Helloween
I was supposed to interview these gods of power metal which didn't work out because I got slapped down by a serious cold. In fact I wasn't even sure if I was going to make the show. After a nap and lots of meds I went over to the city. Nice to see some of the security guys I know from The Pound SF at Slim's that night (also making it easier to get through the line). I got in just as local death act Osmium were playing their last notes, and I was sorry I missed them - excellent energy and great riffs. I want to hear more of these guys.
Helloween came storming on with a full on assault and I was well pleased with the intensity of their attack. These guys have been around since 84, and the two original members looked like they were having a fantastic time (Markus - the bassist - especially so). I'd honestly forgotten just how good they were. Michael played most of the leads and was fantastic, taking on most of the leads early on. Sascha (the new guitarist - replacing Roland Grapow) showed his stuff later on in the show playing electric sitar and some tasty fast leads. What's funny is that his look is more of a dyed black gothic industrial look than a traditionally metal one - short hair and a long soul patch. Great guitarist who I'd previously known nothing of (other than the recent Rabbit Don't Come Easy album). The other "new" guy is drummer Stefan Schwarzmann who'd been in both of Udo's bands Accept and UDO. He is fantastic. He had me as soon as he started drumming after the intro music. Heavy and fast but still with a sensitive touch, he's perfect for Helloween's sound. They played a nice long set including (of course) The Keeper of the Seven Keys (with sing along ably directed by singer Andi Deris). Andi's an entertaining front man with an easy smile (formerly of Pink Cream 69) and great at energizing the crowd (though admittedly it wasn't that difficult given the excitement level). He also explained what "Rabbit Don't Come Easy" means (to quote Andi - cover your ears girls - rabbit in Germany is like what we here call pussy). A fantastic set. Please go see them if you can - they're well worth it. Who knows when they'll be back? \m/