Helloween – Rabbit Don’t Come Easy (2003)
Released in 2003, Rabbit Don’t Come Easy marks a continuation of Helloween’s energetic Andi Deris era. Following the darker tone of The Dark Ride, this album returns to catchy melodies, fast riffs, and playful lyrics, combining traditional power metal with modern production.
The album was released on May 23, 2003 via SPV/Steamhammer (Europe) and EMI Records (Japan). It introduced Mark Cross as the drummer for most tracks, though Uli Kusch played drums on a few earlier sessions before his departure. This album reflects a band that’s confident, melodic, and not afraid to have a little fun.
Album Overview
-
Artist: Helloween
-
Album: Rabbit Don’t Come Easy
-
Release Date: May 23, 2003
-
Genre: Power Metal, Heavy Metal
-
Label: SPV/Steamhammer / EMI Records
-
Producer: Charlie Bauerfeind
-
Recording Studio: Mi Sueño Studios, Tenerife, Spain
-
Album Length: 57:21
The album showcases fast, melodic power metal with the band embracing humor, tight songwriting, and professional 2000s production values.
Tracklist
-
Just a Little Sign
-
Mrs. God
-
Where the Rain Grows
-
Don’t Stop Being Crazy
-
All Over the Nations
-
Back Against the Wall
-
The Bells of the Seven Hells
-
Too Late
-
No Thanks
-
Open Your Life
-
Fallen to Pieces
-
Fast as a Shark – bonus cover track in some editions
Track Highlights
Mrs. God
A tongue-in-cheek power metal anthem with fast riffs and a playful storyline.
Just a Little Sign
The energetic opener featuring soaring vocals and memorable chorus lines.
Back Against the Wall
A heavier track combining aggressive riffs with melodic elements.
The Bells of the Seven Hells
Epic storytelling with layered guitars and strong vocal harmonies.
Album Credits
Band Members
-
Andi Deris – lead vocals
-
Michael Weikath – guitars
-
Roland Grapow – guitars
-
Markus Grosskopf – bass
-
Mark Cross – drums (main)
-
Uli Kusch – drums (on some tracks)
Production Team
-
Producer: Charlie Bauerfeind
-
Engineer: Charlie Bauerfeind
-
Studio: Mi Sueño Studios, Tenerife, Spain
-
Mixing: Charlie Bauerfeind
Bauerfeind’s production delivered a polished, punchy sound with clear instrumentation and modern metal tones.
Cover Art Design and Description
The cover artwork was created by Martin Häusler, featuring a mischievous anthropomorphic rabbit with a sly grin, sitting among metallic chains and gears. The artwork mirrors the album’s playful yet edgy tone, combining humor with a darker metal aesthetic.
Visual Style
-
Surreal and playful imagery
-
Cartoonish yet metallic elements
-
Bold color contrasts
-
Symbolism representing fun and unpredictability
The cover reinforces Helloween’s ability to blend humor with power metal intensity.
Fun Facts
-
The album title Rabbit Don’t Come Easy is a play on the phrase “money doesn’t come easy,” reflecting the band’s humor.
-
“Mrs. God” became one of the album’s most famous tracks and a fan favorite live.
-
Drummer Uli Kusch left the band during early production, leading to Mark Cross joining for most sessions.
-
The album continues Helloween’s tradition of combining fast riffs, melodic choruses, and humorous lyrics.
Did You Know?
-
The album was recorded entirely in Tenerife, giving it a relaxed but professional production environment.
-
“Just a Little Sign” and “Mrs. God” received music videos and heavy airplay in Europe.
-
Helloween intentionally wrote this album to reconnect with fans of the classic 80s and 90s power metal era.
-
Rabbit Don’t Come Easy demonstrates the band’s ability to balance humor, melody, and technical skill.
Commercial Performance and Ratings
The album was moderately successful, appealing to longtime fans and the European metal audience.
Sales
-
Estimated 200,000–250,000 copies sold worldwide.
Chart Performance
-
Germany: Top 40 albums chart
-
Japan: Positive reception, consistent fanbase support
Ratings
-
Metal Archives: ~78%
-
AllMusic: 3.5/5
-
Praised for fun, energetic songwriting and melodic power metal hooks.
Cultural Legacy
Rabbit Don’t Come Easy demonstrates Helloween’s ability to combine humor, melody, and tight power metal even decades into their career. Tracks like Mrs. God and Just a Little Sign are still performed live and remain fan favorites.
The album represents the mature, confident Andi Deris era, showing that Helloween could continue to write engaging, melodic power metal while keeping a playful edge.
Download Helloween Albums from Amazon Music
Helloween Full Discography by Labels
More Albums:
Helloween - Walls of Jericho (1985)
Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I (1987)
Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II (1988)
Helloween - Pink Bubbles Go Ape (1991)
Helloween - Master of the Rings (1994)
Helloween - The Time of the Oath (1996)
Helloween - Better Than Raw (1998)
Helloween - Gambling with the Devil (2007)