HELLOWEEN – Live at Budokan

Few bands have the longevity and power to keep their music coming at in-your-face levels for over 40 years, and the mighty Helloween is one of those bands. Since they added Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen back into the fold, becoming what can only be called the magnificent 7, they have been on a tear. With the release of their last studio album Skyfall, they have proven that having 2 incredible lead singers and 3 amazing guitarists in the lineup not only works, but makes them something much greater than ever. To give fans a proper taste of the last tour that encompassed 2022 and 2023, travelling all over the world, the band has released their best live album to date: Helloween – Live at Budokan on Reigning Phoenix Music.

The setlist for this live album mixes tracks from Skyfall with some of their best songs from their 41 year career, perfectly capturing the entire two-hour show.  Live at Budokan offers a fresh experience compared to previous releases like High Live and United Alive, by including Michael Kiske (vocals) and Kai Hansen (guitars) in with the longest running lineup of Andi Deris (vocals – 30 years),  Michael Weikath and Markus Grosskopf (guitar and bass – 41 years), Sascha Gerstner (guitar – 22 years), and Daniel Löble (drums – 19 years).

Production

Helloween – Live at Budokan is their iconic performance at Tokyo’s legendary Nippon Budokan, capturing every detail with 29 cameras for the DVD and Blu-ray editions.  The production team ensured that each moment of the concert was preserved with stunning clarity, and as a result, the video versions offer an immersive experience, making fans feel like they are sitting in the front row. The audio quality is top notch, though the crowds could have maybe been mixed a bit lower at times. The mix does lend the feel, and overall excitement to the listening experience. As a side note, Helloween is the first German band ever to record a live album at Nippon Budokan, fulfilling a lifelong dream for its members.

Final Notes

The beauty of Helloween – Live at Budokan is that it brings fans a look and listen to what can only be considered to be the finest lineup of one of the greatest heavy metal bands on the planet. The songs are performed to perfection, and Kai Hansen treats fans to a nostalgic medley from Helloween’s early days. The setlist  packs some of their best work into the 2 hour concert, and should satisfy even the most hard core fans. The album releases on December 13th, 2024, available in multiple formats: 2-CD, 3-LP, Blu-ray, and DVD. While this review covers the audio version, it’s obvious that the video versions add so much more to the experience. It’s highly recommended to pick this up in video form, and you can get a taste from the videos released so far. Whatever format you choose, you’ll love this massive accomplishment from the band that created, and still rules the power metal scene.

Lineup

• Michael Weikath – guitars, backing vocals
• Markus Grosskopf – bass, backing vocals
• Kai Hansen – guitars
• Michael Kiske – lead vocals
• Andi Deris – lead vocals
• Sascha Gerstner – guitars, backing vocals
• Daniel Löble – drums

Live at Budokan – Tracklist

1. Orbit
2. Skyfall
3. Eagle Fly Free
4. Mass Pollution
5. Future World
6. Power
7. Save Us
8. Kai’s Medley
9. Forever And One (Neverland)
10. Best Time
11. Dr. Stein
12. How Many Tears
13. Keeper Of The Seven Keys
14. Perfect Gentleman
15. I Want Out

Check out the video for “Best Time” by Helloween off of their new album: Live at Budokan