Helloween are back in a new line-up, and as many times before, they have achieved making something very interesting and surprising.

New on guitar is Sascha Gerstner (former Freedom Call). While Mark Cross was only able to play drums on two songs due to illness, Mickey Dee handles the drums on the rest of the songs, and the other part of the line-up is, as for many records now: Andi Deris (vocals), Michael Weikath (guitar) and Markus Grosskopf (bass). Just for the record Stefan Schwarzmann is the new fulltime drummer.

In comparison with the former record, The Dark Ride, that was very grooving and hard, this one is more fast and melodic. It's pretty hard to describe shortly the overall direction of the songs, because they are in fact pretty diverse and at times, complex.

After many listenings, one of the best qualities of Rabbit Don't Come Easy is that you really have to concentrate, and be very aware when you listen to it. There are many interesting details and great passages to discover, as goes for the high amount of changes in the rhythm of the songs.

Just A Little Sign is a fantastic song with a very fast rhythm-section. The chorus is catchy and the song has a very melodic profile. Even though it's basically a straight-ahead song, there is still room for some great detailed passages.

Liar features a mind-blowing change in the middle of the song; in a split second the tempo explodes from a slow harmonious part into a hard guitar rhythm that drives away with ultra fast speed. The vocals are performed with a very high level of intensity, summing up this is one of many great moments on the record. In Sun 4 The World a heavier and more grooving rhythm comes to life, some great raw bass variations combined with tight and powerful drumming really function well.

Many songs have a keyboard involved, which is a very varied element. In the great ballad-type song Don't Stop Being Crazy, it really gives an extra dimension. The melodic chorus and the slow calm passages are fantastic musical aspects.

The guitars work extremely well, creating many fantastic melodies and displaying ultra fast rhythm parts. Many guitar solos are down to earth and very melodic, not really taking up that much attention, but overall they fit into the songs nicely. The drums have a central role in the songs, and it's a great element that especially the double bass drumming is so varied and as it is. The bass parts are also a joy to listen to, very grooving and played with a soothing diversity.

Turning to my critiques. First of all there aren't many, but some elements don't work that well.
The extensive chorus part in Never Be A Star is in my opinion a bit overdone.
Central choruses are very characteristic of this record, and they fit in nicely most of the times, but in some songs the reliance is very strong and the main chorus takes a very dominating role.
Nothing To Say is one of the most interesting songs, very long and with many changes. Overall it's a good song but I would have liked it better had it been more structured and not so mixed up.

The production is of pretty high standard; great drum sound and a transparent overall result. I would have liked the bass to be more turned up, but that's a minor aspect.

The overall musical impression leaves me with a positive and joyous feeling, thanks in particular to the very melodic approach most songs rely on. Included in this conclusion are also the lyrics, which in many songs also display a positive attitude. The lyrics are very "looking inside out", and central aspects is concerned with getting something good out of everyday life and facing difficult episodes with a positive ending result. Even tough some lyrical aspects are a bit strange; they work well with the mood of the songs.

I have always been impressed with Andi's vocal abilities and this time around is no exception. He has a splendid raw-edged voice that fits this style of music perfect. His performance is stunning and he fits his voice nicely into every musical aspect of the record.

This has ended up in being one of by absolute favourite Helloween albums, over one hour of great melodic, comprehensive and capturing music.

Written by Tommy
Sunday, May 11, 2003
Show all reviews by Tommy

Ratings

Tommy: 8.5/10

Members: 8/10 - Average of 1 ratings.



Member ratings

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Steen (Staff) Rating: 8/10 I pretty much agree with Tommy on this one. It's great to hear Helloween back with so much... · Read more ·

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Comment by Jarkko Kyntäjä (Anonymous) - Wednesday, May 14, 2003

I got this record two days ago. After every listening, it grows stronger and better. I agree with Tommy & Steen, this is very good album which just gets better all the time. It is now just under my favourite albums, Keeper 1&2 and Master of the Rings, but I'll come back after a couple of years listening, maybe then, this is classic among classics. The signs are in the air. And, LISTEN TO THE FLIES is awesome. Last but not least, THIS is Andi Deris best work yet. Period.

Comment by iben (Anonymous) - Thursday, May 15, 2003

hey guys. finding your page very good, but I would love if you wrote something about my all time favourite band - AQUA. I just love the song barbie girl, it's so sexy and wild.

Comment by Anthony Ryan (Anonymous) - Thursday, May 29, 2003

I've listened to the album all the way through 3 times now and I disagree with your review at this point. I have only noticed one standout track (Open Your Life is incredible) and some of them are just plain BAD. Maybe it will grow on me as I listen to it more.

Comment by Cacko (Anonymous) - Saturday, June 14, 2003

I don't like this album, hate this vocal and i'm very pleased that he left pink cream'69.

Comment by Dark Merlyn (Anonymous) - Monday, June 30, 2003

Cacko - 6/14/03 I don't like this album, hate this vocal and i'm very pleased that he left pink cream'69. ----- Well Cacko, if u Dont Like Andi Deris, why u are commenting in this Album»? I dont understand Ppl, that dont like, and wanna show to the fans that dont Like.. If u dont Like, I dont Wanna Know!

Comment by Diego Moliner (Anonymous) - Saturday, July 19, 2003

from Spain. the album is pretty good. my favorites are Just a little sign, and the tune. about this last one I had never heard a song from them with such a different rythms. weiki has been huge again. just a little sign´s been like a returning to the Push from the Better than Raw, a very powerfull song to open a great album. the black points has been, in my opinion, Do you feel good. andi should remember that he´s not longer in Pink cream 69, even though, congratulations for the band. and from here i wanna say that the dark ride was a different but a amazing Lp from helloween. i don´t get why the album has been so criticised in Spain? take care and viva helloween

Comment by Ines benavente (Anonymous) - Saturday, July 19, 2003

remember this album, guys, it´s gonna be remembered in the future as one of the best from the band. it´s one of those albums that needs to be listened over and over again to get all the juice from it. i only hope the band can get more wildness in live. hoping they´ll come to Spain. see ya

Comment by Jimy Hunter (Anonymous) - Sunday, August 10, 2003

PERFECT...

Comment by Pumkin Fly Free (Anonymous) - Monday, August 11, 2003

I can describe it as "Keeper of the 7keys part III". Great songs Great voice of Andi Deris Great production Smart Lyrics =original Helloween record. It's their best album since "Keeper...2". 9,5/10

Comment by Felipe Frias (Anonymous) - Friday, August 15, 2003

from Chile What can I say? Maybe I'm being too much demmanding with Helloween, but for me this album is just a piece of shit. I really love old Helloween, but when themselves are trying to copy their own old work, there's something to worry about. On "The Dark Ride" I can see a big step on a very interesting and necesary musical evolution (that album is an amazing heavy-metal-masterpiece!), something that was totally forgotten on this one. I mean, for example, what happened with all the heavy-distorted guitars? or with the terrific dark-own-style developed by Andi Deris on last two albums? or the lyrics? or the rythms? Everything was totally forgotten. "Rabbit Don't Come Easy" is just an absurd and bad cover version of Keepers' era. If you got great expectations about "Rabbit...", you'll probably be dissaponted. I hate to say this, but don't waste your money on this album... Kazaa will be OK if you wanna get it.

Comment by DS-sama (Anonymous) - Monday, August 25, 2003

This album is so mediocre i can't even explain. Weikath's and Deris' songwriting have been very weak in comparison to Grapow's and Kusch's... and by coincidence (most probably not) thy were kicked off the band, so now all that's left is crap. I rate it below 0

Comment by damian (Anonymous) - Sunday, September 7, 2003

Excelente, creo que esta es la aportacion mas valiosa de Deris, el poder de su voz agresiva y atacando directo y ni hablar de la bateria, pocos grupos como Helloween hacen sus canciones con tanto ingenio y tan reselladas por su nombre

Comment by Tercio Oyster (Anonymous) - Sunday, October 19, 2003

Je n'osais même plus espérer un tel disque de la part d'Helloween. Je ne suis pas fan de sa voix, mais la qualité des nouvelles chansons mérite beaucoup. Excellent et encourageant, car la trilogie Better than Raw / The Dark Ride / Rabbits dont't come easy montre à nouveau une réelle montée en puissance du groupe depuis l'arrivée d'Andi.

Comment by renan (Anonymous) - Thursday, November 27, 2003

helloween is the best band of the planet

Comment by Mariana (Anonymous) - Saturday, November 29, 2003

Rabbit don´t come easy no es tan malo, pero después de The Time of the Oath, los 2 Keepers y The Dark Ride, este último álbum es una mierda!!! Realmente esta producción sería buena para una banda nueva, pero para los que hemos seguido a Helloween desde siempre, esperabamos más!!!

Comment by turin turambar (Anonymous) - Friday, December 19, 2003

really this side is good. Only one think i wanna have here are the lyrics of the bands.

Comment by San Sebastian (Anonymous) - Thursday, March 11, 2004

Pretty good album from a great band doing what they do best. I'm not a fan of Andi Deris and I definitely prefer Michael Kiske's style, but I must admit Deris' raw voice is necessary for a song like Liar. Catchy melodies and good solos throughout, this album makes The Dark Ride sound very bland. Open Your Life, The Tune, and Hell Was Made In Heaven are my favorite tracks. 8.5/10

Comment by Cesar garcia From guatemala (Anonymous) - Saturday, March 20, 2004

Helloween me sorprendio con este nuevo disco, es magico, agresivo y te envuelve tanto con las letras como con la melodia, vida larga para helloween un muy buen disco, excelente diria yo

Comment by MISS KATI DARK (Anonymous) - Monday, April 5, 2004

HELLOWEEN... AGAIN WE HAVE SURPRISED IT(HIM,HER) TO MANY FANS... WITH HIS(HER,YOUR) RECENT WORK, IN THE PERSONAL THING, IT(HE) IS FABULOUS, FULL OF MAGIC, DARKNESS, EVILNESS... HELLOWEEN HAS GOT UP AGAIN(AFRESH)... I AM QUIET NEITHER BEFORE INGO's DEATH, NOR KISKE's ITEM(GAME) ... BECAUSE IT(HE,SHE) IT WAS GOING TO DO NOW THAT I KNOW GRAPOW AND KUSH? HELLOWEEN IS REPRESENTED BY A KALABAZA, FLOOD OF ENERGY.... THIS PERMANECERA IN THE HISTORY OF THE HUMANITY... HELLOWEEN LIVES!!! LIVE!!! IN MY INTERIOR THE MAGIC MADDENS ME, ENRAGES AND SHAKES ME... HELLOWEEN IS MY GLORY... MY GOD... ..... BUT I KNOW THAT I WILL NEVER BE A STAR... MEANWHILE IT(HE,SHE) WILL FLY WITH THEM TO THE GLORY... .... GODS FOREVER ANDI THE SALVATION!!!!

Comment by MISS KATI DARK@HOTMAIL.COM (Anonymous) - Monday, April 5, 2004

HELLOWEEN... AGAIN WE HAVE SURPRISED IT(HIM,HER) TO MANY FANS... WITH HIS(HER,YOUR) RECENT WORK, IN THE PERSONAL THING, IT(HE) IS FABULOUS, FULL OF MAGIC, DARKNESS, EVILNESS... HELLOWEEN HAS GOT UP AGAIN(AFRESH)... I AM QUIET NEITHER BEFORE INGO's DEATH, NOR KISKE's ITEM(GAME) ... BECAUSE IT(HE,SHE) IT WAS GOING TO DO NOW THAT I KNOW GRAPOW AND KUSH? HELLOWEEN IS REPRESENTED BY A KALABAZA, FLOOD OF ENERGY.... THIS PERMANECERA IN THE HISTORY OF THE HUMANITY... HELLOWEEN LIVES!!! LIVE!!! IN MY INTERIOR THE MAGIC MADDENS ME, ENRAGES AND SHAKES ME... HELLOWEEN IS MY GLORY... MY GOD... ..... BUT I KNOW THAT I WILL NEVER BE A STAR... MEANWHILE IT(HE,SHE) WILL FLY WITH THEM TO THE GLORY... .... GODS FOREVER ANDI THE SALVATION!!!!

Comment by MISS KATI DARK@HOTMAIL.COM (Anonymous) - Monday, April 5, 2004

HELLOWEEN... AGAIN WE HAVE SURPRISED IT(HIM,HER) TO MANY FANS... WITH HIS(HER,YOUR) RECENT WORK, IN THE PERSONAL THING, IT(HE) IS FABULOUS, FULL OF MAGIC, DARKNESS, EVILNESS... HELLOWEEN HAS GOT UP AGAIN(AFRESH)... I AM QUIET NEITHER BEFORE INGO's DEATH, NOR KISKE's ITEM(GAME) ... BECAUSE IT(HE,SHE) IT WAS GOING TO DO NOW THAT I KNOW GRAPOW AND KUSH? HELLOWEEN IS REPRESENTED BY A KALABAZA, FLOOD OF ENERGY.... THIS PERMANECERA IN THE HISTORY OF THE HUMANITY... HELLOWEEN LIVES!!! LIVE!!! IN MY INTERIOR THE MAGIC MADDENS ME, ENRAGES AND SHAKES ME... HELLOWEEN IS MY GLORY... MY GOD... ..... BUT I KNOW THAT I WILL NEVER BE A STAR... MEANWHILE IT(HE,SHE) WILL FLY WITH THEM TO THE GLORY... .... GODS FOREVER ANDI THE SALVATION!!!!

Comment by spanish24 (Anonymous) - Wednesday, April 14, 2004

a very happy and fun album their best since master of the rings

Comment by Mads Aanum (Anonymous) - Wednesday, July 28, 2004

great album, can't wait to see Helloween at Wacken this year...

Comment by Ionut (Anonymous) - Monday, February 14, 2005

Hey! This is the best Helloween work after Master of the Rings.

Comment by Master Of Puppets (Anonymous) - Tuesday, August 29, 2006

01 Just A Little Sign (4/10) 02 Open Your Life (10/10) 03 The Tune (9/10) 04 Never Be A Star (3/10) 05 Liar (3/10) 06 Sun For The World (3.5/10) 07 Don't Stop Being Crazy (2/10) 08 Do You Feel Good (4/10) 09 Hell Was Made In Heaven (7/10) 10 Back Against The Wall (7.5/10) 11 Listen To The Flies (2.5/10) 12 Nothing To Say (0/10)

Review by Steen (Staff) - Friday, May 2, 2003

View Profile Comments: 518 I pretty much agree with Tommy on this one. It's great to hear Helloween back with so much power and melody. There is something about the awesome melodies, Andi's singing and the extremely powerful rythm section, that sends across an energy-filled, positive vibe. With every listen there is some new little detail to discover. Still, it hasn't quite reached the status of my Helloween favorites, Keeper of The Seven keys Part 1 & 2 and Time of the oath. Still growing though. Favorite tracks: Liar, Sun 4 the world, Do you feel good, Just a little sign and Open your life. Rating: 8/10 Posted by Steen (Staff) Friday, May 2, 2003