HELLOWEEN – Metal Jukebox (2024 Remaster) *HQ*
As part of the 40th anniversary of the band, German metal masters HELLOWEEN continue the reissue of their back catalog on CD with fresh remasters and bonus tracks. ”Metal Jukebox (Remastered 2024)” is the band’s 9th studio album, now remastered by Sascha Bühren at TrueBusyness Music Productions Berlin.
On ”Metal Jukebox (Remastered 2024)” the band decided to make a covers album with songs that influenced them, but also used to play at rehearsals. We find songs from Scorpions, Jethro Tull, ABBA, David Bowie, Frank Marino, and more – all fun.
ABBA’s “Lay All Your Love on Me,” as strange as that sounds, comes across as a power metal radio ballad that carries a certain appeal with it, while they pour forth “White Room” by Cream with amazing, psychedelic sounding success. When they cover prog rock favorite Focus and their endearing instrumental hit, “Hocus Pocus,” with utter craziness and convincing success (complete with yodeling), one can’t help but wonder if they are partaking in too many ’70s extracurricular activities.
When David Bowie, oops, I mean Andi Deris, sings “Space Oddity,” you get a creepy feeling, because Deris appears possessed by the spirit of the man from Mars himself.
On the Scorpions tune “He’s a Woman-She’s a Man” Andi Deris’ gritty vocals serve as nice contrast to that of Klaus Meine from the original version. The punchy guitars give this the aggressive tone the song invokes and is a nice sting to open the proceedings. A grounded version of “Locomotive Breath” ensues minus the flute styling of Ian Anderson. It definitely has a metal edge by letting the percussive elements shine.
One pleasant surprise is the inclusion of a Faith No More cover. The spirited, uplifting tone of “From Out of Nowhere” does fit the Helloween mantra of having fun, but this was still unexpected. Deris has a firm grasp of his voice on this track.
I like the moody and vibe of “Faith Healer” from Alex Harvey. It’s a definite change of pace from “Hocus Pocus” and puts the listener into a different setting. Marino’s “Juggernaut” is crushing and the drumming from Uli Kusch is outstanding. The way Deris sings “it’s a juggernaut” is amusing too. Finally, “Mexican” is a cool and fast closer from Babe Ruth.
“Metal Jukebox” is a really good cover album. Helloween captured the perfect guitar sound as found on their albums from the late Nineties. “Hocus Pocus”, “Space Oddity”, and “He’s a Woman-She’s a Man” should provide incentive for repeated listens.
Highly Recommended
1. He’s a Woman – She’s a Man” (Scorpions cover)
2. Locomotive Breath” (Jethro Tull cover)
3. Lay All Your Love on Me” (ABBA cover)
4. Space Oddity” (David Bowie cover)
5. From Out of Nowhere” (Faith No More cover)
6. All My Loving” (The Beatles cover)
7. Hocus Pocus” (Focus cover)
8. Faith Healer” (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band cover)
9. Juggernaut” (Frank Marino cover)
10. White Room” (Cream cover)
11. Mexican” (Babe Ruth cover)
Andi Deris – vocals
Michael Weikath – guitar
Roland Grapow – guitar
Markus Grosskopf – bass
Uli Kusch – drums
Pre order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Metal-Jukebox-2024-Remaster-Helloween/dp/B0DCH8GBC7
