Helloween | March Of Time - The Best Of 40 Years | Rpm-Roar

 

Helloween, formed in Hamburg in 1984, are widely acknowledged as one of the founding forces behind melodic power and speed metal. Initially rooted in the speed and traditional heavy metal scenes of Germany, the band quickly set themselves apart with a more melodic, uplifting approach, anchored by the twin guitar attack of Kai Hansen and Michael Weikath, and later propelled to global prominence with the soaring vocals of Michael Kiske. The dual-album saga “Keeper Of The Seven Keys” (Parts I and II) secured their legacy and redefined European power metal, influencing generations of bands across continents. Throughout their four-decade career, Helloween has weathered multiple lineup changes, stylistic shifts, and industry trends—consistently releasing new material while cultivating a dedicated international following. The band’s reunion of past and present members in 2017 (including Andi Deris, Kai Hansen, and Michael Kiske) was met with wide acclaim and reignited global interest in their expansive catalog.

“March Of Time—The Best Of 40 Years” is a broad, chronological walk through Helloween's history, presented as a 3-CD or 5-LP box set containing 42 tracks hand-selected from the band’s studio releases. This is not a curated re-imagining or recontextualization of the band’s legacy; it is a full-spectrum archive made for the listener who wants a journey from the group’s raw beginnings to their recent reunion-era material.

Disc I covers the early period, and its sequencing speaks volumes. It starts with “Walls Of Jericho/Ride The Sky” and works through foundational pieces like “Victim Of Fate,” “How Many Tears,” and “Halloween.” These early works are representative of a youthful, speed-driven group still forming their identity, but even then, their melodic instincts and ambition are definite. The transition into “A Tale That Wasn’t Right” and “Keeper Of The Seven Keys” bridges into the epic territory that defined their influence on the genre in the late '80s.

Disc II focuses on the transitional years—post-Keeper, where Andi Deris took over vocals, and the band navigated a new identity in the '90s. Tracks like “Perfect Gentleman,” “Power,” and “I Can” reflect a band shifting between humorous theatrics, radio-friendly accessibility, and mid-tempo grandeur. The disc includes songs that received mixed reception at the time—such as “Windmill” and “Number One”—but their inclusion here is appropriate; they tell the story of a band willing to take chances even at the cost of alienating some fans. The segment ends with selections from the turn of the millennium, pointing toward a heavier and more direct sound.

Disc III brings the story into the modern era. Beginning with material from “Keeper Of The Seven Keys – The Legacy” and proceeding through “Gambling With The Devil,” “7 Sinners,” “My God-Given Right,” and finally “Helloween” (2021), this disc shows the group embracing a fuller, multi-vocalist lineup and a more aggressive, dense style. The decision to include “Pumpkins United” and “Skyfall” makes sense both symbolically and musically—they close the circle of the band's history with contributions from past and present members. There’s a noticeable consistency in production and arrangement on this third disc that contrasts with the more experimental and uneven middle years, perhaps indicating a band that has, in many ways, found common ground again.

The compilation succeeds in offering a wide historical lens without feeling bloated. There are omissions that longtime followers may question—certain deep cuts or fan-favorite live staples are absent—but the intent here is not obscurity; it is accessibility. Newer listeners are provided a portal into every major phase of the band’s career, while longtime followers can appreciate the comprehensive nature of the selections.

Sound-wise, remastering is subtle. Nothing has been modernized to the point of distortion or loss of character. The older material retains its rawness, while newer tracks sit comfortably with improved fidelity. The production choices help bridge the sonic gap between decades without losing the identity of each era.

The visual and physical presentation of the limited box set is clearly aimed at collectors, with vinyl editions, puzzles, and art prints—elements that reinforce Helloween’s ongoing commitment to their legacy as much as to their fans. However, the heart of “March Of Time” lies in the music itself: a comprehensive, honest portrait of a band that evolved, fractured, adapted, and ultimately returned—without erasing any part of its past.

This anthology doesn’t attempt to rewrite history or recast the band in a new light. Instead, it presents the full journey—flaws, triumphs, and detours alike. As a retrospective, it respects the integrity of the material and understands its audience. The package is generous, the selections thoughtful, and the sound preserved with care. It stands not only as a celebration of 40 years but as a statement of endurance.

Score: 8.5/10