Markus Grosskopf: Giants & Monsters – Great Ideas From All Our Writers

Helloween, the legendary German Metal band with 15 Gold awards, six Platinum awards, and ten million records sold worldwide, will be releasing their new album, Giants & Monsters, on August 29th via Reigning Phoenix Music. Not many bands can leave a lasting impression like Heloween, flying the flag for metal for nearly 40 years like Daniel Löble (drums), Markus Grosskopf (bass), Sascha Gerstner (guitars), Kai Hansen (guitars, vocals), Michael Weikath (guitars), Michael Kiske (vocals), and Andi Deris (vocals) have done. Together, they have created some of metal's enduring anthems, like "I Want Out," "Eagle Fly Free," and "Future World." Unfazed by fleeting trends, the band continues to charge forward with unrelenting energy, unleashing thunderous anthems that hit hard and leave a mark. Songs like "This is Tokyo," "Hand of God," and "Into the Sun" erupt with explosive guitars and searing vocals, setting the tone for an album that never lets its foot off the gas. And just when you think you've caught your breath, the epic closer of "Majestic" steamrolls in with power and grace that linger long after the final note fades. This is Helloween in peak form—fierce, fearless, and flat-out phenomenal. Click here to pre-order Giants & Monsters: https://helloween.rpm.link/giantsmons... Helloween will celebrate four decades of metal mastery with a global 40th-anniversary tour. The European leg begins in mid-October, with initial dates selling out quickly and additional shows in Madrid and Bochum already on sale. Featuring an ultimate set list packed with surprises, the tour will showcase the band's unparalleled legacy and ongoing creative power. Tickets to their shows can be found here: https://www.helloween.org/ In my interview with Markus Grosskopf, he offered a candid look behind the curtain of the band's creative process for the new album. With all members contributing to the writing, Markus described the experience as both chaotic and inspiring, resulting in a wealth of material, including over 30 songs, with only the best making the final cut. He emphasized that the album's lyrical themes—giants, monsters, saviors, and cosmic battles—emerged organically rather than from any conceptual planning. He sees these motifs as symbolic, representing struggles with personal demons and external challenges that listeners can relate to. The title, Giants & Monsters, encapsulates this inner struggle and triumph. Markus acknowledged that the return of Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen inevitably brought echoes of Helloween's Keeper of the Seven Keys era. Still, the band didn't set out to replicate their past; the classic elements arose naturally from the lineup and chemistry. A key focus during recording was balance—especially between vocalists Kiske and Andi Deris—ensuring each had a fair share of spotlight on the album as well as during live performances. Looking ahead, Markus expressed excitement about their upcoming 40th Anniversary tour, which will feature must-play classics and new songs from Giants & Monsters. He hinted at a return to North and South America in March/April 2026. Reflecting on the band's evolution, Markus stood by their creative freedom, whether writing thrash metal, melodic rockers, or tongue-in-cheek tracks. Rather than conforming to trends or rigid expectations, Helloween has always embraced versatility and authenticity. This playful, self-aware spirit is part of what continues to resonate with global fans, keeping the band both grounded and eternally relevant after four decades. Please follow My Global Mind on Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, and subscribe to their YouTube channel. https://myglobalmind.com/2025/07/25/m...