Helloween - Ep+Walls Of Jericho (Expanded) (2006) [EAC-FLAC]

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Source: Original CD


Artwork: Front, Back, Inlay and CD (Web Found).

General Info:




Tracklist:




Disc one

1. "Starlight" (Weikath/Hansen) – 5:17


2. "Murderer" (Hansen) – 4:26


3. "Warrior" (Hansen) – 4:00


4. "Victim of Fate" (Hansen) – 6:37


5. "Cry for Freedom" (Weikath/Hansen) – 6:02


6. "Walls of Jericho" (Weikath/Hansen) – 0:53


7. "Ride the Sky" (Hansen) – 5:54


8. "Reptile" (Weikath) – 3:45


9. "Guardians" (Weikath) – 4:20


10. "Phantoms of Death" (Hansen) – 6:33


11. "Metal Invaders" (Hansen/Weikath) – 4:08


12. "Gorgar" (Hansen/Weikath) – 3:57


13. "Heavy Metal (Is the Law)" (Hansen/Weikath) – 4:08


14. "How Many Tears" (Weikath) – 7:11


15. "Judas" – 4:38

Disc two

1. "Murderer" (remix) – 4:34


2. "Ride the Sky" (remix) – 6:45


3. "Intro / Ride the Sky" (live) – 7:16


4. "Guardians" (live) – 4:26


5. "Oernst of Life" – 4:46


6. "Metal Invaders" (1984) – 4:36


7. "Surprise Track" – 2:07



LINE UP:

* Kai Hansen – guitar, vocals


* Michael Weikath – guitar, cover concept


* Markus Grosskopf – bass


* Ingo Schwichtenberg – drums






Review Taken from metal-observer.com:


"Happy, Happy HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN


Happy, Happy HELLOWEEN, Silver Shamrocks


Happy, Happy HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN


Happy, Happy HELLOWEEN, Silver Shamrocks"


God I love that intro…I sing it to my 6 month old girl all the time…she totally digs it too!


How funny...retrospective genre reclassification…I'm pretty sure there was no Power Metal back in 1985. I believe all we had was Hard Rock, Thrash And Heavy Metal…ahh life was simple back then. I bring this up because I just left 2003 and hopped in-and-out of my '68 Cutlass and things look a little different. You see, the Cutlass is a time machine for me now and I think it is only fair that I take advantage of it in order to do this platter the justice it deserves. Yes, we had bands like JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN, which by today's standards are Power Metal but back in the mid 80's those bands were Heavy Metal and HELLOWEEN was a little bit different. Different you say, how so? Well I think they must have been the pioneers of the happy, positive, upbeat sound that today so many bands emulate…truly a different path from the METAL GODS and that of THE BEAST. I know we tend to lump it all together these days but there really is a difference. This CD actually combines material from early 1985, late 1985 and 1986 but the sound is reasonably consistent throughout and the band intact throughout so I am reviewing it as one.


So production is lacking a little in general even for the era but it was debut material for this band so I can let it slide. I am a huge fan of Kai Hansen and I actually really like his vocals. He has that attitude and tone that makes him sound cool, even if he isn't the best of singers…sorta like James Hetfield I guess. Here, he is very young and not even at the level he is now with GAMMA RAY in terms of vocal prowess yet he is just what the material needs. I can't really imagine it another way. We all know he can shred too and shred he does. It is so cool to see the sound developing that he later moves forward in his new band. Michael Weikath ain't no slouch either. The leads are all over the place and are absolutely memorable, the way solos should be…many bands have lost that as a goal today, if they attempt to even solo (many can't…I know, I know).


I have always been a fan of HELLOWEEN's lyrics and lyrical ideas. I know they can be a bit clumsy and even corny at times but the tongue-in-cheek sense of humor is priceless. This is something they have had from their opening track "Starlight" and managed to keep for the most part through the years. That opener is a stomper and I believe an important part of the formula many Power Metal bands that follow copy. Both "Starlight" and "Murderer" showcase the signature rhythm guitar sound that becomes a WEENIE staple for years to come. It is with "Warrior" that I first recognize a sound that would become GAMMA RAY…such a "Land Of The Free" precursor, I can't believe it. The final verse in "Victim Of Fate" is absolutely killer…cool atmosphere, great guitar and excellent lyrics...reminiscent of IRON MAIDEN'S mellow section in "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner"…absolutely wicked! Then they kick into a pounding shred-fest to end it off…I can never get sick of it! Most of the tracks continue in the same vein…piles of classic tunes, HELLOWEEN rhythm guitar and solos that are second to none. In addition to the songs I have already mentioned, stand-out tunes for me include the fast-paced and heavier "Ride The Sky", the hilarious "Reptile" with it's great bass lines, the catchy, quick and solo-frenzied "Phantoms Of Death", the crunchy riffs and chorus chanting of "Gorgar" and the message of "Heavy Metal (Is The Law)". To be honest, pretty much all the tracks are memorable and great in their own way!


Not really much more to say…this is a fine CD that many bands still model their sound after. In my opinion, this CD only suffers from its age and production…in today's Metal world, it would be all the rage if it were just written and released. Not many bands have a rookie release of such high quality that has also influenced so many and evolved into a whole new Metal genre. It's no surprise to see the creators of this sound are alive and well and remain leaders in the field they started!


One more time…teehee…


"Happy, Happy HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN


Happy, Happy HELLOWEEN, Silver Shamrocks


Happy, Happy HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN, HELLOWEEN


Happy, Happy HELLOWEEN.