Live | Helloween [Support: Beast In Black] – Rockhal – Luxembourg [LUX]

17 October 2025

Under the name “40 Years Anniversary Tour”, Helloween is currently on the road to celebrate with their fans. Although the band Helloween had already been around for a few years before 1985, their first EP ‘Helloween’ and the album ‘Walls Of Jericho’ were released in 1985. And that joyful fact deserves a celebration. The always beautiful Rockhal venue in Luxembourg was chosen as the kick-off location for this tour. So it was high time to drive there for this kick-off.

BEAST IN BLACK

But first, at 7:30 p.m., we get warmed up by the Finns from Beast In Black. And actually, the decision to have them open wasn’t such a crazy move. Although the Rockhal was still steadily filling up with people, the large hall was already quite full of enthusiastic fans, who were jumping and singing along to the band’s catchy tunes. As on other occasions when I saw this band live, it was all very tight and it was clear that they were enjoying the show too.

Singer Yannis Papadopoulos sounded a bit rougher than usual today. As always, drummer Atte Palonkangas is the shining centerpiece of the band. Opener ,,Power To The Beast” immediately sets the tone for the show, stepping on the gas and dancing to the catchy choruses of the songs. The band has climbed to the top of their genre and delivers a successful show. Singer Yannis mentions that the band’s fourth album will be released next year.

HELLOWEEN

At 9 p.m., it’s time for the grand masters of Helloween to get started. It’s quite special to think back to when I was a young lad walking around with my boombox, blasting the album ‘Walls Of Jericho’ at full volume through the speakers. In any case, it evokes a sense of nostalgia. And I’m certainly not the only one in the audience who feels that way. What I do think is cool is that in some cases, entire families are present to introduce their childhood heroes to their kids. The septet kicks off with ,,March Of Time” and ,,The King For A 1000 Years”. The vocals are respectfully divided between Andi Deris and Michael Kiske. We can safely say that both are in excellent vocal condition. The vocals are just as impressive as the rest of the excellent sound.

THREE GUITARISTS

It’s also nice to see how respectfully everyone operates on stage. The guitar parts are neatly divided between Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen and Sascha Gerstner. Meanwhile, drummer Daniel Loeble and bassist Marcus Grosskopf provide the solid foundation of deep tones. There are bands out there with line-ups that make you wonder why there are three guitarists on stage, because it adds zero value. Well, Helloween has definitely found the right formula. The atmosphere on stage looks extremely relaxed, which has not always been the case in the history of this band.

The days of too much ego have been locked away in a vault, and the key seems to have been thrown away. Thankfully! Helloween 2025 is alive and kicking. With this formula they can keep going for a few more years if they want to. Pumpkins United proved to be the golden move that put the band back on the world stage, where a band with this legacy belongs.

GIANTS & MONSTERS

The third song is the überclassic ,,Future World,” which immediately launches the audience into a frenzy. Followed by the live debut of their first single, ,,This Is Tokyo”, from their new album ‘Giants & Monsters’. You would almost forget that the band has very recently delivered this top album but fortunately tonight it is represented with four songs.

With ,,Ride The Sky” we finally get the band’s first classic song in the set, which also comes from the album ‘Walls Of Jericho,’ released 40 years ago. Of course with lead vocals by Kai Hanssen. ,,Twilight Of The Gods” has been included in the setlist for this tour for the first time since 1987. Just awesome.

DRUM SOLO

Although I can understand why drum solos are part of a show, for me it’s always a moment of, oh yes, let’s have a break and get a drink. For me, it’s the weakest moment in the show. Certainly well executed, but unfortunately it can’t hold my attention. Fortunately, songs like ,,Universe (Gravity For Hearts)” and ,,Hell Was Made In Heaven” quickly shift gears a few notches higher.

The acoustic middle section by Kiske and Deris is beautiful and light-hearted. The transition from the acoustic part of ,,A Tale That Wasn’t Right” to full band mode in the second half of the song is beautifully done. A beautiful performance of one of my favorite Helloween songs. With ,,Heavy Metal (Is The Law)” we find the second song from 1985 in the setlist. And because they can, they then pull ,,Halloween” out of the vault. Brilliant.

HELLOWEEN – THE CONCLUSION

Let’s conclude with the following. If this band continues to perform live shows like this, with great sound, lighting, visuals, and entertainment, they could go on for a few more decades. And I think the packed Rockhal agrees with that. Helloween 2025 is simply a top act! It was a joy to have seen and capture this amazing show! See you next time.

SETLIST HELLOWEEN

March Of Time
The King For A 1000 Years
Future World
This Is Tokyo
We Burn
Twilight Of The Gods
Ride The Sky
Into The Sun
Drum Solo
Hey Lord
Universe (Gravity For Hearts)
Hell Was Made In Heaven
I Want Out
Pink Bubbles Go Ape
In The Middle Of The Heartbeat
A Tale That Wasn’t Right
Power
Heavy Metal (Is The Law)
Halloween
Eagle Fly Free
A Little Is A Little Too Much
Dr. Stein
Keeper Of The Seven Keys

All photos by Raymond Helebrand