Giants and Monsters is Hellowen’s second studio album since the return of Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen to make the “Pumpkins” reunited again. And it both a giant and a monster of an album.
Four years or so after the glorious self-titled album (review here) with the expanded line-up, Giants and Monsters surpasses that in spectacular fashion.
All the familiar power metal traits are there which make Helloween leaders of the pack still.
Though the variety which came in with the self-titled album is here with greater effect. The whole album bristles with energy and purpose.
The vocal styles of Andi Deris and Michael Kiske compliment each other so well. All the poise, power and range anyone could want for. Add to that Kai Hansen’s vocal forays (especially on Majestic) and it’s tremendous.
Markus Grosskopf’s bass is as melodic and busy as ever. Dani Loble is a beast behind the kit. And, oh, the guitars….
The trio of Michael Weikath, Sascha Gerstner and Kai Hansen blaze away with enough joint and several riffs of all varieties and jaw-dropping solo work both individually and trading off each other it is peerless.
The battering ram opening trio of Giants on the Run, Saviour of the World and A Little is a Little Too Much are all classic Helloween power metal. As many riffs as you can handle, flying solos, huge vocals and the big catchy melodic choruses.
These three will take you back to the Keeper Part II days but with an energy upgrade.
We Can Be Gods borders on speed metal. A cutting riff, ripping solos, melodic and catchy.
The ballad of Into the Sun slows things down after the assault of what’s gone before. A bit of a breather. Although it’s not bad, it’s not great. Somewhat pedestrian.
This is Tokyo nods to the Japanese market. Melodic metal arena style.
Next up is the epic Universe (Gravity of Hearts). What a song this is. Eight stunning minutes of slashing riffs, thunderous drumming, soaring vocals and the trio of guitarists really letting lose between them. There’s even a little quietish interlude. All very classy.
Hand of God and Under the Moonlight come in as shortish catchy and full of hooks. Both quite punchy. Hand of God has a slight funky feel with the bass lines.
Now – it’s all been leading up to the closer of Majestic. A Kai Hansen spectacular somewhat akin to Skyfall on the previous album.
Majestic is suitably names. Eight minutes of everything. Controlled mayhem. Spectacular and, er, majestic from first note to last. Atmospheric, powerful, fast, bit prog metal here and there, more of the three-guitar attack, Loble and Grosskopf setting a relentless pace and Hansen’s meaningful vocal.
Here is Majestic:
With Gods and Monsters, the Pumpkins retain their place at the head of the table. A triumphant album.
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