Helloween - Better Than Raw (1998)

After gaining back most of the respect they had in their early career, Helloween probably felt confidence in moving onto other territories again, going beyond the fantasy themes that have served the band so well. But to not make the same mistake as last time, the Germans dialed up the heavy dial, adding another layer of metal coating to their sound so that they would not scare away their fans once again. Also, it probably helped that the album cover for "Better Than Raw" also included a nice witch pinup cooking little Helloween men (probably the members) in a big bowl while wearing a skimpy bikini that is more suited for a sex dungeon than a castle kitchen. Men are so easily fooled...

Anyway, the band presents us with something pretty similar to their previous two outings, but it is clear from the start that the band is not relying themselves on safe methods. After the theatrical intro "Deliberately Limited Preliminary Prelude Period In Z" (What kind of a name is that?), the band blasts through with "Push", a straight up banger that also sees Andi Deris trying his best "Painkiller" voice, and does a good job doing so. It is an energetic start that keeps on rolling in "Falling Higher", so far so good for the power metal lovers.

Then the band drags us back to the 80's in the first of two singles of the record, "Hey Lord!". The sound is something straight out of Ratt, and the added robot voice only enhances the flavour of this cheese to gorgonzola levels. It is certainly one of the more dated songs in this record, even at time of release. The second single "I Can" (which is found a little later in the album) is certainly more catchy and is enjoyable in its own right thanks to its groovy momentum, but it is a little too laid back in its approach, making it seem lazy. Also, both of these tracks does not really represent the album that well, so bummer there.

The middle of the record is nothing to showboat about either. "Don't Spit On My Mind" feels like a softer Pantera track, trying to be in your face with a pillow and an ice hockey choir. Then we have "Revelation", who despite having some speedy sections, is a pretty dull track that goes on for far too long, with an ultimate play time of 8:21. Speaking of dull, "Time", the previously mentioned "I Can", and "A Handful of Pain" continues the "meh" streak, making me thirsty for some excitement.

Finally we get some speed again in "Laudate Dominum", but it seems like we have a substitution at our hands. Helloween has apparently switched with Rhapsody of Fire, singing in Latin and having these neo-classical elements. It is another strange song in what is forming out to be a divided record with tons of ideas, but no real direction. We also got two pretty decent bonus tracks in "Back On The Ground" and "Midnight Sun", but they do not help "Better Than Raw" as a whole because they are just bonuses. Yeah, this is a mixed stew of tracks that has some enjoyable moments, and I like that the band went a little heavier, but there is very little substance here to hold it all together. The recipe for "Better Than Raw" is pretty iffy, I would like to go with something more rare next time I make an order.

Songs worthy of recognition: Push, Falling Higher

Rating: 5,5/10 Revelations

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