The sensation was perfect – HELLOWEEN, who has sold more than 10 million records worldwide, being one of the most respected German metal bands since 1984, announced their PUMPKINS UNITED WORLD TOUR in 2016. The media was raving about the TOUR OF THE YEAR, playing 69 shows in 32 countries all over the world. More than one million fans on three continents were ecstatic because it was not only a reunion of the original band, it was the summit of seven ultimate HELLOWEEN heroes: Andi Deris, Michael Kiske, Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, Markus Grosskopf, Sascha Gerstner & Dani Löble. Or to put it simple: it was a dream come true for fans around the world, the band received five times more spectators and all of them had only one wish: Please stay together!
Following the excitement, one of the biggest magazines in this genre “BURRN!” (Japan) honored the band with unbelievable four cover stories, this was followed by the thunderstorm of the century within the social media universe, a celebrated PUMPKINS UNITED single and the quenchless hunger for more – much more! And yes, the musicians tasted blood and it was clear: there is no way back – the future of HELLOWEEN will be written in unity. It marked the beginning of a new era and the re-birth of a metal legend with exceptional artists.
Their first new album will be released on June 18th 2021. Flatten the runway with a loud drumbeat: today the spectacular single “Skyfall” is released. Make sure to listen to the new single below!
The 12 minute epos, written by Kai Hansen has the long yearned ‚Keeper-Vibe’ but it isn’t telling the story of the whole album. “Skyfall” has a musical arch which will be loved by fans of every era: from unforgettable times to glorious adventures all the way to the upcoming first album of the HELLOWEEN new age. The epic track tells about an alien landing on earth and a dramatic chase while Hansen, Kiske and Deris duel with each other in a breathtaking manner and create a broadband adventure – with a lyric sheet with colored blocks identifying the singers as well as a video that is formidable. Produced by Martin Häusler, it will be the most elaborate clip in the history of the band, the story to be shown with 3-D animation and having a cinematic look – in these times almost a dinosaur in implementation.
The very first release of the new era is justified to so to do – worthy the occasion: not only a simple album, curated and treasured with love and affection, different formats will be available – especially for all collectors and super fans: Premium CD as digipak and 12“Gatefold vinyl in various styles like shape-LP and picture disc – black or in combinations orange/transparent, orange/black, green/black marbled, orange/black splatter and red/black splatter (also available digitally).
Skyfall is released in two versions: A-side with the 7 minute single edit and the B-side explodes with a 12 minute alternative version of the album track with a new mix and a different singer allocation. Available only on this very single. The second edition will offer „Indestructible“ as their B-side, another precursor from the album and limited availability with a premium package format.
The base of the upcoming milestone album was already erected in the studio: using the original Ingo Schwichtenberg drum kit, the recording was done with the same modulators at the Hamburg HOME studios where back then Master Of The Rings, Time Of The Oath and Better Than Raw were recorded. Back to the roots and completely analog is the UNITED impact – another great work by well-known producer Charlie Bauerfeind and Co-producer Dennis Ward before the album traveled to New York and got the final mastering polish in the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (Iron Maiden, Depeche Mode, Rammstein).
With all this brand new material an album has been created, an album that is set apart from the digital mainstream and showing that the essence of the band was never more solid.
The artwork of Eliran Kantor (Berlin) is clear: Skyfall is the beginning of something big – here comes HELLOWEEN.
