Helloween Ignites the Sky with New Single ‘This is Tokyo’

Following the monumental success of their 2021 self-titled album marking the triumphant return of Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske to the fold - alongside Andi Deris, Michael Weikath, Markus Grosskopf, Sasha Gerstner and Dani Löble, thus creating the legendary "Pumpkins United" lineup - German power metal pioneers Helloween have been far from idle.

The past few years saw the band solidify this powerhouse formation through a global tour, proving the chemistry was not just nostalgic. After a period of intense creativity, they retreated to the studio, having successfully integrated the returning members into the songwriting process. The Pumpkins United era evolved from just a reunion tour into the band's definitive and most ambitious incarnation.

And now the wait for new music is over!

‍Helloween has stormed back with a blistering new single, ‘This is Tokyo’ an electrifying track which serves as the first taste of the septet’s highly anticipated 17^thstudio album Giants & Monsters. Fans worldwide should mark their calendars, with the full album dropping on August 29, 2025, promising a potent dose of the band's signature power metal.

‍‘This is Tokyo’ is a full-throttle power metal anthem that instantly grabs you. Driven by Löble's thunderous, high-energy drumming and Grosskopf's melodic basslines, the track establishes a relentless pace. The guitar trio of Weikath, Hansen, and Gerstner unleash a barrage of razor-sharp riffs and harmonized leads, staying true to the classic Helloween wall-of-sound. Each guitarist has their moment to shine in the solos, with their distinct styles seamlessly interwoven. Dual frontmen Andi Deris and Michael Kiske deliver powerhouse vocal performances, effortlessly navigating the track's demanding range with Deris characteristic grit and Kiske’s soaring melodies culminating in an incredibly infectious chorus tailor-made for live sing-a-longs. Helloween were already big in Japan, but this single will make them giants. 

It's fitting as the song holds personal significance for Deris who shares:

“I’ve always wanted to write this song. Japan plays a special role in my life because I had my first big successes there. I wanted to create a tribute to Japan for a while now and finally found the right lyrics. Because ‘Tokyo’ sounds better than ‘Japan,’ the city stands for a whole country that is very important to me.”

You know what to do!

Words by Gareth Williams @notgareth