Long time ago of a time long forgotten… I journeyed back into time to witness ‘The Walls of Jericho’, the 1985’s album which debuted HELLOWEEN. So how was my journey back in time? It was transcending, with tracks such as ‘Phantoms of Death’ and ‘Metal Invaders’ my trip was more fanatical than a Halloween party. I was blown over by Phantoms of Death’s wicked and looming guitar opening. Closing my eyes I let the soreness of the riffs, the melancholic and operatic voice of Kai Hansen play with my thoughts and mind. Their anthem like songs and strong choruses which created a melodramatic and powerful sound, I can now say I identify with Helloween.

Regardless of being a recent fan to Helloween, I went straight to their latest album “Straight Out Of Hell“. According to their website, “These songs will kick even the laziest listener’s ass”. So I geared up for some ass kicking.

The album’s first song, ‘Nabataea’ starts out fast and heavier like Helloween when they initially started, the songs gives a doom-bound feeling and with a pinch of Middle Eastern sounding guitars which is marvelous. The second song ‘World of War’ moves away from the ancient era and jumps straight into political scene about war and peace, haven’t noticed this with Helloween’s older songs. ‘Live Now’, has a pleasant tone and pace about having an optimistic approach to life. Listening to ‘Hold Me In Your Arms’ it shape-shift my feelings and is a brilliant ballad. Love at first sight that’s was the case with ‘Wanna Be God’, a captivating rhythm with powerful lyrics, I don’t mind being God (well at least for an hour). ‘Asshole’, I simply love the song to its end, however when I looked at the lyrics it got me wondering whom are they venting about. My guess is they are talking about human beings in general. A well dedicated song, as its true we tend to act as ‘an asshole’ at some point and fail to admit it.

Listening to the songs; ‘Far From The Stars’ and ‘Waiting For The Thunder’ it made me feel; it reflects the listeners journey of time evaluating ‘then’ and ‘now’, with views of the world, people around and almost everything we can think about and the songs have a moral lesson to teach. Read the lyrics to ‘Burning Sun’ first then try to picture what the song has to say and lastly listen to the song with the lyrics front of you. It is like taking a five minute journey into the thoughts and mind of a creature from outer space.

‘Straight Out Of Hell‘ is straight into your face, it’s like a blunt and upfront experience of a wise man who has seen the world and more. If I have to relate the wise man to a character it will be ‘Gandalf the White’ from Lord of Rings.

I feel both songs; ‘Years‘ and ‘Make Fire Catch The Fly‘ they sing the complexity that a person experiences in life and the wisdom they are left with, which have been very aptly put across with some nice melody. Finally, ‘Church Breaks Down‘, a slightly delicate title and content but with this last song Helloween returns in providing the very essence of power metal.

Those zealous about Power metal and Helloween will love the entire album and I would recommend its ass kicking. Consequently, the ones who are selective about power metal songs I would propose; ‘Nabataea’, ‘Hold Me In Your Arms’ and ‘Wanna Be God’.

For my part, I’m heading straight into Hell for the ass kicking; I will enter ‘Nabataea’ and leave with thoughts that make me ‘Wanna Be God’. See you in Hell.