Helloween Chameleon Review!
Band Name: Helloween
Album Title: Chameleon
Genre: Power Metal
Year: 1993
Origin: Germany
Length: 71:13
Helloween Chameleon Review
Misunderstood, underrated, and underappreciated are the verbs to describe Helloweenās 1993 album, Chameleon. At this point, Helloween had not one, but two big hits with their dual albums in the form of āKeepers of the Seven Keys Part I and Part IIā. Itās going to be hard for the band to have better follow-ups. āPink Bubbles Go Apeā, such a strange album title name, was decent with some good to even great songs, but itās been awfully forgotten. But now, we have āChameleonā, which, at this point, Kai Hansen had already departed and Michael Kiske on the borderline of leaving the band, got snuffed by many who considered the album the worst Helloween album yet. I, personally, disagree.Ā
Itās very interesting that each track has its own rules like the song āWhen The Sinnersā which has a very Bon-Jovi-esque Hard Rock vibe to it, but still enjoyably to listen to. āFirst Timeā is a very solid opener but the middle section of the album has a solid streak of excellent songs starting from āCrazy Catā which is weird but highly energetic with its explosive chorus but then, you have āGiantsā which is an incredible song. āGiantsā is the best song on the album with pounding guitars and even an epic feel to it. It sounds special compared to the other songs on the album and sounds something you could hear from the āKeeperā records. The only gripe that I have against this album is that there are 3 to 4 ballads which may not favor everyone. My favorite ballad is āWindmillā which is surprisingly calm and soothing yet beautifully written and has its charm. So, those three tracks are the highlight of the album with really excellent music back-to-back. āIn The Nightā sounds like 60ās rock ānā roll which feels very Elvis-ish, which does not technically work.
The last portion of the album goes into epic length territories with āMusicā hitting the 7-minute mark which is musically impressive with some great vocal delivery from Kiske and the guitar soloing is incredible. āStep Out of Hellā is fun and quite sunny, which is the best way to describe this song. The album switches from Power Metal to Pop/Rock or even Rock ānā Roll. Some songs do work, others are just āmehā.Ā āI Believeā is the longest track clocking in 9 minutes and itās as impressive with its mood and atmosphere. Thereās something creatively composed in the song and guitar soloing is brilliant.
Overall, effort has been put throughout the album and it does show. It may not be appealing at a first listen but needs to be given several chances until it does have some quality music. The albumās reception by many has been unfair to describe it as Helloweenās āSt. Angerā which is not NEARLY as bad as that album. If it didnāt work out the first time, itās worth giving it many spins to witness that it isnāt as bad as many had perceived it. As Iām listening to it right now, Iām enjoying it. So, take it as it is⦠as for me, itās a really damn good album with a fantastic track called āGiantsā.
Ā
Final score: 74/100
-Review By: Simon Nader
Want to joinĀ Metal Bell? We are looking for authors, photographers, and designers.
Send an email to: JOIN US.
What do you think? Leave a Comment.
Leave a Comment