The Band Index

Helloween

EuropeGermanyHeavy MetalMetal
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Helloween!

Top Helloween Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Band Timeline

1984

Formation of Helloween in Hamburg

Helloween was formed in 1984 in Hamburg, West Germany, with the original lineup consisting of Kai Hansen (vocals and rhythm guitar), Michael Weikath (lead guitar), Markus Grosskopf (bass), and Ingo Schwichtenberg (drums). These members came together from previous bands such as Iron Fist, Gentry, Second Hell, and Powerfool. The band quickly signed with Noise Records and began contributing to the burgeoning speed metal scene with their early compositions.
1985

Release of Debut EP and First Album Walls of Jericho

In 1985, Helloween released their self-titled debut EP, featuring five tracks that introduced their aggressive style and helped establish their presence in the metal community. Later that year, they released their first full-length album, "Walls of Jericho," which became an influential record in speed metal, showcasing fast tempos, melodic riffs, and powerful vocals. These early releases positioned Helloween as pioneers in the European heavy metal scene.
1986

Kai Hansen's Departure as Lead Vocalist and Search for New Frontman

During the tour following their first album, Kai Hansen found it increasingly difficult to manage both lead vocals and guitar duties. After releasing the "Judas" EP in 1986, Hansen decided to step down as the lead singer while remaining focused on guitar. The band began searching for a dedicated frontman, eventually discovering 18-year-old Michael Kiske, whose vocal range and style matched the band's evolving sound towards a more melodic and technical approach.
1987

Arrival of Michael Kiske and Recording of Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I

Michael Kiske officially joined Helloween in 1987, bringing a powerful and versatile vocal style that transformed the band's musical direction. That year, they recorded "Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I," which was released in 1987-1988 and is considered a landmark album in power metal. The album showcased complex songwriting, melodic arrangements, and Kiske's soaring vocals, earning critical acclaim and solidifying Helloween’s position as pioneers of power metal.
1988

Release of Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II and Critical Acclaim

In 1988, Helloween released "Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II," a continuation of their progressive and melodic metal concept begun with Part I. The album received widespread praise for its ambitious compositions, technical skill, and inspirational themes. It produced hits such as "I Want Out" and "Eagle Fly Free," becoming an essential influence for future power metal bands worldwide. This era marked Helloween's commercial and artistic peak.
1989

Departure of Kai Hansen from Helloween

Kai Hansen left Helloween in 1989 to form his own band, Gamma Ray, focusing on his vision of power metal. Hansen's departure was significant as he was one of the founding members and a primary songwriter. However, the band continued successfully with Kiske as the lead vocalist and remaining members like Weikath and Grosskopf. This lineup would continue to produce albums, helping to define and expand the power metal genre throughout the early 1990s.
1993

Lineup Changes with Departure of Michael Kiske and Ingo Schwichtenberg

1993 was a challenging year for Helloween as both vocalist Michael Kiske and drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg left the band due to personal and professional issues. Schwichtenberg struggled with mental health problems and tragically died by suicide in 1995. Kiske's departure marked the end of Helloween's classic 'Keeper of the Seven Keys' era and led to a shift in the band's style and lineup. After these changes, Andi Deris joined as the new lead vocalist.
1994

Kickoff of New Era with Andi Deris and Pink Bubbles Go Ape

After Kiske's exit, Helloween welcomed Andi Deris as their new lead vocalist and released the album "Pink Bubbles Go Ape" in 1994. This album marked a stylistic shift incorporating more diverse elements and experimenting with sounds beyond their traditional power metal roots. Although it received mixed critical reception, it demonstrated the band's resilience and willingness to evolve despite previous setbacks.
1996-1998

Continued Album Releases and Stability with Deris

Throughout the mid to late 1990s, Helloween maintained a steadier line-up with vocalist Andi Deris, releasing albums such as "The Time of the Oath" (1996) and "Better Than Raw" (1998). These works saw the band returning to their power metal roots with epic themes and stronger melodic components. This period helped rebuild the band's fan base and reestablish their place within the metal community during a time when many traditional metal bands struggled commercially.
2007

Release of Gambling with the Devil and Continued Success

In 2007, Helloween released "Gambling with the Devil," which was well-received by fans and critics alike. The album blended classic power metal elements with modern production, reaffirming Helloween's relevance in the evolving metal scene. It showcased the band's ability to integrate new influences while honoring their legacy, maintaining their position as foundational figures in power metal.
2016

Reunion of Classic Members and Pumpkins United Tour

A milestone in Helloween’s history came in 2016 with the reunion of several former members, including Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske, alongside original members Michael Weikath and Markus Grosskopf, forming a septet lineup. This event was celebrated with the "Pumpkins United" tour, which brought together fans across generations and revitalized the band's legacy. The reunion underscored Helloween's lasting impact and their unique place as pioneers and enduring icons of power metal.
2021

Release of Helloween's Self-Titled Album Marking New Chapter

In 2021, Helloween released their self-titled album, the first studio album featuring the reunited lineup from the 'Pumpkins United' era. The album received positive reviews, praised for combining classic sounds with fresh energy. It symbolized a new chapter for the band, demonstrating their ability to innovate while respecting their history, and further cemented their status among the most influential power metal bands worldwide.

Albums

de-helloween_1st_album
Walls of Jericho
11 tracks
1985
de-helloween_2nd_album
Keeper of the Seven Keys, Part I
8 tracks
1987
de-helloween_3rd_album
Keeper of the Seven Keys, Part II
10 tracks
1988
de-helloween_4th_album
Pink Bubbles Go Ape
15 tracks
1991
de-helloween_5th_album
Chameleon
12 tracks
1993
de-helloween_6th_album
Master of the Rings
11 tracks
1994
de-helloween_7th_album
The Time of the Oath
20 tracks
1996
de-helloween_8th_album
Better Than Raw
15 tracks
1998
de-helloween_9th_album
Metal Jukebox
11 tracks
1999
de-helloween_10th_album
The Dark Ride
13 tracks
2000
de-helloween_11th_album
Rabbit Don’t Come Easy
12 tracks
2003
de-helloween_12th_album
Keeper of the Seven Keys: The Legacy
6 tracks
2005
de-helloween_13th_album
Gambling With the Devil
12 tracks
2007
de-helloween_14th_album
7 Sinners
14 tracks
2010
de-helloween_15th_album
Straight Out of Hell
16 tracks
2013
de-helloween_16th_album
My God‐Given Right
16 tracks
2015
de-helloween_17th_album
Helloween
12 tracks
2021
Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Sascha Gerstner

2002

Guitar

Daniel Löble

2005

Drums (drum set)

Markus Grosskopf

1984

Bass

Andi Deris

1994

Lead vocals

Michael Weikath

1984

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Roland Grapow

1989
2001

Guitar

Kai Hansen

1984
1989

Guitar

Ulrich “Uli” Kusch

1994
2001

Drums (drum set)

Mark Cross

2001
2003

Drums (drum set)

Michael Kiske

1986
1993

Lead vocals

Ingo Schwichtenberg

1984
1993

Drums (drum set)

Stefan Schwarzmann

2003
2005

Drums (drum set)

Story of Helloween

Helloween: A Power Metal Legacy

Formed in Hamburg, West Germany in 1984, Helloween emerged from the ashes of several promising local bands—Iron Fist, Gentry, Second Hell, and Powerfool—quickly establishing themselves as a pioneering force in European heavy metal. The bands original lineup, featuring Kai Hansen (vocals/guitar), Markus Grosskopf (bass), Michael Weikath (guitar), and Ingo Schwichtenberg (drums), laid the groundwork for their signature sound. Their influence on the genre is undeniable; theyre frequently cited as one of the most influential European heavy metal bands of the 80s and even considered "fathers of power metal."

By 1989, Hansen`s departure to form Gamma Ray saw Helloween evolve into a five-piece with the addition of Michael Kiske on lead vocals. Tragedy struck in 1993 with the departures of Schwichtenberg (who tragically died by suicide two years later) and Kiske. Subsequent years saw numerous lineup changes, leaving Grosskopf and Weikath as the only remaining original members.

However, the story doesn`t end there. In 2016, Helloween reunited their legendary Keeper of the Seven Keys era lineup—Hansen, Weikath, Kiske, and Grosskopf—alongside the Keeper of the Seven Keys: The Legacy era members Andi Deris (vocals), Sascha Gerstner (guitar), and Daniel Löble (drums), forming a formidable septet.

This powerhouse lineup reflects the bands enduring legacy. With 16 studio albums, four live albums, three EPs, and 30 singles under their belt, Helloween boasts 14 gold and six platinum awards and has sold over 10 million records worldwide. Their impact is solidified by their recognition as one of the "Big Four" of the early German power metal scene (alongside Grave Digger, Rage, and Running Wild), and even among the genres overall "Big Four" (often including Blind Guardian, Sabaton, and DragonForce). Helloween`s history is a testament to their enduring musical power and influence.

Sponsor content

Learn more about Helloween

Bands you may like