The sensation was perfect – HELLOWEEN, who has sold more than 10 million records worldwide, being one of the most respected German metal bands since 1984, announced their PUMPKINS UNITED WORLD TOUR in 2016. The media was raving about the TOUR OF THE YEAR, playing 69 shows in 32 countries all over the world. More than one million fans on three continents were ecstatic because it was not only a reunion of the original band, it was the summit of seven ultimate HELLOWEEN heroes: Andi Deris, Michael Kiske, Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, Markus Grosskopf, Sascha Gerstner & Dani Löble. Or to put it simple: it was a dream come true for fans around the world. The band received five times more spectators and all of them had only one wish: »Please stay together!«
Following the excitement, one of the biggest magazines in this genre, BURRN! (Japan), honored the band with unbelievable four cover stories, followed by the thunderstorm of the century within the social media universe, a celebrated PUMPKINS UNITED single and the quenchless hunger for more – much more! And yes, the musicians tasted blood and it was clear: there is no way back – the future of HELLOWEEN will be written in unity. It marked the beginning of a new era and the re-birth of a metal legend with exceptional artists. Their first new album will be released in summer 2021. Flatten the runway with a loud drumbeat: on April 2nd, 2021 the spectacular single SKYFALL will be released!
“Skyfall” will be available on CD, digitally and in two different vinyl versions.
Single 1: Vinyl, CD, digital:
‘Skyfall’ (single edit) + ‘Skyfall’ (exclusive alternative vocals mix). Both are exclusive single versions and will not be on the album. Around 20 minutes playing time.
Single 2: Vinyl only
‘Skyfall’ (single edit) + ‘Indestructible’ (exclusive album track). This is a strictly limited version of the new single with one exclusive album track.
The epic 12 minute track Skyfall, written by Kai Hansen, has the long yearned “Keeper-Vibe”, but isn’t musically telling the whole story of the album – this has a musical arch being loved by fans of every era: from unforgettable times to glorious newer adventures all the way to the upcoming first album of the HELLOWEEN new age. Skyfall tells about an alien landing on earth and a dramatic chase, while Hansen, Kiske and Deris duel with each other in a breathtaking manner and create a broadband adventure – including a lyric sheet with colored blocks identifying the singers as well as a video that is formidable. Produced by Martin Häusler, it will be the most elaborate clip in the history of the band, the story to be shown with 3-D animation and having a cinematic look – in these times almost a dinosaur in implementation!
The very first release of the new era proves to be worthy of the occasion: Just like a full album release, different formats, curated and treasured with love and affection will be available – especially for all collectors and super fans: Premium CD as digipak and 12“ Gatefold vinyl in various styles like shape-LP and picture disc – black or in combinations orange/transparent, orange/black, green/black marbled, orange/black splatter and red/black splatter.
The base of the upcoming milestone album was already erected in the studio: using the original Ingo Schwichtenberg drum kit, the recording was done with the same modulators at the Hamburg HOME studios where back then »Master Of The Rings«, »The Time Of The Oath« and »Better Than Raw« were recorded. Back to the roots and completely analog is the UNITED impact – another great work by long time producer Charlie Bauerfeind and co-producer Dennis Ward before the album traveled to New York and got the final mix in the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, RAMMSTEIN).
With the brand new material an album has been created that is set apart from the digital mainstream, showing that the essence of the band was never more solid.
SKYFALL is the beginning of something big – here comes HELLOWEEN!
