Helloween--The Dark Ride (2000/JVC)
Rating--9.0
Escalation 666--RealAudio The Dark Ride--RealAudio
This (for some reason) is an import-only CD here in the U.S. That just adds to the intrigue, however, as it is one of the band's finest moments in its long and storied
career. The title is very apt, as this is a "dark ride" indeed--the guitars are nastier and more biting than ever, there's plenty of chugging rhythms, and a brooding, calculating
atmosphere surrounds many of the songs. A few have the trademark Helloween soaring choruses and melodious paces, but overall you have a more devilish feel to the
music than usual, as many heavier and thicker bands are brought to mind. There are bits of Gamma Ray, recent Kamelot, Judas Priest, and more. A pleasant (and somewhat
startling) surprise.
"Escalation 666" is a sinful delight, with its toned-down guitars, numerous harmonics, and Andi Deris at his prowling best. Some nasty swaying shows up in the murky
notes of "The Departed," the title track is multi-faceted and excellent, and "I Live For Your Pain" is another grueling, knife-wielding churner.
Other boilers include
"Mirror Mirror," the heavy and smooth flow of "If I Could Fly," "Immortal," and the faster tracks "We Damn the Night" and "Mr. Torture". "Madness of the Crowds" is a
Japanese-only addition that rips ala Primal Fear--yet another eyebrow-raiser.
Longtime super-fans of Helloween should find enough here to be satisfied, assuming it
isn't too heavy for them... (wink, wink)
TRACK LIST: Beyond the Portal/Mr. Torture/All Over the Nations/Escalation 666/Mirror Mirror/If I Could Fly/Salvation/The Departed/I Live For Your Pain/We Damn the
Night/Immortal/The Dark Ride/Madness of the Crowds
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