It is funny that I talk about Sonic, because we do get a song dedicated to video games called "The Game Is On", talking that it could be a good way to escape reality and have some fun, as long as you do it responsibly. The lyrical themes are otherwise going in all sorts of directions, like doubts in faith inn "Why?", making sweet love in "Secret Alibi", and even giving former singer Michael Kiske a brutal slamming in "Mr. Ego (Take Me Down)". Ouch, that has to hurt.
While we are in the topics of singers, let us discuss Kiske's replacement, Mr. Andi Deris, who was picked up from Pink Cream 69. In terms of pure talent and range, Andi is definitely a down grade for Helloween, he just cannot match what Kiske could do, but he still has a unique tone to him that does fit the heavier side of the band. He is definitely not some average Joe that you are gonna forget, he gives his all, and does so in his way, which is probably why he is still with the band over 20 years later.
Andi does get a good amount of opportunities to shine in this record, because "Master of The Rings" has a bunch of really enjoyable tunes. "Sole Survivor" and "Where The Rain Grows" opens up the record with classic old school power metal, it is powerful, epic, and catchy as all hell. "Perfect Gentleman" shows off a more groovy and less serious side of the band that just feels fun, and "Still We Go" closes the album in an full on HammerFall-like offense. It is a dynamic record that may not have the same fire power as the "Keeper..." albums, but it is still a fun record to listen to.
However, even if the album is dynamic, it has sort of the same problem that "Chameleon" had, and that is that it feels sort of like a collaboration album, with songs that could have been made by other bands. "Mr. Ego (Take Me Down)" could have been a Queensrÿche song, and "In The Middle of A Heartbeat" could have been written by Bon Jovi. Then we have the most bonkers song in the entire record, "Take Me Home". I had to triple check to see if this was not a cover, because this track sounds so much like Van Halen that it just could not be an original track. It has everything that makes Van Halen what they are, the fast paced groove, the confident swagger, and the deciding factor, the guitars. Michael Weikath and Roland Grapow brings out their inner Eddie Van Halen and goes ballistic with insane riffs and solos that Eddie himself would be either proud over, or mad because they they straight out copied his style. I bet both Michael and Roland did a ton of practice on "Eruption" in their youth, and they nailed this one, creating a fun as hell song that is a clear stand out.
Overall, "Master of The Rings" is a clear return to form for Helloween, at least in the eyes of those who enjoyed their first three records, but not the two after those. For me, this is for sure a fun record that displays a band that has once again found harmony, a group that felt with ease in where they were at. It still has its fair share of bumps on the road, so the ride does not come out limousine quality of smoothness, but it is still a fun ride nonetheless. It is not like you are flying on a giant, golden ring in space, more like a four wheeler in the woods.
Songs worthy of recognition: Where The Rain Grows, Take Me Home, Still We Go
Rating: 7,5/10 Perfect Gentlemen
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More reviews of Helloween
Walls of Jericho
Keeper of The Seven Keys: Part 1
Keeper of The Seven Keys: Part 2
Pink Bubbles Go Ape
Chameleon
The Time of The Oath
Better Than Raw
The Dark Ride
Rabbit Don't Come Easy
Keeper of The Seven Keys: The Legacy
Gambling With The Devil
7 Sinners
Straight Out of Hell
My God-Given Right
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