Chameleon

Musically the album departs from power/speed metal and concentrates on progressive hard-rock with metal and pop influences. By changing musical direction, Helloween break some more boundaries but in other fields of music...

Chameleon is a long album and surely there are a few weak songs. But due to the fact that the music style is progressive nothing really bad can be said (everything depends on musical preferences).
In my opinion the strongest and really 'great' tracks on this album are: "I Believe", "Giants", "Music", and "Longing".

The band is in great shape, wonderful and emotional solos, great vocals by Michael Kiske (as always), good bass and strong drumming at parts. Concerning the vocals, don't except the very high pitched Kiske trademark (Keeper's era). He has improved greatly as a vocalist and sings in a smoother, more emotional way with a few really high notes in the wright places.

Being a metal (mostly heavy & power) fan, I hated this album on the first listen, having in mind their previous masterpieces! (this is the reason why this album didn't sell much, it was aimed at the wrong crowd) But when I took metal out of my mind and listened to this album again, I was definitely amazed by some of the songs!!

Which songs are best for each person varies as some songs are more progressive, some more pop and some more metal.

Don't listen to the rumors, check out this album for your self in order to have an opinion.

Definitely not an album for die-hard power/speed metal and heavy metal fans. But surely not a bad album..

The tracks display a totally diverse set of tunes and talent. The move away from all out metal brought a true sense of spirit and passion to the music. Again, initial reaction to the album was negative and the band have since disowned the piece. Yet, for me, it is the most consistent and engaging album with its subtle light and shade and embracing of different musical styles. The Intopolation of 'San Fransisco(wear flowers in your hair) in the thrack 'Revolution' proves the band to be a true postmodernist metal act. A sense of joy runs through many of the tracks, all have a summer feel and general good vibes. Only the touching 'longing' adds a little melancholy.

Buy this if you like: Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, Coldplay, Queensryche, The Verve, The Beatles, The Mamas and Pappas.

Featuring horns, backing singers, orchestras, multi-tracking and straight ballads, the band were heavily criticised for selling out heavy metal for AOR aspirations. Dispite this, there are some real gems (particularly the longer tracks) as the band's songwriting skills soar ever upwards.

In reality, the band were probably ahead of their time taking their attempts to experiment and push the boundaries perhaps a step too far.

This proved to be Michael Kiske's last album with the band, whether this was due to the critics or 'artistic differences' is unknown. Definately not one for the headbangers, but if you like well crafted rock songs and don't mind the occasional ballad then this is worth checking out.

Highlights include 'When The Sinner' - a strange mix of horns, piano, elaborate production & catchy power metal that actually works; the excellent semi-symphonic/power metal epic 'Giants'; The 8 minute+ Beatles influenced 'Revolution Now'; The dramatic 'Music' (despite the fade at the end); The 9 mins+ epic 'I Believe' complete with prog overtunes and tubular bells!.