HELLOWEEN UNITED

ursting out of Hamburg in 1984 – originally a quartet, fronted by singer/guitarist Kai Hansen – Helloween quickly commanded plaudits on the mid-80s underground for their hyper-energised take on epic, melodic heavy metal. After Kai decided to concentrate on guitar, the two LPs (1987, 1988) introduced the heroic pipes of Michael Kiske, helping to make the would-be double-album an essential cornerstone in power metal history. In 1988, these West German Wunderkinder were opening the Monsters Of Rock festival at Castle Donington, and embarking on a world tour with Iron Maiden; by 1989 Kai was gone, and the band were soon embroiled in energy-sapping legal proceedings against their label. With momentum fatally stalled, exacerbated by changing 90s trends, Helloween’s star waned. Michael Kiske left in 1993, replaced by Pink Cream 69 frontman Andi Deris, whose firm hand steadied the ship and guided the band back to greatness. As both men settle warmly into a three-way video chat with , each is keen to address the anxieties