Andi Deris, the vocalist of German power metal pioneers Helloween, is gearing up for the release of their new album, Giants & Monsters, set to drop on Aug 29 via Reigning Phoenix Records. With a career spanning decades and a discography overflowing with beloved anthems, one might expect the creative process to be a well-oiled machine, perhaps even a bit rote. However, for Giants & Monsters, Deris describes an experience unlike any other.
For a band with such a storied history and immense success, the question of their current writing and recording process is a natural one. Deris reveals a surprising shift in atmosphere for this latest effort. “For me it was like always—the writing and recording process,” he begins, “but I have to say this was probably the quietest, relaxed, and most funny production we ever had.” He attributes this newfound serenity to a lack of external and self-imposed pressure. “One reason is that we had no pressure and didn’t make any pressure ourselves like it was when we wrote the first one after the reunion.”
One track that immediately stands out is the single “This Is Tokyo,” which pays homage to Japan. Deris sheds light on the profound connection he shares with the country. “I’ve always wanted to write this song,” he shares, “Japan plays a special role in my life because I had my first big success there with Pink Cream 69.” He emphasizes the consistently positive reception he’s received from Japanese fans throughout his career. “They have always treated me incredibly well,” he adds. The decision to feature Tokyo in the chorus, rather than the broader term “Japan,” was a deliberate artistic choice. “I finally had the right idea for the lyrics,” Deris notes, “Tokyo stands for all of Japan because it sounds better in the chorus than Japan.”
The album art for Giants & Monsters is a striking visual—epic, cool, yet undeniably fun and playful. This captivating imagery is once again the work of Eliran Kantor, who also crafted the cover for their acclaimed 2021 album. “(The cover was) created again by Eliran Kantor who did the cover of our 2021 album, and we liked it a lot, and the fans were raving about it,” Deris confirms. He praises Kantor’s collaborative approach and deep understanding of the band’s aesthetic. “He knows what we like, listens to our music and comes up with ideas and we change, approve and here we are,” Deris explains, highlighting the seamless creative synergy.
Giants & Monsters is out Friday, and you can preorder it from Reigning Phoenix Music. Follow Helloween on Facebook and Instagram for future updates.
Photo Credit: Mathias Bothor
