Helloween - Singles Box Set Volume 1: 1985-1992

Euro power-metallers in their heyday, only mini

Containing seven CD singles in card sleeves and running to 26 tracks, this box sees guitarist/‘singer’ Kai Hansen and chums on generally blistering form, knocking out their screaming take on high-octane, melodic (mostly) metal, from the rattling riffage of opener Starlight (1985), to the ironic Europe (the band)-style No 1. Of the B-sides and other cuts on offer, Murderer comes on like a Brassoed Motörhead, and Warrior is one of several Iron Maiden-like romps. A White Christmas piss-take is best consigned to the skip, but Judas (1986) and its two live companions kept things on track. The singalong Futre World (1987) is backed by a cracking remix of Starlight and an alternative version of A Little Time, riven with sweet harmonies. With Michael Kiske recruited for vocals, the quintet’s Dr Stein (1988) and Scorpions-esque Livin’ Ain’t No Crime rock with aplomb. The gap until 1991’s Kids Of The Century was filled with an interview and a couple of turgid numbers, but the last single of the batch saw a Gary Moore homage in Les Hambourgeois Walkways. Seems that they had a sense of humour, as well as what makes mighty metal.

Sanctuary | CMXBX 1434

Reviewed by Tim Jones
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