Metal Mania Community

The first of two classics, a new direction, a new singer in Michael Kiske, and a better production thanks to the two Tommys (Tommy Hansen and Tommy Newton). The band was taking a big risk in changing their direction as Walls of Jericho was Noise records' biggest selling album to date. However the band's risk would pay off in the end. Keeper 1 was the band’s breakthrough album and is considered one of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time and many magazines at the time hailed Keeper 1 as one of the most important Heavy Metal albums ever recorded. The band sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. Over 100,000 in Germany and they even charted at number 102 in the USA Billboard top 200. Many great things were happening for the band at this point in their career. Helloween played their first tour of the USA which was the Hell On Wheels Tour and featured Helloween, Grim Reaper and Armored Saint. The chemistry between Michael Weikath and Kai Hansen was apparent through their outstanding complex dual guitar harmonies which have since become a Helloween trademark. Michael Kiske’s presence in the band helped them expand their sound with such classics as Halloween, A Tale That Wasn’t Right and Future World. With Keeper of the 7 Keys Part 1, the band cemented their foundation of success for years to come! Also, if you want to hear some cool Michael Kiske versions of old songs. Check out the re-recorded studio versions of Starlight and Victim of Fate both now availiable again on the Keeper of The Seven Keys Part 1 expanded edition. The Kiske version of Starlight was originally a b-side on the Future World single and the Kiske version of Victim of Fate was originally a b-side on the Dr. Stein single.