. Beyond that, still one of my favorites, but not quite up to that same level. Not meant as a knock on the band. Just that we got spoiled by Travel in Stygian, Dante's Inferno, etc.

Love it! Double kick is nice Doug!

What a great track. Singer reminds me very much of Jeff Tate. Can we have some more of these?

Happy Halloween 🎃 everyone! Nice choice Doug.

I don't know how I missed this... thank you Doug!

You are not ready for the Blast beat jaja, cool video

This album was musically life changing. Phenomenal. I remember Doug ragging on the drums when he did Keeper last year. Kiske just 18 here. I saw them on this tour and even got an arm in arm pic with Michael. I like to suggest Do I Remember A Life? from his first solo album Instant Clarity, a brilliant and beautiful song. -Tim (TAC from DTF)

Happy Halloween from Temuco, Chile!!

Well, that was entertaining Doug! Cheers!

The drumms are amazing, one of the signatures of Helloween and power metal. I love the drumms, the drummer Ingo... I love Helloween!

Hi, loved the reaction, and as you said, in fact there's a hero and this song is connected to "Keeper of the Seven Keys", being "Halloween" part 1 of the story, and KOTSK a continuation of it.

@eldoriath1

Жыл бұрын

And then The King for a thousand year to end off the trilogy, really love their Keeper medley they did some (probably more than I want to admit) years ago =)

Drummer: blasts Doug: Not quite my tempo. You are dragging.

@underwoodvoice9077

Жыл бұрын

I understand that reference...

Halloween today have 3 singers of this quality and they dualize live. Also 3 deluxe guitar players. They are like a good old wine today. Musically mature.

Helloween man..I don't care how cheese Christian Power metal this is or how old it is, it just damn makes me happy...those pipes! the whole sound, I just love it...and ofcourse the message too.

@jhdix6731

Жыл бұрын

I'm a bit confused... What's Christian about it? I mean, yes, they are using biblical images here, but all from the Old Testament, common to all mosaic religions.

@gv280z

Жыл бұрын

@@jhdix6731 yea, i got you man, i never thought of it like that.. just pulling from generic labels i suppose.

Next Halloween you should do some Mercyful Fate and/or King diamond

epic, one of the most epic albums and songs

always good to see people from other community appreciate heavy metal music with no bias or perception

I have no idea why, but this is one of my favorite songs. I don't like anything else they've ever done (that I've heard), but this song just hit me square between the eyes. I went out and bought the CD and wore it out with this song. It reminds me so much of Savatage, Hall Of The Mountain King, except infinitely more frenetic.

Kudos Doug for selecting this classic. RIP Ingo

I was at this concert. Halloween, Armored Saint, and Grim Reaper. Hell on wheels tour. Hell of a show. One of my favorite bands.

The very first heavy metal song i;ve ever heard at the age of 13. Immediatelly hooked! Thanx Doug!

Thank you very much Doug! Let say this song is something like mini rock-opera with different parts, different music, different rhythm and different speed. Thanking to Kiske we can receive not usual and standard verses and choruses, but pretty interesting long lasting show. The double guitars solo part some composers call "polka style" melody. :-))) Once again thanks for reactions for both epic long songs from "Keeper Of The Seven Keys" PI and PII albums!

I have been waiting for it as Helloween never ever let me down...What a band!I have been with them since 1988....Seen them a few times and met the members...Love them...🍻😀🤘

If you want to know how they sound today, you should watch and listen to "How many tears" live in Wacken, Germany, 2018. ☝️ In this version you can hear all three singers. Simply great. ❤️

Great song, in a perfect Day!! Saludos from México!

Thank you, Doug!! What a treat listening to you talk about my favorite Helloween song. On Halloween, no less!!

Great video! 👍

Amazing, Doug. You´ve done two songs from the saga and now there's only one left, King for a 1000 years from 2003

You are such of a great man, Dough. High fives.

Awesome, although I wish you had reacted to the live version. Now you should try How many tears live at Wacken or King for a thousand years studio version. Helloween rocks!

Epic legendary composition

Brings back happy memories of seeing them at Hammersmith Odean, and the internet tells me it was Nov 1 1988, and massive inflatable pumpkins flying around the audience. Metal at its over the top finest.

It would be nice of you to react to Helloween - I want out (studio/music video version)... one of my all time favourites. Such a strong song, such a strong message and outstanding performance across the board!

I remember transcribing this and playing it in a metal band I was in back in the early 90s. We had to start working on it in the summer to have it ready for October gigs. LOL

Highly, highly recommend Keeper of the Seven Keys(the studio version) by Helloween. Imo, the greatest vocals layed down for a song ever.

@misterghee1

Жыл бұрын

Mmmkay tjek Elegy Dutch progmetal

@Kraakesolv

Жыл бұрын

He has done it and even said so in the intro.

Doug, TYVM for revisiting Helloween after reacting to their Keeper of the Seven Keys...which is not one of their better songs IMO...also for listening to Halloween. When you said 2 guitars...yes, that is Kai and Michael playing one of their many duets. They've done many duets like this and are masters at it. Please don't forget Markus on the bass. If I made a list of the top 10 metal bassists, Markus would be somewhere on that list. He doesn't play like many typical metal bass players and adds a very unique depth to the music. If you revisit Helloween again I suggest The King for a 1000 Years or Pumpkins United. You would hear Andi Deris' singing in either of them. If you go to Helloween's first album I suggest How Many Tears or Starlight. There you would hear Kai's singing. I like his singing, but many criticize his vocals.

It was interesting to see, to hear the reaction of a "non-metal music" composer on this song. :) This album, and the 2nd part are for sure in the TOP10 "Best Heavy Metal Album Ever Created". Epic masterpiece, and a flawless perfection in each single moment. But with all due respect, dear Doug... it is valid for the drum part as well. Ingo Schwichtenberg was absolutely out of this world. And we mortals can only be grateful having the opportunity to enjoy his drumming throughout these very few records he made. May his soul rest in eternal peace!

I was raised on this album, I was 4 when my brother brought it home, so I´m all for that double kick. It´s basically what drives this genre - the power metal. So yeah, I love this, and as I´m starting to learn drumming, I hope will get good at double kick. :)