Master of the Rings (Exp) [Extra tracks, Original recording remastered]

Helloween | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 16, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 1994
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording remastered
• Label: Sanctuary Records
• ASIN: B000F8O47M
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,214 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Back on Track, December 15, 2006

By 

Justin Gaines (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Master of the Rings (Exp) (Audio CD)

After unleashing a pair of albums (Keeper of the Seven Keys Parts I & II) that would set the power metal world on fire, Helloween served up two albums that can be described as bizarre (Pink Bubbles Go Ape) and confused (Chameleon) at best. In addition to these lackluster albums, much of the band's initial lineup had departed, which made 1994's Master of the Rings a "do or die" album.

This is the album Helloween should have released just after Keeper Part II. Master of the Rings is a tight, melodic power metal album that avoids the goofball humor of Pink Bubbles Go Ape ("Heavy Metal Hamsters," anyone?) as well as the watered down rock of Chameleon. Master of the Rings is a complete breath of fresh air, thanks in large part to new vocalist Andi Deris, whose tenure with melodic rockers Pink Cream 69 made him the ideal choice to replace Michael Kiske. Deris's powerful vocal delivery, plus his songwriting abilities made him a true asset to Helloween.

With standout songs like the anthemic "Sole Survivor" and "Mr. Ego" and the greatest hits caliber "Perfect Gentleman", Master of the Rings is a fantastic power metal album all the way through (OK, perhaps the obligatory instrumental introductory track doesn't add much), and one that should bring old school Helloween fans back to the fold.

Edition Notes: Sanctuary finally got around to remastering the Helloween catalog in 2006, and they certainly did it right. In addition to digitally remastered sound, the reissued version of Master of the Rings serves up an entire second disc that collects all of the Rings-era b-sides, including covers of Thin Lizzy, KISS, and Grand Funk Railroad, plus a crazy guitar extravaganza called "Grapowski's Malmsuite 1001." You also get expanded liner notes by Metal Hammer's Dave Ling, photos, etc. plus a nifty slipcase for the disc. This is what a remastered version of a great album is supposed to look and sound like. If you already own Master of the Rings, it's time to replace your old version!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Debut For Andi Deris/Uli Kusch Helloween-Era, and the Rejuvination of a Giant, June 14, 2006

By 

Concerned One "Thrashfan" (IA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Master of the Rings (Exp) (Audio CD)

R.I.P. Ingo Schwichtenberg, this album is a great tribute to continue the helloween legacy, and take it in a new direction to revitalize the German Giant.

After two semi-poorly recieved albums (Pink Bubbles Go Ape and Chameleon), this is the first album to start retreading back into the right direction for Helloween. Andi Deris was brought into the mix to add new soaring vocals and Uli Kusch to fill the large void at drums left after the tragic suicide of the founding drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg. Both new members add fresh ideas and force to a band that had no direction at the time.
This 2006 edition is the same as the bonus edition put out by Castle Records in 1994 with the same 7 bonus tracks on a second cd, so if you have that version, this is not necessary to gain any new tracks. It is worth having if you want the take advantage of the new packaging (cool slipcover that matches the other re-masters and cool interview/biography linernotes). The 7 tunes are all cover songs, and were not available for many years(especially in 2001 when the re-mastered and released the single disc).

This album boast some of the most awsome "Anthemic" helloween songs that fans have come to know and love over the years. Perfect Gentleman, Where the Rain Goes, and Mr. Ego are all powerful, fist pumping, crowd chanting favorites (see High Live and the re-mastered better than raw) Plus the song "In the middle of a heartbeat" is a cool ballad of the fading hair metal days, with a Helloween twist.
So what this boils down to is buy this re-mastered version if you do not have the castle version, want a complete 2006 series, or do not already own a copy altogether. It is a must for any metal fan.

5.0 out of 5 stars Master of the Rings!, July 30, 2009

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Master of the Rings (Exp) (Audio CD)

When I first got into Helloween, I would and listen to the albums Walls of Jericho and Keeper of the Seven Keys part I and II. I didn't really care for Chameleon, but I thought Pink Bubbles go Ape was pretty good, at least it was metal, unlike Chameleon. After listening to those I realized I had enough Helloween, but then one day I heard the track called "Where the Rain Grows" off the Master of the Rings albums. I suddenly became interested in the album. Then I listened to samples of the album that Amazon offers. I was amazed just by 30 second samples. So I bought this deluxe edition of the album. This has become my second favorite Helloween album, with Walls of Jericho at #1. The bonus disc is great. It has rare singles and other cool stuff. This is metal at its finest.

This is my rating of each track:
1. "Irritation" ****
2. "Sole Survivor" *****
3. "Where The Rain Grows" *****
4. "Why?" *****
5. "Mr. Ego (Take Me Down)" ****
6. "Perfect Gentleman" ****
7. "The Game Is On" ***
8. "Secret Alibi" ***
9. "Take Me Home" ***
10. "In The Middle Of A Heartbeat" **
11. "Still We Go" ****

Also recommended: Other Helloween albums, Gamma Ray, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Destruction, Running Wild, Omen, Saxon, Mercyful Fate, Fates Warning, Queensryche, Candlemass, Death, Trouble, UFO, and Watchtower.