Metal Jukebox in Bloomington, MN

Seminal power metal gods
Helloween
appear to have gotten rather bored after their amazing last album,
Better Than Raw
, and hence laid down an album full of recordings by other musicians. They crank out
Scorpions
,
Jethro Tull
Beatles
Faith No More
, and
Cream
songs, among others. First the surprises and successes.
ABBA
's
"Lay All Your Love on Me,"
as strange as that sounds, comes across as a power metal radio ballad that carries a certain appeal with it, while they pour forth
"White Room"
by
with amazing, psychedelic sounding success. When they cover prog rock favorite
Focus
, and their endearing instrumental hit,
"Hocus Pocus,"
with utter craziness and convincing success (complete with yodeling), one can't help but wonder if they are partaking in too many '70s extracurricular activities. When
David Bowie
, oops, I mean
Andi Deris
, sings
"Space Oddity,"
you get a creepy feeling, because
Deris
appears possessed by the spirit of the man from Mars himself. Most of the songs work; those failing are
the Beatles
'
"All My Loving,"
"Faith Healer"
Alex Harvey Band
, and a few others. This album is fun, but like
Blind Guardian
Forgotten Tales
, it is not essential to the average listener. So if you are a diehard or just a sucker for cover albums then pop your money in the
Metal Jukebox
, kick back with a beer, and enjoy the party. ~ Jason Hundey