Helloween - Keeper of The Seven Keys: Part 2 (1988)

The second part of the epic "Keeper of The Seven Keys" series was released just over a year after the first part, and with the success that the first amassed, this sequel could relish in the attention that the band has suddenly got. This album became popular quickly, gathering new fans all across the globe, and cementing its legacy as the most successful Helloween record, being so still to this date. But why did it become so popular? Is it really better than its bigger brother? And where are the other 6 keys at?

First question first, one main reason to why the second part is slightly higher regarded is that it contains the two most famous Helloween songs ever made. The opener "Eagle Fly Free" may have never been officially released as a single, but it quickly became a humongous fan favourite thanks to its rapid speed and its epicly catchy chorus. Hell, the entire song is epic, mostly thanks to Kiske and his amazing vocals. Then we have "I Want Out", a more traditional heavy metal song with a memorable main riff, a simple but effective chorus, and a Gary Moore like feeling that will make every metal head bang. It is a classic for all the right reasons, but it is kind of a shame that the more casual fans only know this song from the band, and no other.

While those two tracks might steal the show, there are still a lot of other goodies on "Keeper of The Seven Keys: Part 2". This album is incredibly solid through and through, never dipping down into some sort of abysmal abyss of mediocrity, keeping the quality levels high. Just like with the first part, there are some real 80's moments in here that may not be some of my favourites moments in this record, taking away from some of the more creative bits of the record, but they are still really enjoyable songs that contribute nicely to the album.

One track in here that definitely does not get enough credit is "March of Time", probably because it gets outshined by "Eagle Fly Free". This track is also a epic force of nature where Kiske pushes his voice to the limit, and the results are glorious beyond belief. In any other Helloween record, this would have been the stand out track. One song that do stand out is the title track that ends this album just like "Helloween" did in the first part, by being a 13 and a half minute epic monster. This is a different kind of monster though, not as heavy hitting, but more delicate in its delivery. It is a fine ending to the story with its fantasy like aura, and while I definitely prefer "Halloween", "Keeper of The Seven Keys" ties it all up nicely.

So the differences between the two "Keeper..." records are pretty much minimal, with some more star potential in the second part, but does that make it a better record? Not necessarily, but it is instead the higher floor that is the difference maker for me. "Keeper... Part 2" is a much more even record, with no filler tracks, no annoying sound effects, and it also helps that it contains three of the best Helloween songs ever made. It is a hell of a double header Helloween has created, one of the absolute best metal has ever seen, and while none of the two albums are perfect, they are still incredibly important, both for Helloween and power metal in general. A classic for sure, one that has not lost its shine.

Songs worthy of recognition: Eagle Fly Free, March of Time, I Want Out, Keeper of The Seven Keys

Rating: 9,5/10 Dr. Steins

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Keeper of The Seven Keys: The Legacy
Gambling With The Devil
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