HELLOWEEN are one of Germany's oldest & most established of Power Metal bands. Formed in Hamburg in 1984, the band have seen a couple of line up changes over the years. This however hasn't impacted the quality of the albums they have produced & continue to produce to this day. So last year, I had the privilege of reviewing the album "United Alive In Madrid," this year I am lucky to be reviewing the band's album "Unarmed (Remastered)." which is due for release on Sept 4th 2020. This is a jam packed album full of quality tunes! There are 12 great tracks to get stuck into. This is the remaster of the 25th anniversary album which was originally released back in Nov 2009. A fantastic reminder of a band with amazing history behind them & a solid 16 studio albums under their belts.

So opening the album is "Dr Stein." This is classic HELLOWEEN at their finest! It's rocky, it's upbeat & it's got the fun attached that makes you sing along. The image of Dr Stein in his laboratory coming up with his creations is a fun mental image that comes to mind with the lyrics. "If I Could Fly" is song number 3 on the album "Unarmed." It opens with soft tones to be covered with the soothing vocals of Andi Deris. Personally, I think, to me it represents a song about being able to stand on your own 2 feet & reward yourself for doing it. A song about achieving the goals you set for yourself & being proud of attaining them. Jumping to song number 6 which is called "Eagle Fly Free," it's a song that lasts 3 minutes 50 seconds and is a harmonious piece not to mention very aptly true. It's a song that's as true nowadays as it was when the album was originally released!

Onto song number 8 which is "Forever And One (Neverland)." Opening with gentle piano strokes, this is a tear jerker of a song. It's all about how much you miss that special someone after a parting of ways. A slow paced song sung with heart & soul. Not to be missed on the album when giving the CD a spin. Next we have song number 10, "Fallen To Pieces" which is another  missing you tug on the heart strings kinda tune. The type of song you might send the YouTube link for in a text message to your lover when you break up. Closing the album is song number 12 "Why." A song about looking for answers from a higher calling, whatever your faith may be, or perhaps just asking out loud hoping someone will answer those burning questions. A song  which is deceptively chipper in music compared to lyrical content, a fantastic way to close the album!

Overall, HELLOWEEN have lost nothing over their long running career. They sound just as good in 2020 as they did back in the 80's when I was a young influential girl who was being shaped by these guys among others. "Unarmed (Remastered)" sounds like it's just been written never mind coming on to it's 11th year! I have been a fan of HELLOWEEN since childhood & will remain a fan for life! Last note for fans, there is a LIMITED EDITION "Splatter Vinyl" available on the link below, there are ONLY 300 copies available, so grab one now via Nuclear Blast!

HELLOWEEN | Unarmed (remastered 2020) SPLATTER VINYL - Nuclear Blast