(Sony/SPV) Total Time: 59:04
HELLOWEEN need no introduction. Formed back in 1984, they are one of the biggest power metal bands, having largely defined the sound we now know as German/Euro power metal. “Unarmed” is the release celebrating the band's 25th anniversary, in a quite innovative way: instead of a lame best-of compilation, HELLOWEEN chose 10+2 of their songs to bravely re-arrange and re-record. A great idea, true… Its execution, though, is an execution indeed – if you know what I mean.
The band apparently indulged themselves by going for something completely different and “re-arranging” their songs in musical styles totally foreign to HELLOWEEN. For example, the opening “Dr Stein” is an 80's kitsch-rock song, “If I Could Fly” and “Fallen To Pieces” sound like really cheesy pop singles, and “I Want Out” is kindergarten rock. In theory it could be interesting listening to HELLOWEEN that way, but in practice it is, well, boring if not a bit shocking. More listenable re-arrangements are the ballads “Forever & One” and “A Tale That Wasn't Right”, and a really good one is the 17-minute long “The Keeper's Trilogy”. The latter is a medley of “Halloween”, “The Keeper of The Seven Keys” and “The King for 1000 Years”, conducted along with a 70-piece orchestra (Prague Symphony Orchestra).
“Unarmed” is not an “ordinary” release but rather a treat to the fans and to the band itself. Something like a fun experiment to stage some highly appreciated songs in unusual settings. Rating is not really applicable.
