Helloween cover

Helloween

Helloween · 1985

26 min · 5 tracks · power metal

Powerful melodies interwoven with dynamic rhythms create a symphonic tapestry that defines early German power metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Starlight Start here — Opening with an infectious melody, this track showcases the band's signature harmonies and sets an energetic tone for the EP.
  • →
    Murderer — This song features an intense narrative combined with powerful instrumentation, exemplifying the thematic depth and musical complexity Helloween would become known for.
  • →
    Warrior — With its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, 'Warrior' captures the essence of empowerment that is central to the power metal genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

This EP showcases strong melodies and technical skill, establishing Helloween's distinct sound in power metal.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a fast-paced guitar riff that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained throughout the EP.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of struggle and freedom, with a consistent narrative thread across the tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • front-loaded energy bursts
  • soaring melodies for empowerment
  • cathartic anthems for release
  • intense emotional crescendos

Maybe skip if you

  • dislike lengthy musical builds
  • prefer standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This EP established Helloween's reputation in the power metal scene.
Themes
mythical warriors· dark narratives· symphonic power· German metal origins
Career context
This self-titled EP marks Helloween's first official release, arriving shortly after forming in 1984. It laid the groundwork for their influential sound and established them as pioneers of the power metal genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Gamma Ray· Stratovarius· Blind Guardian
New to Helloween? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Starlight Start here 5:18
  • 2 Murderer 4:26
  • 3 Warrior 4:01
  • 4 Victim of Fate 6:38
  • 5 Cry for Freedom 6:04

What to play next

Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 1
Listen next

Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 1

1987

Continues the powerful melodies and dynamic rhythms established in the current album.
Walls of Jericho
Go back to

Walls of Jericho

1985

Sets the stage for the band's evolution into their signature sound.
Full Helloween discography Where to start with Helloween Artists like Helloween
power metal

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Imaginations from the Other Side

Imaginations from the Other Side

Blind Guardian

Shares epic storytelling and symphonic arrangements, enhancing the mythical themes of power metal.

Land of the Free

Land of the Free

Gamma Ray

Features powerful melodies and dynamic rhythms, echoing Helloween's early sound and thematic intensity.

Visions

Visions

Stratovarius

Combines intricate melodies and progressive elements, resonating with the symphonic aspects of early German metal.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata