Helloween announce new self-titled album

HELLOWEEN have announced a new album!

The upcoming album, a self-titled album, is the staggering sixteenth studio album from the veteran German power metal band and is scheduled to be released in June this year, via Nuclear Blast Records.

Originally planned for the live performances only, the upcoming album will mark the the first time in the band’s history that they have recorded an album with more than one singer, with Kai Hansen, Michael Kiske and Andi Deris all sharing vocal duties.

“This record is the coronation of the Pumpkins United journey! I have always been fascinated by the different character traits and facets of HELLOWEEN‘s history. For example the legendary voices of Michi, Andi and Kai. To enjoy them now together on one record, under one flag is the ultimate HELLOWEEN experience,” explains drummer Dani Löble of the upcoming album.

The foundation of this album was already forged in the studio, using Ingo Schwichtenberg‘s original drum kit, the recording was done with the same modulators and in the same Hamburg HOME studios where Master Of The Rings, The Time Of The Oath and Better Than Raw were recorded. Completely analog and under the eyes of long term producer Charlie Bauerfeind and co-producer Dennis Ward, the band impact travelled to New York and got the final mix in the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent [IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, RAMMSTEIN].

“After 30 years with different line ups of the band, I really thought I was well prepared for another extreme challenge, but I was wrong! My expectations were highly exceeded in every way with this super-sized package of creativity,” says Bauerfeind. Guitarist Michael Weikath adds, “it is the incomprehensible encounter of seven musicians who are working as friends and even family who have created something that no one would have thought could be possible. It is like awaking from a sleep but still being in an incredible dream.”

Returnee Kai Hansen reflects, “being in the studio with my old companions after 30 years away was very emotional for me. But at the same time it was a completely different experience with the ‘new’ boys. The collaboration of different songwriters, each of them strong characters in their own right, has made the album very special. A unique mix which draws from all chapters of the band’s history. HELLOWEEN is a big part of my life and I am looking forward to celebrating the songs live for and with our fans!” From another perspective, bassist Markus Grosskopf agrees, “for me, being one of the last ‘survivors‘ who played every note from the beginning, it was a fantastic experience and a very emotional process. I think everyone can hear it on this album. I love it.”

Alongside the announcement of the new album, you can view both the track list and artwork for the upcoming new album below:

Track List: 

1. Out For The Glory
2. Fear Of The Fallen
3. Best Time
4. Mass Pollution
5. Angels
6. Rise Without Chains
7. Indestructible
8. Robot King
9. Cyanide
10. Down In The Dumps
11. Orbit
12. Skyfall

Helloween is set for release on June 18th via Nuclear Blast Records. Pre-orders will be available soon.

For more information on HELLOWEEN like their official page on Facebook.