Giants & Monsters
Helloween
Helloween's expanded lineup could easily have become an exercise in keeping everybody happy. Giants & Monsters works because the voices and guitars mostly serve the songs. Michael Kiske, Andi Deris and Kai Hansen bring different personalities, and the band use those differences to keep the album moving.
Giants on the Run is a strong opener, combining weight, speed and a chorus with plenty of lift. It gives the current version of Helloween a clear introduction. There's a lot of history in the lineup, but the song doesn't depend on you recognising every reference to it.
Savior of the World pushes the speed further, while A Little Is a Little Too Much moves towards a more direct melodic rock approach. The change is useful, even if the brighter material won't suit every listener. Helloween have always had room for an optimistic chorus, and they make very little effort to hide that here.
This Is Tokyo is especially good at finding a hook and keeping it in view. We Can Be Gods adds more of the heavier power-metal drive, giving the vocalists something substantial to work against. The guitar playing is clear and energetic throughout, with the rhythm section keeping the bigger arrangements firmly together.
Universe (Gravity for Hearts) is one of the strongest tracks for listeners who want the faster, more demanding side of the band. It has a good sense of momentum, and the different vocal colours add interest without interrupting the song.
Majestic provides a more elaborate finish, with piano and a wider arrangement giving the closing stretch its own identity. It's a good reminder that the band can do more than simply alternate between fast songs and singalongs.
Some of the most cheerful moments are a matter of taste. The hooks are effective, but occasionally a little too eager to please. The quality of the playing and the variety in the writing make that easy to live with. Giants & Monsters is a confident album from a lineup that has found a convincing way to work together.
