German metal masters HELLOWEEN continue the reissue of their back catalog with fresh remasters and bonus tracks. ”Pink Bubbles Go Ape +4 (Remastered 2024)” is the band’s fourth studio album, their first for major label EMI Records, and the first without guitarist Kai Hansen, with virtuoso Roland Grapow replacing him.
”Pink Bubbles Go Ape” continued Helloween’s approach from the previous record to a more commercial, accessible melodic sound. The album was produced by Chris Tsangarides, sort of a legend in the hard rock / metal field, and he did a decent enough job of coming up with a sound that further modernized where the band was at on the last two. The details are all clear, from the bass lines to the drums and synths, and Kiske sounds pretty comparable to the prior outings.
After the success of the Keeper’s albums Helloween fell into some disarray with the departure of Kai Hansen who formed his own band Gamma Ray and the band was going through some problems with its previous record company Noise.
Enter Roland Grapow who wrote some of the finest tracks on this record.
The album kicks off with a short acoustic interlude with Michael Kiske singing a little noodle saying pink bubbles have gone ape. The absurdity disappears as soon “Kids of the Century” blasts off with speed and a delightful chorus as this is one of the top tracks on this album. “Back on the Streets” does not let up either as it continues the assault with high speed and fast riff work by Michael Weikath and Grapow.
“I’m Doin’ Fine, Crazy Man” has some good guitar work also, but kind of falls flat in the chorous. Then “Number One” is a pumping bass driven midtempo song, accessible and radiable.
One of things noticeable on this record is this album features many “happy” sounding riffs which is evident in “Goin’ Home”. Helloween were known for this, but it has a huge presense on this record. It is not annoying, but it might be to some people who want more heaviness and “mean” sounding riffs, but it should not deter the sheer enjoyment one will get from this record.
Something that must be mentioned is Michael Kiske’s performance on this album. He is flawless bellowing out the vocals with great range and presense in these songs. Just take a listen to “Someone’s Crying” and you will know what I mean. Kiske brings another great performance on this Helloween album.
While not among Helloween greatest work, ”Pink Bubbles Go Ape’ is an enjoyable album overall. It may have the most bizarre title in metal history, but a great cover art (referencing the dispute between the band and former record company) and some memorable songs.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
01. Pink Bubbles Go Ape (2024 Remaster)
02. Kids of the Century (2024 Remaster)
03. Back on the Streets (2024 Remaster)
04. Number One (2024 Remaster)
05. Heavy Metal Hamsters (2024 Remaster)
06. Goin' Home (2024 Remaster)
07. Someone's Crying (2024 Remaster)
08. Mankind (2024 Remaster)
09. I'm Doin' Fine, Crazy Man (2024 Remaster)
10. The Chance (2024 Remaster)
11. Your Turn (2024 Remaster)
Helloween – Pink Bubbles Go Ape (Remastered 2024), MP3+FLAC
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