Get ready to dive headfirst into the electrifying world of HELLOWEEN with their new live album ”Live At Budokan”, a release that immortalizes their iconic performance at Tokyo’s legendary Nippon Budokan, dropping on December 13, 2024.
”Live At Budokan” celebrates the grand finale of HELLOWEEN‘s epic world tour from 2022 to 2023. Spanning over 30 countries on three continents, the tour was nothing short of a triumph, drawing massive crowds and showcasing the band’s undying appeal, the sold-out concert in Tokyo is the crowning glory of the cycle.
Choosing the Nippon Budokan for this live recording was no coincidence. A venue rich in musical history, it has hosted countless legendary concerts and is an accolade for every music group that has played there. HELLOWEEN are the first German band ever to record a live album in the Nippon Budokan, and for the members, it was a dream come true.
Lead vocalist Michael Kiske described the show as “surreal, with the electrifying fan energy creating a magical atmosphere.” Bassist Markus Grosskopf spoke of the venue’s profound personal and historical significance, expressing how humbling and inspiring it was to perform in a place that shaped their own musical journeys.
Known for their explosive stage presence and high-voltage performances, HELLOWEEN‘s shows are fueled by the unique chemistry among the band members.
Triple lead-guitar attacks from Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, and Sascha Gerstner alternate with goosebump-inducing duets from vocalists Michael Kiske and Andi Deris, occasionally supported by Kai Hansen, the band’s original singer and third voice. He also takes the spectators on a journey back in time with a medley from the band’s early days, returning to the origins of their sound – HELLOWEEN, the godfathers of melodic speed metal.
The setlist of this live album is a treasure trove of surprises, contains the entire 2-hour+ show and offers a fresh experience compared to previous releases like United Alive [2019]. This thoughtful song selection honors both the die-hard fans craving something new and the band’s rich musical legacy, showcasing their evolution and expansive repertoire.
This live album is more than just a concert recording; it’s a celebration of HELLOWEEN‘s enduring impact on the metal scene.
Highly Recommended
01. Orbit
02. Skyfall
03. Eagle Fly Free
04. Mass Pollution
05. Future World
06. Power
07. Save Us
08. Kai’s Medley [Walls of Jericho, Metal Invaders, Victim of Fate, Gorgar, Ride the Sky, Heavy Metal is the Law]
09. Forever and One (Neverland)
10. Best Time
11. Dr. Stein
12. How Many Tears
13. Perfect Gentleman
14. Keeper Of The Seven Keys
15. Drumokan (Blu-ray/DVD only)
16. I Want Out
Michael Kiske – Vocals
Andi Deris – Vocals
Kai Hansen – Guitars, vocals
Michael Weikath – Guitars
Sascha Gerstner – Guitars
Markus Grosskopf – Bass
Daniel Löble – Drums
Helloween – Live at Budokan 2024+FLAC