Helloween - Giants & Monsters - guest review
Helloween - Giants & Monsters - guest review
Tracklist
01. Giants On The Run02. Savior Of The World
03. A Little Is A Little Too Much
04. We Can Be Gods
05. Into The Sun
06. This Is Tokyo
07. Universe (Gravity For Hearts)
08. Hand Of God
09. Under The Moonlight
10. Majestic
11. Out Of Control [bonus]
Guest review by
Moonfog November 10, 2025
Musically speaking, Giants & Monsters presents the typical speed/power metal sound that Helloween pioneered: speed, catchy choruses, fast guitars, and an overall positive vibe. The production remains top-notch, and right from the start, Deris shows that his voice is still pristine while giving room for Kai on the backing vocals. "Savior of the World" changes for Kiske in the main vocals as the song suits well his high-pitched tone. The subtle transitions in the vocal department are one of the strengths of the reunion as we can experience three different vocal tones throughout the record. On the other hand, the band seems more mature and deep in the themes and lyrical concepts of the songs. But this is Helloween, so a goofy song must be present. "A Little Is A Little Too Much " is that song, revolving around a melody based on synthesizers that impels a great sing-along chorus.
"We Can Be Gods" adds a more aggressive tone to the mix, but the chorus remains epic nonetheless. The final part, with vocals at maximum range supported by great riffs, is one of the best moments of the album. While the first half of the album seems to be the strongest, "Into the Sun " is the ballad, which is not bad but leaves the feeling that they can do better. "This Is Tokyo" features some nice guitar work and keys, but the chorus is a bit off (and cheesy). Ironically, the theme flows better in the middle of the album instead of its original single presentation. "Universe (Gravity For Hearts)" was the second single to be released and they nailed it with this one. Kiske's voice is at its finest supported by excellent drumming and a great chorus that Helloween can deliver when they want. The song is crowned by a mid-section with a slow tempo that creates an intense astral mood.
The ability for Helloween to play in a darker tone returns with "Hand Of God", a more heavy metal-based theme but no less epic. The theme bears marked similarities to Judas Priest, especially in the main riff. Powerful stuff here. The two final tracks are the weakest of the album. "Under the Moonlight" seems a real filler, although "Majestic" has the potential to grow with multiple listens.
Overall, the reunion of the pumpkins stands tall, and Giants & Monsters will not disappoint lovers of the genre. I would say, though, that the main difference compared to the previous album is that Giants & Monsters hasn't got the memorable songs that Helloween did. It will probably not be remembered by any particular track, but it is overall better and more consistent in the quality it delivers.
This offering is a solid continuum from the German masters that proves they are still at the top of their game. Speaking of which, the 40th-anniversary tour is underway and exciting the fans. I have my ticket; do you have yours?
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 9 |
| Songwriting: | 8 |
| Originality: | 7 |
| Production: | 9 |
Written by Moonfog | November 10, 2025
Guest review disclaimer:
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
Rating:
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Rating:
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Helloween was one of the more apt examples of self-titling a late-career record making complete sense, as it offered a first nostalgia-riddled celebration of the extravagant ‘Pumpkins United’ quasi-reunion line-up. On Giants & Monsters, the novelty of this line-up has quelled, and instead come expectations of how this current iteration of Helloween will fare in the longer run. Read more ›› |
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Posts: 64451
Big quastion is how long they will tun as two singers band
---- I stand whit Ukraine and Israel. They have right to defend own citizens. Stormtroopers of Death - "Speak English or Die"  I better die, because I never will learn speek english, so I choose dieing
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