The reunited expanded classic lineup of German power metallers HELLOWEEN has signed with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) for the release of their next studio album
The band will enter the studio this summer to begin work on the follow-up to 2021’s acclaimed self-titled effort, with plans to issue the LP in 2025.
RPM comments on the signing: “It is a true milestone for Reigning Phoenix Music to welcome HELLOWEEN to our family of artists. HELLOWEEN are not just a band, they epitomize the energy and passion of power metal. Their music has inspired generations, and we are proud to collaborate in order to reach new heights.”
HELLOWEEN singer Andi Deris added: “Sven Bogner and his team have convinced us with their ideas and enthusiasm. They live and love metal, and this is what connects us. We look forward to be working with them!”
After playing 60 extremely emotional shows in support of their chart-topping album “Helloween”, returning singer Michael Kiske and guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen along with Deris, guitarists Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner, bassist Markus Grosskopf and drummer Daniel Löble are now working on material for their next album.
HELLOWEEN‘s recent “United Forces” world tour took the band to 26 countries on three continents, bringing together more than 800,000 fans. The trek included sold-out headline shows in Los Angeles, New York and São Paulo, as well as highlights like the show at the Prague O2 Arena, the Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, or in front of 14,000 metalheads in Santiago de Chile and HELLOWEEN‘s first-ever sold-out concert at the iconic Budokan in Tokyo, Japan — the Holy Grail and the ultimate accolade for every rock band. Without a doubt, there were tears in everyone’s eyes at the bombastic Hell & Heaven festival in Mexico City, which closed the tour.
Andi previously stated: “What a ride! This world tour was something special for all of us — to get together with all our fans after the long waiting, a feeling we all missed so much! We enjoyed all the shows: our fans were superb and gave us only strikingly happy moments that led to an even stronger cohesion of the band! Personally, I can’t even imagine doing this without Michi and Kai anymore! And now we are looking very much forward to our next studio album with the crazy pumpgang we’ve got!”
Markus added: “Hi HELLOWEEN folks all over the globe: you were the ones who welcomed us with open arms and hearts all over the world and you turned our world tour into an unique, euphoric party! We love you all and we are very much looking forward to continue this party with you, our HELLOWEEN family in 2024 — right after we are done with the new record.”
Sascha stated: “Wow, what an incredible tour once again! I’ve met so many wonderful people, and the atmosphere during our concerts has been filled with love and energy. Each tour gives me a steady growing and fulfilling experience! Much love to all the fans out there, our hard-working crew, dedicated management, and my talented bandmates!”
Upon its debut in June 2021, “Helloween” made a significant impact, securing spots in the Top 10 across more than 10 countries, including Germany, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, and Austria. The album’s striking cover art was crafted by renowned artist Eliran Kantor, recognized for his work with esteemed bands such as HATEBREED, SOULFLY, TESTAMENT, ICED EARTH, and SODOM, among others.
Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, the latest HELLOWEEN record was partially recorded at the H.O.M.E. Studios in Hamburg, where the band’s journey began back in 1984. Utilizing the same recording console featured on classic HELLOWEEN albums like “Master Of The Rings,” “Time Of The Oath,” and “Better Than Raw,” the band embarked on their new musical venture. The album was then mixed at Valhalla Studios by Ronald Prent, known for his work with iconic acts such as IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, and RAMMSTEIN.
“Helloween” marked a deliberate return to the band’s origins, with the German power metallers opting for a fully analog recording process. Daniel Löble took the reins behind the drum kit previously used by the late Ingo Schwichtenberg, original drummer of HELLOWEEN, on the legendary “Keeper Of The Seven Keys” recordings.
The “Pumpkins United” tour represented a momentous occasion as it marked Michael Kiske‘s first live performances with HELLOWEEN since 1993. Additionally, Kai Hansen, who departed from the band in 1988, had intermittently joined the lineup for various tours and festival appearances over the years. The tour featured numerous duets between Kiske and his successor, Andi Deris, and introduced rarely performed tracks like “Kids Of The Century,” “Rise And Fall,” and “Livin’ Ain’t No Crime.” Hansen, who fronted HELLOWEEN until late 1986, delivered a medley of early HELLOWEEN classics, including “Ride The Sky,” “Judas,” “Starlight,” and “Heavy Metal (Is The Law).”