Shuddersome Soundscape #9: Tonight, The Veil Grows Thin

 At last, the grand day of festivities, All Hallows Eve, is upon us. So, it is only fitting that the song of honour is as extravagant and vivid as the holiday itself. This is a day fit for stories of delight as well as tales of fright, with spots of nostalgia juxtaposed with demons waiting to strike. This week, I will provide you exactly that with the 13-minute epic, "Halloween" by Helloween. 


Helloween - an iconic German power metal band formed in 1984 - released their second album, Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part 1, in 1987. This album, which established Helloween's place in the heavy metal scene, is also widely considered as vital to the creation of the district genre of European power metal, inspiring the techniques, vocals, and lyrical themes of bands to come. Keeper... is also significant as the first to feature Michael Kiske on lead vocals, another piece of the band's signature sound.

The song "Halloween" takes place on seemingly innocent titular night. It then progresses through a whirlwind of a tale worthy of every one of its many minutes. A pleasant night of trick-or-treating swiftly turns ghastly when the main character is ensnared by the devil and dragged to his dark domain. Against seductive promises, the main character pleads for his release and redemption. 

As you venture through the darkness this Halloween, take this tale with you as a word of caution. Remember to keep your flashlight close and your eyes open.

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