Helloween – Better Than Raw (1998)

Released in 1998, Better Than Raw by Helloween represents one of the heaviest, fastest, and most energetic albums of the Andi Deris era. Following The Time of the Oath, the band returned to a playful yet aggressive style, combining classic European power metal riffs, memorable choruses, and fast tempos.

The album was released on January 19, 1998 through Castle Communications (Europe) and EMI Records (Japan). It marked a continuation of the lineup established with Master of the Rings, featuring Andi Deris, Roland Grapow, Michael Weikath, Markus Grosskopf, and Uli Kusch.

Album Overview

Artist: Helloween
Album: Better Than Raw
Release Date: January 19, 1998
Genre: Power Metal, Heavy Metal
Label: Castle Communications / EMI Records
Producer: Tommy Hansen
Recording Studio: Hansen Studios, Hamburg, Germany
Album Length: 55:55

The album’s mix of humor, speed, and melody gave fans exactly what they wanted after the more serious tone of The Time of the Oath.

Tracklist

Better Than Raw
Push
Mission Motherland
All Over the Nations
Under the Radar
Laudate Dominum
I Walk Alone
Midnight Sun
No Time for Losers
Falling Higher
Save Us
Sole Survivor (Live Bonus Track) – on some editions

Track Highlights

Better Than Raw
The title track sets a blistering pace with rapid guitar riffs and energetic vocals.

All Over the Nations
A fast-paced anthem with catchy hooks and an international call to action.

Push
Melodic yet aggressive, it became a staple in live shows.

Mission Motherland
One of the heavier songs on the album, with tight rhythms and technical guitar work.

Album Credits

Band Members

Andi Deris – lead vocals
Michael Weikath – guitars
Roland Grapow – guitars
Markus Grosskopf – bass
Uli Kusch – drums

Production Team

Producer: Tommy Hansen
Engineer: Tommy Hansen
Studio: Hansen Studios, Hamburg, Germany
Mixing: Tommy Hansen

Tommy Hansen had a long-standing relationship with Helloween, helping shape their 90s sound.

Cover Art Design and Description

The album cover was illustrated by H. R. Giger-inspired digital artwork, showing a futuristic, surreal, and slightly grotesque figure holding chains and a mechanical heart, reflecting the raw energy and aggressive tone of the album.

Visual Style

Futuristic and surreal imagery
Dark yet vibrant color palette
Mechanical and industrial motifs
Playful but edgy aesthetic

The cover reinforced the band’s balance of power, humor, and theatricality.

Fun Facts

The album is considered one of Helloween’s fastest and most aggressive releases.
“All Over the Nations” became a fan favorite for live performances.
The band intentionally incorporated humorous lyrics and playful elements into some tracks.
The album continued the strong songwriting momentum of the Andi Deris era.

Did You Know?

Better Than Raw was the second Helloween album produced by Tommy Hansen in the 90s.
The band toured extensively in Europe and Japan to promote the album.
Some tracks feature subtle keyboard and orchestral textures, adding depth to the fast-paced songs.
The album title was a playful nod to both the band’s energetic style and their confidence in their work.