Helloween - Giants & Monsters (Album Review)

Helloween - Giants & Monsters
Released: August 29, 2025

Lineup

Michael Weikath // Guitars & Backing Vocals
Markus Grosskopf // Bass & Backing Vocals
Kai Hansen // Guitars & Vocals
Michael Kiske // Lead Vocals
Andi Deris // Lead Vocals
Sascha Gerstner // Guitars & Backing Vocals
Daniel Löble // Drums

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As Helloween embark on a massive global tour to celebrate their 40th anniversary, they've arrived with a powerful new declaration of relevance. Giants & Monsters, the band's latest studio offering, is far more than a victory lap. It is a meticulously crafted album that consolidates the strengths of the now fully integrated "Pumpkins United" lineup, proving that their legendary status is not just built on past glories but is actively being fortified in the present.

Produced by the seasoned team of Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, the album immediately announces its ambition through its sheer sonic depth. Part of that must come down to the likes of Dani Löble's dedication. The drummer tracking parts on three different kits to serve each song's unique character exemplifing the meticulous care poured into this record. With three singers, three drumkits, seven members, in the power metal world more is indeed more. The production allows every nuance of the band's seven-member attack to shine without sacrificing the collective punch that is Helloween's trademark. 

The album's strength lies in its masterful balance of classic Helloween tropes and fresh, dynamic songwriting. Opener 'Giants On The Run' is a statement of intent, a galloping anthem fueled by Markus Grosskopf's thunderous bass and the triple-guitar onslaught of Weikath, Hansen, and Gerstner. It’s followed by the blistering 'Savior Of The World', a track that recalls the band's speed metal roots with its breakneck pace and a chorus designed for arenas. The already-released single 'This Is Tokyo' remains a standout, a pure adrenaline rush that captures the electrifying chaos and joy of a Helloween live show, with Andi Deris's vocals commanding the frenzy.

 However, Giants & Monsters is not a one-dimensional speed fest. Tracks like 'We Can Be Gods' and the closing epic 'Majestic' showcase the band's grandeur and melodic sophistication, building slowly into colossal, harmony-rich crescendos that highlight the unparalleled vocal blend of Deris and Michael Kiske. 'Universe (Gravity For Hearts)' offers a more atmospheric, mid-paced journey, demonstrating the album's dynamic range, while 'Under The Moonlight' provides a more melodic, almost introspective moment without losing the band's essential power.

Along with the power, speed and groove the Andi Deris penned 'A Little Is A Little Too Much' showcases the singers ability to write catchy earworms with the best of them – this song was stuck in my head from the very first listen.

The true magic of this album, is the palpable chemistry between the seven members. This isn't a project strained by competing egos; it's a celebration of a shared legacy. Kai Hansen's signature rasp and riffing style play perfectly against Sascha Gerstner's modern melodies and Weikath's classic prog-influenced quirks. The rhythm section of Löble and Grosskopf is nothing short of monumental, providing a rock-solid yet inventive foundation. And the Kiske/Deris/Hansen vocal triple-threat continues to be power metal's ultimate weapon, offering a thrilling contrast that gives each song unique colour and depth.

Helloween's Giants & Monsters is a triumph, a masterclass in modern power metal that respectfully acknowledges the band's iconic past while charging confidently into the future. This album doesn't just celebrate 40 years of Helloween; it convincingly argues for their continued dominance for years to come. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Giants & Monsters is essential listening.

Rating: 9/10
Giants & Monsters is out now via Reigning Phoenix Music. Get it here
Reviewed by Gareth Williams