‘Tis the season of the Pumpkin. No, not that overly commercialised US import, but an onslaught of arguably the best Power Metal on the planet, over two and a quarter hours, to celebrate their fortieth year. This is Helloween at the Eventim Apollo, London.
Helloween – Beast In Black
Eventim Apollo, London – 20 October 2025
Words: Liz Medhurst
Photography: Robert Sutton
Eight years have passed since Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen rejoined Helloween for the Pumpkins United World Tour, and the band has remained a seven-piece ever since.
There is no need to rehash history. It is enough to say that in 2025, the German Power Metallers are bigger and arguably stronger than ever, with harmonious relationships.
Live is where one of the benefits of having Andi Deris and Michael Kiske, along with Kai Hansen sharing the spotlight of lead vocals is realised, as this undoubtedly allows for these full length shows with no noticeable energy drops.
More than that, the chemistry between Deris and Kiske is such that the performance is so natural, swapping verses and sections with such ease that it is hard to remember a time when this was not in place.
There is a new album this year, Giants And Monsters, but tonight there is a four-decade catalogue to celebrate so there is no cause to complain that there are only four new tracks – This Is Tokyo, Into The Sun, A Little Is A Little Too Much and the incredible Universe (Gravity For Hearts) – as we are also getting rarities like The King For A 100 Years, and Hey Lord!, as well as some almighty classics in this show.
And what a show, though. Hammersmith was shaken to its foundations with crystal clear sound and breathtaking visuals. A huge screen was deployed throughout to tell the story of the songs, although a bigger word may be appropriate, like giant. Or monster?
Whatever, it spanned the entire height and width of the Eventim Apollo stage, showing graphics, incorporating on-stage cameras and making the whole thing a fully immersive experience. Zooming into the cathedral, excellent 3D effects, The Keeper popping up with messages. It is all faultlessly executed.
With this tour and new album Helloween have shown that they are worlds away from being a nostalgia act, this is as fresh as it comes. Listening here tonight and getting swept up in every moment, it is hard to imagine any other band that can better this. This is the pinnacle of Power Metal, and it is a feeling that does not fade after hours.
There are such contrasts here, the utterly majestic and sweeping epic songs like Eagle Fly Free and the extended Halloween, romantic power ballads like Into The Sun and some light moments such as the acoustic interlude when Kiske and Deris entertain us with an acoustic guitar, starting with Pink Bubbles Go Ape, the break serving as a convenience “for the heavy smokers in the band.”
You cannot even complain about a drum solo when it is Dani Löble thundering that huge kit and managing to inject some personality into proceedings.
Heavy Metal (Is The Law) is obviously a mantra we live by, and Hansen brought us all along with him, over five thousand strong in this pretty much sold-out event. 
Twenty-three songs do not span the entirety of a forty-year career, but what a celebration and confirmation that Helloween continue to deliver the goods.
I am sure we will be back here in ten years for the Golden Pumpkin. 
Beast In Black
On any other day, the melodic Power Metallers from Finland would be worthy headliners here, and Beast In Black drew an almost full house for their early set, proving what a draw they are in their own right.
They played for a full hour and twelve tracks, making this one of the best value gigs around, thoroughly warming us up.
Always a crowd pleaser, Beast In Black have every move in the book, but do so well that it becomes a thing of beauty. A new album, their fourth, and headline tour (with Sonata Arctica as support) has just been announced for October 2026, to great delight all round. 
