The news that Greece was included in the 'Hellish Rock' tour program spread waves of enthusiasm among the Greek metalheads since it was already rumored that Kai Hansen would join HELLOWEEN on stage. This special event was hosted in the Cultural Center Hellinikos that was nothing more than a warehouse or a big bunker; this means that the ventilation was completely inadequate (the place was like a fume chamber) and the sound quality was questionable.

By the time we arrived at the venue almost 2000 metalhead were already enjoying the hot and humid air waiting (and sweating like pigs) for GAMMA RAY to take over the stage. The Germans were welcomed by the enthusiastic audience that screamed their lungs out as soon as Hansen appeared with a big smile on his face. Without delay the band entered with the uplifting Heaven Can Wait. In the beginning, the sound was loud and noisy due to the echo produced by the metallic walls but things got a little bit better as time passed. The most experienced band performed in high mood presenting the trademark Power metal sound that was initially introduced by HELLOWEEN in the mid 80s. As I said (wrote) in the Land Of The Free II review Kai has learned to sing and actually he does an excellent work behind the microphone. Rebellion In Dreamland was the first treat from the Land Of The Free album while Ride The Sky raised the temperature one or two degrees from the enthusiastic Greeks who formed some energetic mosh-pits. Dirk Schlachter whose looks reminded me of DeMaio (you know the band) was relentless clearly motivated by the crowds' enthusiastic response while Zimmerman produced significant amounts of sweat behind his drum kit. Yes, GAMMA RAY is one of Greece's favorite band and this is proven in every gig; the metalheads sung almost all the lyrics and joined with their voices the trademark and uplifting guitar riffs played by Hansen and Henjo Richter who had a Geddy Lee(RUSH) look. The band added Into The Storm, Real World and Leaving Hell from their new album and spiced things up with groovy Send Me A Sign and the sing-along Heavy Metal Universe. GAMMA RAY left the stage and the Greek audience mostly pleased despite the supporting role they were given.

The stage was cleared apart from the GAMMA RAY banner that was used to hide the preparations. AC_DC's For Those About To Rock filled the misty atmosphere of the venue preparing us for HELLOWEEN's show. The band that created the uplifting Power Metal (often called happy metal) entered the stage with Halloween from the historic Keeper Of The Seven Keys album. Personally I consider HELLOWEEN as a completely different band with Deris on the vocals who has to live his whole artistic life under the ton heavy shadow of Michael Kiske. This time I felt that Deris was a part of the pumpkin band proving that he has been working hard all these years. Actually, it was Deris that kept the band going through those rough and unsteady years. Clearly Deris performed in a better way the Kiske songs than the previous HELLOWEEN concerts upon Greek soil. March Of Time, the classic hit Eagle Fly Free and the emotional ballad A Tale That Wasn't Right made everyone sing along. The very good light show and the colorful stage made me forget about the lousy venue and enjoy the rest of the show. The rather long in time duration drum solo slowed things down (and bored a few) but I think it was necessary since the demanding in terms of vocals King Of 1000 Years was next. The band performed Smoke On The Water behind a miniature puppet scene with Deris singing with a smurf-like voice. Leaving behind this pretty funny happening HELLOWEEN performed Dr. Stein and a hearty medley with tracks like Perfect Gentleman, I Can, If I Could Fly, Power, and Keeper OF The Seven Keys. The band left the stage saying goodnight but nobody moved since it was the time we were all being waiting for. So, 5 minutes later Kai, Henjo and Schlachter joined HELLOWEEN on stage with the old time classic Future World. The vocals were shared between Kai and Andi while Weikath was completely isolated in his own world. Although the rest of the guys seemed (and they did) to have a good time Michael was acting like nothing special was happening. The Greek metalheads were out of control and sing every single line in the other classic I Want Out that put an to this almost reunion.

Overall, this was a night to remember despite the rather poor organization. Everyone left the misty and sweaty venue thinking and imagining how things would be if Kai and of course Kiske were still together...
PS: Thanks to Yiannis Z for the gorillas in the mist photos

HELLOWEEN photos

GAMMA RAY photos