Better Than Raw cover

Better Than Raw

Helloween · 1998

58 min · 12 tracks · power metal

A vibrant fusion of melodic power metal and introspective lyrics, embodying Helloween's signature sound with a modern twist.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic progression with peaks
  • introspective moments of reflection
  • vibrant energy for active listening
  • wave-like pacing for engagement

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer straightforward, fast tracks
  • seek instant gratification only

Where this album fits

Career context
Better Than Raw was released in 1998, marking Helloween's follow-up to their critically acclaimed album The Time of the Oath. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status in the power metal genre after overcoming significant lineup changes in the early '90s. This album reflected their artistic evolution and experimentation with darker themes and complex arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors
Gamma Ray· Stratovarius· Blind Guardian

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Deliberately Limited Preliminary Prelude Period in Z 1:44
  • 2 Push 4:47
  • 3 Falling Higher 4:48
  • 4 Hey Lord! 4:07
  • 5 Don't Spit on My Mind 4:25
  • 6 Revelation 8:23
  • 7 Time 5:45
  • 8 I Can 4:39
  • 9 A Handful of Pain 4:49
  • 10 Laudate dominum 5:12
  • 11 Midnight Sun 6:19
  • 12 A Game We Shouldn't Play 3:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata