Helloween - Master Of The Rings

Shameless of the shame, we cant even insult power metal, because this is not metal anymore but pop rock

Well I certainly didn't know that Andy Deris had been with Helloween as far back as the release of this album, but I guess that's what happens when you've only listened to a select few albums from the band over and over again. I've since given "Master of the Rings" a few listens and come to this conclusion: It's the start of a steady ascent into relevancy. There's a lot of quirky stuff here, Helloween's usual brand of power metal but somehow bouncier (if such a word exists). I guess you could say the same about Helloween's 80s material to a certain extent. The album to me is generally very solid stuff, not quite perfect (some songs are too run-of-the-mill for my liking, particularly "Sole Survivor" and "Secret Alibi", but then there's the excellent "Why" and "Perfect Gentleman" which soundly remind me of how well-written Helloween songs have been known to be.

Most of the lyrics are way too dumb and the middle of the album is really boring. There were no meh songs, only good ones and bad ones.

Sole Survivor Damn it's good to hear Helloween playing some heavier stuff after the two previous albums: the Band is back in their element.

Written by No False Steele on 25.12.2019 at 12:26

Sole Survivor Damn it's good to hear Helloween playing some heavier stuff after the two previous albums: the Band is back in their element.

Yes we k ow it now, because all what followed was heavy, but metal balls did not know it then

Okay, listened the whole thing. It was good while it lasted; the songwriting really goes on a downfall after Where the Rain Grows that culminates to Perfect Gentleman which is a pathetic sellout attempt to go pop metal and is total wastage of three and half minutes. The plunge is long and doesn't end until In The Middle Of A Heartbeat, which I think is the third song that's worth listening on this album. But frankly it was too late, and hence the album is begging for a massive skip-spree of 6 six tracks a row. Still I'd say it's somewhat return to form kind of an album.

One of their best if not best post Keeper albums.

Where The Rain Grows and Perfect Gentleman have such a great tune. Can't give a better rating as second half is pretty mediocre.

Take Me Home reminds me so much of Van Halen. Otherwise, some ok songs, but a long run of very meh songs as well. 6.5/10 for me

I lol'd at pop rock seriously?

For me, it is better than any of the albums preceding it. Andi Deris is a breath of fresh air, and infinitely better than Kiske imo.

Deris was just the right guy for Helloween. Not only do I like his voice more than Kiskes but he's also one hell of a songwriter. I've always thought this album to be a hit and miss album but tbf most songs here are actually quite strong. Mr Ego is a bit of a drag and The Game is On isn't that fun but the rest ranges from good to fantastic. The whole bonus track disc is also a pleasent listen.

So, Kiske out - Deris in, and a new chapter of band's history has begun. Here we have a strong return to the form with high quality material like: "Where the Rain Grows", "Sole Survivor", "In the Middle of a Heartbeat" and super catchy "Perfect Gentleman". Some other songs here is little dull, but after previous embarrassment - this album is exactly what was needed. 7.5/10

This is a refreshing return after the terrible fall of the previous album, Master Of The Rings starts very well with Sole Survivor which is an incredible song and continues very well with Where The Rain Grows. Mr Ego (Take Me Down), which as far as I know is dedicated to Michael Kiske, and looking at the quality of the songs on this album, sending Kiske away was the right decision, it seems that he had the most influence on the musical direction the band was taking. As a replacement Andi Deris proved to be a more versatile singer for Helloween, I ended up liking his style and voice more than Kiske's, who always pulled every song towards a mellow melody.

Unlike Pink Bubles Go Appe and Chameleon, Master Of The Rings has good quality songs that can be listened to over and over again, such as Sole Survivor, Where The Rain Grows, Perfect Gentleman and In The Middle Of A Heartbeat, which for me are the best on the album. Unfortunately, some of the other tracks don't appeal as much, although they're not bad: The Game Is On, Secret Alibi and Still We Go have some good moments, but they're not on the same level as the others mentioned above, overall it's a good album that brought the band out of near ruin.