Reviews Archiv 76

... and we got two more german Metal Icons, who come over us, just one day after U.D.O. had christened us with his soundpolution. But twice is better than once, and so there we go and try to figure out, whether Helloween are still on the run and going well or they've become boring old crap. It's only human, we might presume. But thanks to some fresh garbage theraphy resulting into a line up change once again, and the strategy - back to the roots, some things hopefully have become even better.

That's why Helloweens receipy is named 'Keeper of the Seven Keys - Part....' and we all get transfered back into the eighties only by hearing the slogan and also title of the new longplayer. And even bassist Marcus Grosskopf is saying that all this is not a nostalgic backdraft, but more or less a moden fast forward collection of brandnew stuff. No, boys you can't deny your past, which is to the very day still included in your live set, and vibrates like a holy spirit all over the stage. The dance on cloud 7 has just started fronted by blonde angel-curly haired Andy Deris, who puts himself phantastically into scene and limelight, including his brown leather outfit, a lot of charming aura and a voice going up to 2 octaves at least. Not so guitarist Weiki, who shows not much affection with his ever lasting cigarette between his lips and his attitude - kiss my ass and bugger off. Bassists seem to do easier, at least it seems so. Always with a smile on his face and offiace enthusiasm. And there we got already the heart to Helloween. Though not even those three guys can name themselves a 100% original line up. Because as we remember, Andy Deris came in for Michael Kiske long time ago in the past. - And the rest of the group, speak - leadguitar and drums are played by two guys, who are needed for the completion but not really accepted, - too new too exchangeable. Hope they can establish their position sometime for good.

Never mind, it's here and now what counts, and what I've got to criticise. One thing is for sure, the Hamburg metalheads have increased the production officially a lot. They show themselves sophisticated and advanced and very professional. What I miss a bit tonight is the enthusiasm, I experienced very often in the past, when I saw 'em playing. Or am I wrong. Maybe I am to critical in my points of view as a journalist. Who knows. But the more important fact is, that aprox. 700 fans show affection and they really seem to like the show.
What's up to the local sound conditions, I'm a bit weary. But I'm not sure. It's defninately not up to the sound engineer, who does a perfect job to get the right tunes into the right corner. However, at least round the mixing desk the sound is clear and straight. Other points inside this venue is left to people's individual opinion. But for those real fans, this is not a problem at all. They are happy, when they can experience their heroes just a few footsteps away. And when one of the stars throws a guitarpic or even a drumstick in the right direction , the party is holy.

Helloween try understatement and als to keep their art on a high level. Yes they are older, wiser and more experienced. They want to show their musical knowledge and don't wanna be just those wild childs of Rock'n'Roll anymore, they used to be in the past. But last but not least the past is reentering the scenery with songs like 'Future World' and 'I want Out' (bless you Kai Hansen) and the enthusiasm is almost getting outta control.
Result of this evening is - yep it was nice. But once upon a time it was wonderful. And if there were not some mistakes done over all those years, it could be even nicer. You know what I mean?

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Just to mention the supportact as well..... it doesn't need a lot to describe the overture. Primal Fear are one of the best examples of true german heavy metal, strictly following the word chlichee. Without edges and corners and with a lot german akzent, they play their set. Not bad at all, but also not a single tune, which let's me listen up to something extraordinary, because it's different to the rest. The band including Ralf Scheepers on voc. and Matt Sinner on guitar are in kinda danger to get somehow lost within the masses of all these other german metalgroups. Shame, because over all, Primal Fear are a solid rockact, which fullfills the longings of a true fan of this musical style.
So how shall I describe it?! There is only this special little something missing. And they are not an institution yet. - Not yet!

Yes, there he is again, our style icon of german hard rock, our general dressed in military look, our lovable institution of heavy tunes, who's certainly got his place in the german heavy metal history. You might not believe this, but Udo carries his group with the same name more than 17 years now, and fights against the competition, burocraty and for the acceptance. And the shadow of Accept is following him constantly. Yes of course he's proud of his past. And sometimes he gets a few nostalic moments back onto stage in form of various reunion gigs, hand in hand with the old mates from those glory times. But at the same time increasing the hopes of all those old Accept fans out there.

No, Udo is holding tight on his principles and his decision not to continue this short stints of past tense. The sparkle is gone, - the magic, as he says so. And so very soon, it's U.D.O. again, which is the present and the future and not some long time ago closed chapters. Although sometimes he lets the nostalic moments live up again during a show, playing some of the best Accept tunes, which belong to the prayer like the amen in the church. Most of all for those fans, who experienced the legendary Balls To The Walls Hardrocker in the eighties and shook their heads into pieces. You just close your eyes, and listen to the nitingale Dirkschneider, and is transferred 20 years backwards . Because his voice hasn't changed a wink. It still sounds what it ever did, passionate, truly german, and overwhelming. And be honest, it is the voice, which is the brand of each artist. Hey, don't get me wrong, this is a - 'we love you all' reputation.

It’s Showtime Boys with lots of power. U.D.O. go for deep hard carrying sound, very heavy indeed, but with a lot of heart. 22 Songs are shown on the setlist. And our little one has cut out some of the Accept tunes. Right! His solo repertoire is huge enough to fill 3 nights after each other with song material and even more.
Besides all music, you also get something visually offered. Sexy Camouflage, which suits Udo's silhouette very well. Inbetween he exchanges the haute couture with the latest trend of french Notre Dame elegance in warm brownish shades and with a hat, looking like the black munch of Edgar Wallace including a neat whip, suitable to Udo's hymn no.1 'Mean Streets'.

Afterwards it's the uniform again, dominating the scenery. But enough of that. We are not in a fashion show, but in a Heavy Metal Concert - a very good one to be honest. There's almost no time to brief. That's the right training, as Udo says so, because all other sports is only murder. Our eternal youngblood of the metal strategy ownes also a photographic mind, because he remembers all lines of those 22 tracks and doesn't need any help in form of paper notes of even telepromps, like some other of his collegues. Beeing already 54 years of age, Udo is still fit and ready for action. And he uses to say, what Ronnie James Dio can do with 65, I can do as well and even more.
However, in the end, three Accept tracks have still found it's place on the setlist - Princess of The Dawn, Metal Heart and Balls To The Walls. This is okay, because be honest, that's what we all are waiting for. Only 'Fast As A Shark' is rejected from the band despite many demands. Maybe another step to reach even more distance to the old shadow.

The band is playing well and hard and presents themselves and the fans the pic ass. Only one little thing, which tastes a little bitter. Why, I ask myself, does our hero here not reach the peak of the Heavy Metal Olymp anymore? Surely not, because his son listens to some teenie groups right now. Those are only fata morganas - coming and going. No, Udo hasn't changed over all these years, not himself, not his strategy and quality. It's the business, which has changed, yep.... the god damn business.....

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