The inventors of European-style power metal, the band which in the late 80's was supposed to be the "new Iron Maiden" visited for the second time Greece. Unfortunately during the first visit in 1998 I was abroad and didn't have the chance to see them live. But now my childhood dream came true... The band means so much to me... my first heavy metal tape back in 1989 was "Keeper...II", my and my closest friends' coming of age was marked by this band's music. Even though things have changed in the band and only two of the original members are present, that night was the resurrection of deep pleasant memories.

First I have to make two comments: The "club" is a common stall!!! Only the horses and cows were absent. Right in the middle of one of the worst places in Athens, with no transportation, without any safety control (3000 people came in and out through a small door like the one in my house), and of course no conditions for a band to perform well sound-wise! Plus it was downgrading for such a big band to appear there. The second observation is that Greece (and Greek metallers) take what it deserves: Only 3000 people (the place could hold 4000-5000) for Helloween is a disgrace for us... taking into consideration that bands like Iced Earth, Stratovarius and Nevermore (which based a career on Helloween's music) can make sold-out such places here in Athens easily. So we'd better not complain for watching the same bands again and again.

Now, the support group was Inner Wish. The Greek band plays power metal with prog elements and to be honest sounds really interesting. The band seems to be in a very good shape and delivers its fury songs with much energy. They played old songs along with the new ones and the crowd seemed to be satisfied from the new tracks and of course from the old ones, as they were singing them along with the band. Also the sound was pretty good especially for a support band. As a result, the performance was quite good and the upcoming songs very promising. Looking forward to listening to the new CD.

Then the time had arrived! Helloween intruded the stage like a blizzard, being obviously in good mood!! The opening track took us by surprise: "Starlight" from the EP!!! Panic among the "older" fans... and next we get bombarded by "Murderer" from the first EP as well!!! We cannot believe what is going on - although the sound is really bad because of the inappropriate place-piggery and Deris' voice is kind of lost. But that night the setlist came out of Heaven and satisfied even the most demanding fan (like myself). A small break for Andi to inform us that they will play a retrospective set of Helloween's career and to introduce us to the biggest surprise of the night as they played the whole "Keeper Of The Seven Keys"!!! The sound is getting better and the whole place is on fire!!! "Will - o - the wisps misguiding your path" and I let my body flow with the tide.

The band seems to be in GREAT shape. The four of them are embarked in choreographies with the guitars in front of the drummer (viz Steffan Schwartz who sounds like heavy artillery). Grosskopf never stops moving and headbanging, Weiki and Andi share a cigarette and now I understand that Michael has found the perfect partner to go on. Plus Sascha Gerstner seems to have brought a fresh breath to the band... in a few words Helloween seems to have re-acquired the lost chemistry. I can tell you that they feel so comfortable on stage as if they were in their living-room. During "Future World" the sound is good and we can finally enjoy Deris' voice.... and I have to confess: he has a REMARKABLE voice... he delivers the classic tracks with great ease.

Then we get a heartbreaking "Forever And One", before the holocaust of "Eagle Fly Free" makes our neck break! "Hey Lord" follows and it seems that everyone is having fun. Then it's time for "Open Your Life" from the latest album, which receives a really warm welcome from the crowd as everyone sings along. "If I Could Fly" has always been a favourite down here and acts of worshipers take place. Then we get a delirious/fast "Dr. Stein", which smashes our brains to the wall. The dark and creepy "Back Against The Wall" makes everyone jump up and down. Then the band plays a prolonged version of "Power" where Deris plays with the crowd. We receive the first goodnight, until the band returns with "Sun 4 The World" and - of course - the anthem "How Many Tears" to end the show.

After the show I only see happy faces around me. Yes Helloween kicked ass that night!!! Isn't it great when dreams come true and realise that there wasn't anything else you could ask?
Pumpkin fly free!!!!

by Alex Savatianos

P.S.: This one is dedicated to D. You were right bro, you were there!