German power metal band formed in Hamburg in 1984. Long-running lineup centered on Markus Grosskopf (bass, since formation) and Michael Weikath (guitar, since 1985). Vocalists: Kai Hansen (1984-1988, returned 2016), Michael Kiske (1986-1993, returned 2016), and Andi Deris (since 1993). Foundational to European power metal.
Released 17 studio albums starting with Walls of Jericho (1985). Commercial peak: Keeper of the Seven Keys, Part I (1987) and Keeper of the Seven Keys, Part II (1988). The 2016 "Pumpkins United" tour reunited Hansen and Kiske with the modern lineup as a three-vocalist configuration. Released the self-titled Helloween (2021) with that expanded lineup.
