I loved this album on its release. Not only is the set list just terrific, it showcases just how good this band was live, at a time that would have to be considered their peak, at least for this line up. Michael Kiske's vocals soar, in a way that few could say they could equal in a live environment. Mention him in the same breath as Dickinson, Dio and Halford and you won't be denigrating this group. The happy guitars of Kai Hansen and Michael Weikath complement each other beautifully throughout the album. Markus Grosskopf on bass rumbles through each song, his running basslines such a part of what makes their music so wonderful, while Ingo Schwichtenberg's drumming can at times appear simplified, when in reality it is the complex timekeeping that ties the whole album together while the other subjects go about their business.
The seven songs featured here cover the three full studio albums that Helloween had released to this point. The sense of fun in the lyrics of "Dr Stein" and "Rise and Fall" come through perfectly in this live setting. "A Little Time" and "Future World" sound just as good as their studio versions. The soaring melodic tones during "We Got the Right" send chills down the spine, which is repeated in the closing "How Many Tears", with Kiske wringing every last piece of angst and passion out of the song. Just brilliant.
Perhaps the only criticism I can find of this release is that it is far too short. In times where the majority of bands releasing live albums were doing so on double LPs (or by 1989 beginning to be double CDs), in order to capture the entire gig, this seems to be over with just as it is warming up. The actual concerts that this album was recorded at had double this number of songs - you can hear the entire bootlegged concert at this location. Imagine this album also containing great live versions of "Eagle Fly Free", "Halloween", "Keeper of the Seven Keys" and "I'm Alive"! It would truly be a masterpiece. I don't know the reason behind this - perhaps their record company felt a single album was the best way to go (for them) in terms of sales. There are bootlegs of these gigs, of which I have a couple, and they do sound terrific. The other reason it is a shame we didn't get a full recording is because this is the only official release with this line up, the "Keepers" line up. Kai Hansen moved on after this tour, and it was really the end of the first great era of Helloween. While this album is a sterling reminder of their brilliance, it could have been a ripper with a full set.
Despite this slight falling down, what is presented here is a great live album full of terrific tracks, showcasing the best that this band had to offer. Top shelf.
Rating: They become great rock musicians. 5/5
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