Credited as the forefathers of the power metal scene, German-based Helloween hits the Grove of Anaheim tonight—a few weeks early of their high holy day but here celebrating the season, nonetheless. In the '80s, Helloween released a pair of albums (Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1 and the subsequent Part 2) that pretty much made everyone's head explode in the most awesome way possible, cementing their place in metal history. Grounded by guitarist Michael Weikath and bassist Markus Grosskopf (the only two band members who've held on since the band's 1984 start to present day), Helloween's catalogue of more than a dozen studio albums is the seminal resource for Power Metal 101—catchy hooks and riffs around breakneck drums, unyielding guitars and clean, note-busting vocals. Though the early '90s saw some less-than-desirable album reviews, they rose from the depths and reclaimed their throne. Pick up this year's Straight Out of Hell and catch Helloween this Monday night for some true old school metal.
Mon., Oct. 7, 7 p.m., 2013
