Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I

Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I is a groundbreaking record binding bright, dashing riffs, a clear high vocal and narrative melody. The pure voice of Michael Kiske, who joined from this album, gives the songs a one-of-a-kind radiance. Even in fast songs it never sinks into heaviness, and the choruses have a sense of opening endlessly toward the sky. The dashing “I’m Alive” and the signature “Future World” plainly show Helloween’s speed and accessibility, while the grand long-form construction of “Halloween,” the lyrical ballad “A Tale That Wasn’t Right” and the strength of “Twilight of the Gods” give the songs varied faces. Its innovation lies precisely in turning metal’s drive into positive, open energy rather than darkness or weight. A fantasy world and radiant melody fuse beautifully. Creating a decisive path for countless later power-metal bands, it is a landmark and origin of the genre.