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 Helloweenâs 1993 album, Chameleon. At this point, Helloween had not one, but two big hits with their dual albums in the form of âKeepers of the Seven Keys Part I and Part IIâ. Itâs going to be hard for the band to have better follow-ups. âPink Bubbles Go Apeâ, such a strange album title name, was decent with some good to even great songs, but itâs been awfully forgotten. But now, we have âChameleonâ, 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.Â
Itâs very interesting that each track has its own rules like the song âWhen The Sinnersâ which has a very Bon-Jovi-esque Hard Rock vibe to it, but still enjoyably to listen to. âFirst Timeâ is a very solid opener but the middle section of the album has a solid streak of excellent songs starting from âCrazy Catâ which is weird but highly energetic with its explosive chorus but then, you have âGiantsâ which is an incredible song. âGiantsâ 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 âKeeperâ 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 âWindmillâ 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. âIn The Nightâ sounds like 60âs rock ânâ roll which feels very Elvis-ish, which does not technically work.
The last portion of the album goes into epic length territories with âMusicâ hitting the 7-minute mark which is musically impressive with some great vocal delivery from Kiske and the guitar soloing is incredible. âStep Out of Hellâ 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 ânâ Roll. Some songs do work, others are just âmehâ. âI Believeâ is the longest track clocking in 9 minutes and itâs as impressive with its mood and atmosphere. Thereâs 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 albumâs reception by many has been unfair to describe it as Helloweenâs âSt. Angerâ which is not NEARLY as bad as that album. If it didnât work out the first time, itâs worth giving it many spins to witness that it isnât as bad as many had perceived it. As Iâm listening to it right now, Iâm enjoying it. So, take it as it is⊠as for me, itâs a really damn good album with a fantastic track called âGiantsâ.
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Final score: 74/100
-Review By: Simon Nader
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