HELLOWEEN Return with a Simpler Sound on Upcoming Album
After returning to their classic lineup and regaining momentum, German power metal pioneers HELLOWEEN are ready to embark on their next musical chapter. The band is set to release their follow-up to their 2021 self-titled album, with work commencing this past summer in the studio. In a recent interview, vocalist Andi Deris elaborated on the album’s direction describing it as far more accessible and enjoyable than its predecessor.
A More “Happy” HELLOWEEN
While the 2021 album was hailed by fans for its complexity and ferocity, using words like “edgy,” Deris reveals the new material takes a more relaxed approach. “I’d say it’s much more easy listening, because there’s less constructed stuff on it. It’s more flowing with the wind, so to say,” stated Deris. He describes it as “very, very positive,” emphasizing, “I would rather say it’s more happy, happy HELLOWEEN than the other album. I think it’s a bit more… yeah, the flow is, for my taste, not as edgy as the last album, which was cool — I like edgy stuff — but we should have more or less some counterpart to the edgy, more exhausting things. The last album, for me, was great to listen through — it was edgy, it was heavy, it was complicated here and there — but after listening to it, then I needed a pause. It was exhausting. After listening to it, I needed some break,” he explained, adding: “I loved it, and I still love it, but it’s demanding. I think the next album will be much more easy listening, much more enjoyable to sing along [to]; there are lots of parts in there. So I would rather describe it as a more happy, happy HELLOWEEN album.”
Harnessing Confidence and Leveraging Lessons Learned
The new album reflects not just a shift in sound but also a viberation of ease. The band, according to Deris, has found a new confidence in their process, learned from the making of ‘Helloween‘. “The last album, we had to get to know each other in that new setup, lineup, how to work with each other,” Deris reflected. He explained, “this time we just realized, okay, actually everybody has such great ideas; just don’t control each other. We don’t need to actually stick in a studio for pre-production for two months because everybody did it for himself. Let’s just listen to it and say, ‘Wow, cool.’ So it’s been some lazy backs, actually, and just said, you know, pre-production we just do ourselves back at home, everybody in his own studio, and we just take the technique we are given.” He highlighted the modern convenience of remote collaboration. “Internet is great, and you can have live sessions online, and that made life so much easier because everybody is just relieved that you [are] still at home. You still work hard, but you’re at home. And as we all know, when you’re at home, work doesn’t hurt that much as being back in the studio again somewhere in the world, but not with your family.
And nowadays you can actually have your family life, you have your eight, nine hours per day in the studio
What is the anticipated release timeframe for the new Helloween album?
## Helloween Back With a Smile!
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, metalheads! Today we have some exciting news from the legendary power metal band, Helloween! Their newest album is on the horizon, and it sounds like a new chapter for the band. Joining us today is none other than Helloween’s vocalist, Andi Deris. Andi, welcome to the show!
**Andi:** Thanks for having me! Always great to chat with fans.
**Host:** Tell us, what can fans expect from this upcoming album? We know it follows up your critically acclaimed self-titled album from 2021.
**Andi:** Well, this new album is definitely taking a different approach. The 2021 album was definitely intense and complex, a real beast to tackle. Fans loved it for its energy and ferocity, but this time we wanted to do something a bit more… approachable, let’s say.
**Host:** So, a bit more “easy listening” then?
**Andi:** Exactly! We’ve dialed back some of the complexities and let the music flow more naturally. It’s got a much more positive vibe, almost… happy, if you will! [Laughs]
**Host:** Sounds like a perfect counterpoint to the previous album then!
**Andi:** Precisely! We loved the energy of the last album, but sometimes you just need a change of pace. This album is fun, energetic, and, dare I say, a bit more accessible
**Host:** This is fantastic news for fans! Any hints about when we might hear this “happy Helloween”?
**Andi:** Let’s just say you won’t have to wait too long! We’re putting the finishing touches on everything now and are excited to share it with the world soon.
**Host:** We can’t wait! Andi, thanks so much for giving us the inside scoop. Helloween fans, keep your ears peeled for some seriously good vibes coming your way!
