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Friday, April 17, 2020

Helloween - Straight Out of Hell (2013) | Analysis, Fun Facts & Trivia

Helloween - Straight Out of Hell (2013) album front coverHelloween - Straight Out of Hell (2013) album back cover
Helloween - Straight Out of Hell (2013)
Tracklist front / back album art covers

Helloween – Straight Out of Hell (2013)

Released in 2013, Straight Out of Hell is a powerful and melodic addition to Helloween’s modern discography. Following the success of 7 Sinners, the album continues the Andi Deris era with a blend of fast-paced power metal, melodic choruses, and darker lyrical themes, while maintaining the band’s signature energy and humor.

The album was released on January 18, 2013 via Steamhammer/SPV and features the lineup of Andi Deris (vocals), Michael Weikath (guitar), Sascha Gerstner (guitar), Markus Grosskopf (bass), and Dani Löble (drums).


Album Overview

  • Artist: Helloween

  • Album: Straight Out of Hell

  • Release Date: January 18, 2013

  • Genre: Power Metal, Heavy Metal

  • Label: Steamhammer/SPV

  • Producer: Charlie Bauerfeind

  • Recording Studio: Mi Sueño Studios, Tenerife, Spain

  • Album Length: 52:21

The album is praised for tight musicianship, clear production, and energetic songwriting, appealing to longtime fans and new listeners alike.


Tracklist

  1. Nabataea

  2. Battle’s Won

  3. Far from the Stars

  4. World of Fantasy

  5. Hold Me in Your Arms

  6. Years

  7. Rise and Fall

  8. Wanna Be God

  9. Claws

  10. Straight Out of Hell

  11. Church Breaks Down

Track Highlights

Nabataea
The epic opener sets a cinematic tone with heavy riffs and orchestral elements.

Battle’s Won
A high-energy track with melodic hooks and fast-paced guitar work.

Straight Out of Hell
The title track embodies classic Helloween: aggressive yet melodic with a memorable chorus.

Far from the Stars
A more melodic, emotional track highlighting Andi Deris’ soaring vocals.


Album Credits

Band Members

  • Andi Deris – lead vocals

  • Michael Weikath – guitars

  • Sascha Gerstner – guitars

  • Markus Grosskopf – bass

  • Dani Löble – drums

Production Team

  • Producer: Charlie Bauerfeind

  • Engineer: Charlie Bauerfeind

  • Studio: Mi Sueño Studios, Tenerife, Spain

  • Mixing: Charlie Bauerfeind

Bauerfeind’s production focuses on clarity, precision, and power, ensuring each instrument shines in the fast, melodic arrangements.


Cover Art Design and Description

The album cover, created by Martin Häusler, features a fiery hellscape with the Helloween mascot “Pumpkin” breaking free, visually representing the album’s aggressive yet playful energy.

Visual Style

  • Fiery, dramatic imagery

  • Surreal, heavy metal aesthetic

  • High-detail, bold colors

  • Mix of aggression and fantasy symbolism

The artwork complements the album’s high-energy, melodic, and theatrical tone.


Fun Facts

  • Straight Out of Hell blends classic Helloween speed and melody with modern metal production.

  • The album features cinematic intros and complex arrangements, showcasing the band’s evolved style.

  • Tracks like Battle’s Won and Straight Out of Hell quickly became live staples.

  • This album continues Helloween’s tradition of tight twin-guitar harmonies, epic choruses, and engaging riffs.


Did You Know?

  • The album was recorded in Tenerife, a consistent location for Helloween’s modern productions.

  • “Far from the Stars” and “Hold Me in Your Arms” highlight the band’s ability to write powerful ballads alongside aggressive tracks.

  • Critics praised the album for balancing nostalgia with modern power metal precision.

  • Straight Out of Hell is considered one of the band’s most polished 2010s releases, both musically and technically.


Commercial Performance and Ratings

The album was positively received, charting well and appealing to fans of classic and modern Helloween.

Sales

  • Estimated 120,000–150,000 copies sold worldwide.

Chart Performance

  • Germany: Top 15 albums chart

  • Japan: Strong reception, loyal fanbase

Ratings

  • Metal Archives: ~83%

  • AllMusic: 4/5

  • Praised for energy, melody, and cohesive songwriting.