Helloween is a band that has been co-writing the history of European power metal for over four decades. “Giants & Monsters” – the group’s seventeenth studio album – proves that the musicians can still strike a balance between monumental sound and fresh composition. It’s a record that, on the one hand, radiates classic heavy metal energy, while on the other, captivates with elegance and precision worthy of a Swiss watch. What’s more, “Giants & Monsters” is a fitting introduction to their fifth decade of activity.
In 2016, Helloween officially announced the return of two key figures: guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen and longtime frontman Michael Kiske, for the “Pumpkins United” tour. Considering the circumstances of their departures years earlier, this reunion seemed almost miraculous. Initially treated as a one-off event, it quickly turned into a permanent collaboration that resulted in a brand-new album. In 2021, the band released “Helloween”, proving that three distinct voices could coexist in full harmony. Then, at the end of last year, they put out the live album “Live at Budokan”, documenting their September 16, 2023 performance in Tokyo as a gift to their Japanese fans. Still, what listeners were really waiting for was another studio release.
After a four-year break, Helloween have returned with “Giants & Monsters”, released under the Reigning Phoenix Music label. Production was once again handled by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward. Bauerfeind has shaped the band’s sound for years, while Ward brought in a fresh perspective on their previous studio album. The result? Stylistic variety delivered in a cohesive, unmistakably Helloween form.
“Giants & Monsters” is a record that grows with each listen. Helloween embrace grandeur and a return to their roots, while also managing to keep their sound fresh and weave in new arrangement touches. Aware of their forty-year legacy, the band has no intention of straying from the path they’ve proudly followed, yet they remain ready to surprise their audience after all these years. The album is dynamic, energetic, and melodic, but it also allows for quieter moments of reflection. Overall, it comes across as consistent and convincing, though not every track hits the mark.
Among the standout moments of “Giants & Monsters” are without doubt “Giants on the Run” and “Savior of the World”. Here we get the essence of contemporary Helloween: massive choruses, galloping rhythm sections, and a clever distribution of vocal parts. Also shining are the expansive “Universe (Gravity for Hearts)”, with its progressive sweep, and the eight-minute closer “Majestic” — a darker, more epic finale highlighted by stunning guitar work. As for a guaranteed concert staple, “We Can Be Gods” feels tailor-made, combining classic Helloween energy with a modern edge.
That said, “Giants & Monsters” has its weaker moments. “A Little Is a Little Too Much”, with its clear stadium-pop leanings, lacks bite and feels too tame compared to the rest of the record. The ballad “Into the Sun” teeters on the edge of excessive sweetness, though the Kiske/Deris duet salvages it. “This Is Tokyo”, despite its affectionate tribute to Japanese fans, ultimately feels like filler. The middle section of “Hand of God” drags, while “Under the Moonlight”, set against the record’s stronger material, sounds somewhat dimmed.
“Giants & Monsters” is proof of vitality from a band unafraid of risk and emotional contrast. The album is uneven — at times too simple and predictable — but elsewhere it impresses with technical prowess and depth. This variety makes it hard to judge unambiguously, but it’s impossible to deny the record’s character. Helloween show that even after forty years, they can still inspire, entertain, and move listeners. Perhaps no longer as the kings of the genre, but as seasoned masters who remain very much in the game. And with a stop at Katowice’s Spodek just around the corner — it’s truly a show worth attending.
Szymon Pęczalski
Remember to support your favorite artists by purchasing physical releases, concert tickets, as well as merchandise and T-shirts. You can order the album “Giants & Monsters” and other Helloween records in various formats at the Mystic Production store (here).
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