Helloween - Live at Budokan (2024)

Keeping up with the tradition of epic live releases recorded at Budokan in Tokyo, Japan, today we have Helloween and their intense show of September 16, 2023. Featuring over 2 hours of music, the live album part of this release, is a must have for any fan of the band as the pumpkins show up in full-force with Andi Deris and Michael Kiske on vocals, alongside Kai Hansen and company, belting out the band’s classics.

Perfectly capturing the band’s high-octane live shows, this release wastes no time to warm-up and kicks off with the 12-minute epic “Skyfall”. The (mostly) reunited band has been making waves in the last few years, both with their eponymous 2021 release and a series of tours. This magical energy is very well captured as the rip through pieces like “Eagle Fly Free”, “Future World”, and “Save Us”, some of our favorite tracks.

The special thing about live releases is usually some of the medleys like the 16-minute “Kai’s Medley”, and the masterful execution of timeless songs like “How Many Tears” and “Keeper of the Seven Keys”, clocking in at 20 minutes. The occasional roar of the crow perfectly immerses the listener into the band’s live energy, and we can only imagine the video part of this release would only make it better.

As a whole, “Live at Budokan” brilliantly captures one of the band’s most intense live performances. We have seen the guys live and this release comes close second, so be prepared. There are many bands whose music does not really come to life in a concert, but for Helloween it is quite the opposite as there is always extra intensity, crafty execution and a very lively energy that is nicely harnessed in this release, that you won’t get from the studio albums.

Label: Reigning Phoenix Music

Release: December 13th, 2024

Genre: Power/Speed Metal

Country: Germany