[PODCAST] Ep. 51: [Interview] w/ ANDI DERIS, Vocalist of HELLOWEEN.
VIDEO VERSION
(via our Youtube Channel):
AUDIO-ONLY/PODCAST VERSION:
(via Youtube Podcasts - please refer to alternative platforms below!):
SHOW NOTES - Giants & Demons Official Press Release:
HELLOWEEN - announce new album: GIANTS & MONSTERS drops August 29, 2025; pre-orders have started - see below for release of first single and video for ‘This Is Tokyo’!
HELLOWEEN, the legendary German metal band with 21 gold and platinum awards and over ten million records sold, will release their highly anticipated new album GIANTS & MONSTERS this August. The album, now available for pre-order, follows their self-titled #1 2021 record and promises to be the most versatile and dynamic release of their career. Mixed at the legendary Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands (IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, DEF LEPPARD etc.), GIANTS & MONSTERS reaffirms the band’s position at the pinnacle of the metal world.
Pre-orders are available here:
https://helloween.rpm.link/giantsmonsters
Leading the charge is the album’s first single, ‘This Is Tokyo,’ accompanied by a visual homage to Japan.
The powerful, four-minute anthem features vocalists Andi Deris and Michael Kiske and delivers a chorus designed for stadium sing-alongs. The song holds personal significance for Deris: “I’ve always wanted to write this song. Japan plays a special role in my life because I had my first big successes there. I wanted to create a tribute to Japan for a while now and finally found the right lyrics. Because ‘Tokyo’ sounds better than ‘Japan,’ the city stands for a whole country that is very important to me.”
Watch ‘This Is Tokyo’ here:
HELLOWEEN will celebrate four decades of metal mastery with a global 40th anniversary tour. The European leg begins in mid-October, with initial dates selling out quickly and additional shows in Madrid and Bochum already on sale. Featuring an ultimate set list packed with surprises, the tour will showcase the band’s unparalleled legacy and ongoing creative power.
GIANTS & MONSTERS pushes the boundaries of HELLOWEEN’s sound, thanks to the instincts of producers Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, as well as the band’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Per example, drummer Dani Löble recorded all tracks using three different drum kits to capture the perfect vibe for each song, a testament to their attention to detail and love of experimentation.
The band’s chemistry continues to drive their success. “What keeps motivating us is the fact that we’re extremely different. It generates creative energy,” says guitarist Michael Weikath. Kai Hansen adds: “We try not to take ourselves and everything around us too seriously.” Deris sums it up: “In the end, we’re just seven guys who want to make music and enjoy the incomparable force that arises when we’re together. HELLOWEEN is way more powerful than the sum of its parts.”
With GIANTS & MONSTERS, HELLOWEEN boldly step into their fifth decade, proving once again why they remain one of the most influential and beloved bands in heavy metal.
Photo credit: Mathias Bothor
L-R:
Daniel Löble (drums), Michael Weikath (guitars), Markus Grosskopf (bass),
Michael Kiske (vocals), Sascha Gerstner (guitars), Andi Deris (vocals),
Kai Hansen (guitars, vocals)
GIANTS & MONSTERS – Track Listing:
01. Giants On The Run
02. Savior Of The World
03. A Little Is A Little Too Much
04. We Can Be Gods
05. Into The Sun
06. This Is Tokyo
07. Universe (Gravity For Hearts)
08. Hand Of God
09. Under The Moonlight
10. Majestic
Formats:
- earbook (incl. bonus-CD)
- digipak-CD (incl. bonus track)
- jewel case-CD
- 2LP in gatefold (various colours)
- picture 2LP (incl. bonus track)
- digital
HELLOWEEN are:
Michael Kiske | vocals
Andi Deris | vocals
Kai Hansen | guitars, vocals
Michael Weikath | guitars
Sascha Gerstner | guitars
Markus Grosskopf | bass
Daniel Löble | drums
More on HELLOWEEN:
helloween.org | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok
YouTube | X | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM