In a recent interview with Brazilian outlet Rock Mania, HELLOWEEN vocalist Michael Kiske offered a candid perspective on the creation of the band’s critically acclaimed latest studio album, "Giants & Monsters," released in August 2025 by Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The conversation, conducted ahead of the band’s extensive global touring schedule, delved into the songwriting process, the band’s current dynamic, and the surprisingly swift progress on material for their subsequent record.
Kiske described the making of "Giants & Monsters" as a notably "easy" experience, a stark contrast to the collaborative efforts that led to the band’s self-titled comeback album in 2021. This ease, he explained, stems from a solidified sense of unity and a diminished presence of the initial insecurities that often accompany a reunited ensemble. "We’ve been [back] together now for a number of years, the insecurities are not there anymore that you have in the beginning," Kiske stated. This established camaraderie fostered a more organic approach to the album’s creation, resulting in a wealth of material. The band reportedly accumulated "way too many songs," making the selection process for the final tracklist a challenging, albeit positive, hurdle.
A Prolific Creative Output: Beyond "Giants & Monsters"
The prolific nature of HELLOWEEN’s current creative phase was further underscored by Kiske’s revelation that approximately "90%" of the material for their next album is already complete. This rapid pace of composition and development signals a band operating at peak productivity and creative synergy. "Which shows how creative the band is and how productive [we are]," Kiske remarked, highlighting the sustained artistic momentum that has characterized HELLOWEEN since their celebrated reunion.
Kiske also shared his personal approach to engaging with his own musical output. He confessed to being someone who typically avoids listening to his completed works, preferring to move on to new projects. This detachment, however, has afforded him a unique vantage point when revisiting past creations. He admitted to listening to both "Helloween" and "Giants & Monsters" with a fresh perspective during recent travels, particularly on flights between festival dates. This renewed engagement led to a surprisingly positive reappraisal of the albums.
"I’m the kind of person, when I finish something, even with my solo records, whatever it is, when it’s done, I usually don’t listen to it anymore," Michael explained. "So I was just checking the mixes when we did the ‘Helloween’ record, the first new one, and ‘Giants & Monsters,’ I was listening to it when we did the mix, just to check the mix and whatever, which I would have done different anyway. But then I didn’t listen to it again. And I have actually now, when we were doing the festival things, in the plane, I listened to both records, and I had a real fresh impression, and I really liked it."
A Fan’s Perspective on New Material
Kiske found this detached listening experience to be akin to a fan’s initial encounter with new music. This distance allowed him to appreciate the albums’ relevance and innovative spirit. "I think it’s perfect when you haven’t been listening to it more than once, like a while ago, or two years ago, or three years ago with the first one," he elaborated. "It’s almost like a fan would listen to it because you haven’t been listening to it. And I was excited. It’s relevant. It’s not just copying what we’ve done in the past. It has a new vibe, and it has an interesting energy and creativity."
Comparing the two most recent studio efforts, Kiske offered a nuanced distinction. While expressing affection for both, he perceived "Giants & Monsters" as possessing a more organic quality, describing it as "not that overloaded, like the first one we did." This subtle difference suggests an evolution in the band’s approach, prioritizing a streamlined yet impactful sonic landscape.
The "Helloween" Reunion and its Impact
The release of "Helloween" in June 2021 marked a pivotal moment in the band’s storied career. It was the first album to feature the full, expanded lineup, bringing together former vocalists Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen with long-standing members Andi Deris (vocals), Michael Weikath (guitars), Sascha Gerstner (guitars), Markus Grosskopf (bass), and Daniel Löble (drums). This unprecedented assembly of talent generated immense anticipation within the global metal community.
The reunion was not merely a nostalgic endeavor; it proved to be a powerful creative catalyst. The album’s reception was overwhelmingly positive, evidenced by its impressive chart performance. "Helloween" secured Top 10 positions in over ten countries, including major markets such as Germany, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, and Austria. This commercial success, coupled with critical acclaim, validated the band’s decision to forge ahead with their expanded lineup and signaled a vibrant new chapter.
Recording Legacy: Wisseloord Studios
The production quality of "Giants & Monsters" was further enhanced by its recording at the renowned Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands. This legendary facility has a storied history of hosting some of the most iconic bands in rock and metal, including IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, and DEF LEPPARD. The studio’s pedigree undoubtedly contributed to the polished and powerful sound of the album, providing a sonic foundation that complements the band’s revitalized creative energy.
A Year of Live Performances and a New Live Album
The period leading up to the "Giants & Monsters" release and the subsequent touring have been marked by a significant live presence for HELLOWEEN. In a testament to their enduring appeal and the success of their reunion, the band released the live album "Live At Budokan" on December 13, 2024, via Reigning Phoenix Music. This release captured their September 16, 2023 performance at the iconic Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, a venue synonymous with legendary live recordings. The album serves as a powerful document of the band’s current live prowess and the enthusiastic reception they receive from their dedicated fanbase worldwide.
The "Live At Budokan" release, in particular, highlights the band’s commitment to engaging with their audience through live performances. Such albums often serve as a bridge between studio efforts, offering fans a tangible connection to the band’s energy and musicality in a concert setting. The selection of Budokan, a venue with such historical significance in rock music, further elevates the importance of this live recording.
The Enduring Power of HELLOWEEN
The current iteration of HELLOWEEN represents a unique confluence of established legends and renewed vigor. The decision to integrate Kiske and Hansen back into the fold, alongside the established trio of Deris, Weikath, and Grosskopf, with the crucial additions of Gerstner and Löble, has proven to be a masterstroke. This collective experience and diverse musical backgrounds have created a dynamic that fuels both innovation and respect for the band’s rich legacy.
The success of "Helloween" and the swift development of material for future releases suggest that the band is not resting on its laurels. Instead, they are actively exploring new creative territories while honoring the foundations that have made them a global phenomenon. The "Giants & Monsters" era, characterized by its organic creation and the band’s profound creative output, signifies a period of sustained artistic excellence for HELLOWEEN.
The band’s current lineup, a veritable supergroup of power metal talent, is:
- Michael Kiske – vocals
- Andi Deris – vocals
- Kai Hansen – guitars, vocals
- Michael Weikath – guitars
- Sascha Gerstner – guitars
- Markus Grosskopf – bass
- Daniel Löble – drums
This assembly of musicians, each with their own significant contributions to the metal landscape, now operates as a cohesive unit, demonstrating a shared vision and an unyielding passion for creating compelling music. The sustained productivity and the positive reception of their recent works indicate that HELLOWEEN’s journey is far from over, with exciting new chapters undoubtedly on the horizon. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend their classic sound with contemporary influences, all while maintaining a high level of creative output, positions them as enduring titans of the power metal genre. Their continued exploration of their musical capabilities, as evidenced by the rapid progress on new material and the enthusiastic reception of "Giants & Monsters," suggests a band that is both inspired by its past and keenly focused on shaping its future.
