Classical Composer Reacts to Keeper of the Seven Keys (Helloween) | The Daily Doug (Episode 152)

#Helloween #HelloweenReation #KOTSK #KeeperOfTheSevenKeys
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to Keeper of the Seven Keys by the German metal band Helloween. I was enthralled by the song's story and by the insanely high vocals!
Reference Video: • Keeper of the seven ke...

[@robTCGZ]

That guy is Michael Kiske, and he still sounds unbelievably amazing!!!

[@TheCyberMantis]

He's a legend.

[@luisarreaza4502]

I recently saw the pumpkins united live version. WTF!!!!! Those guys are legends!!!!

[@robTCGZ]

@@luisarreaza4502 I had the pleasure of seeing them live when they came to Costa Rica back in 2017. I will never forget, that I was able to witness Helloween with Michael Kiske performing Keeper of the Seven keys. And he NAILED all those notes. Admittedly, they're playing on a lower register, but still. Mind-blowing.

[@robTCGZ]

@@TheCyberMantis I agree. When people say Bruce Dickinson, I respectfully say Michael Kiske.

[@alexgasparini4548]

@@robTCGZ I prefer Dickinson, but I have to agree, performing wise no one beats Kiske, no one

[@ericcotter4684]

Doug: "I would love to see what that guy sounds like today." Helloween Fans: "Hold on! We need to go make some popcorn."

[@alextozzi8619]

He would be amazed I guess

[@andorivanpocze5967]

Yeah i mean the next suggestions is the same song from pumpkins united than! Kiske still rocks just as hard, maybe harder. It's really incredible

[@DragonforceSCGS]

I seem to remember that he wasn’t doing so well vocally in the late 90s and early 2000s. Really glad that he came back as strong as in his golden days.

[@cazmacd]

Definitely Pumkins United....unbelievable with both singers.....

[@JohnWilliamsGTS]

Ask King Diamond

[@paulkocabay1]

I’ve said this millions of times, I will say it again. Kiske is one of the most underrated singer of all time in Rock history. Amazing pipes.

[@saky29]

I always called him Papa Kiske lol, the guy's a fucking singing beast. The guy has massive range and training. Always amazing to listen to him!

[@V3ntilator]

He were never underrated. He were always on top 10 vocals since 1980''s. Please stop with this fake underrated disease going on for years on KZbin when 90% of them are not underrarted.

[@ninoninov6044]

I don't think Kiske is underrated - I do not know a single metal fan, no mater of what sub genre or if they like Kiskle's style or not, that does not know who Michael Kiske is.

[@bipolar4fun719]

Completely agree

[@MarceloMartino]

you are 100% right .

[@miguelbarahona6636]

Ingo Schwitchtenberg, what a great drummer he was! RIP.

[@metalstorm7506]

Ingo was unbelievably passionate and powerful. Definitely my favorite. Uli Kusch however was far more academically prepared and musical with his drumming. In reality, Dani Loeble combines both aspects and he is the best drummer Helloween could have at this point

[@loverof666]

He was in deed

[@scopchanov]

@@metalstorm7506 Dani is the human counterpart of a drum machine. That have cemented his place in Helloween. Ingo and Uli on the other hand have personalities, which in both cases led to their dismissal from the band.

[@metalstorm7506]

@@scopchanov That’s a good point, actually but I don’t think Dani lacks a personality. In fact I saw a recent interview with him and he was very kind, positive and genuine. He seems to be a bit more agreeable and probably - wiser than the past drummers. In terms of drumming he is very precise and hardworking, and there are moments in which he shines greatly. Which probably leads to my initial standpoint that he combines the madness and the technically of the previous dudes, which I ,again, love a lot for various reasons.

[@scopchanov]

@@metalstorm7506 Dani is definitely the most able performer of all Helloween drummers. Not so much of a songwriter though. Just take a look at that, on how many songs Uli is credited as a (co) writer. Roland's replacement of Kay felt natural at the time. On the other hand, it's more than 15 years since Dani joined the band and it still feels to me like he is more of a "hired gun" than a "full-blown" band member. His playing abilities, much younger age, as well as his supposed lack of attempts to influence the band's direction, make him convenient for the business. In my opinion, that's why he is kept for so long and would probably continue to be. Sascha btw. is the same story. Just watch an interview with him and Weikath. You can totally tell the poor guy is afraid to say something, which the boss might not like. This is not my understanding of a band member. The band is run by Grosskopf and Weikath and all other band members have been disposed of at some point or another, or left by themself. All that being said, I am a huge fan of Helloween. Our, my wife's and mine, wedding rings are massive steel, laser engraved rings from Helloween's merchandise.

[@trickers24]

As a guitarist I love the meter changes/tempo changes because to me it’s just very impressive, fun, and it really makes it seem more like an adventure full of action and perseverance to overcome the difficult parts

[@tukkek]

Definitely and it seems like a lot went over his head in this video. He seemed either a little distracted or like he had already decided how he would react before he hit play, which is not a good look either way to be honest. Still, good and fair reaction, just felt like it was 50% of the video we could have gotten if he put some more effort in it.

[@StreetFighter2010]

Doug, I don't think you realize how much we truly appreciate a formally educated composer's analysis on these songs. This is truly amazing.

[@jgrif16]

He sang this when he was 18 or 19. You said you wanted to hear what he sounded like today - hasn't lost a beat. Still amazing. Don't believe me, try the new song Skyfall by Helloween. Unbelievable vocals.

[@stevechristie2660]

I hate predictive text Skyfall !!!

[@malinoz]

"Bingo again" on the double kickdrum. Drummer's name was 'Ingo' - RIP

[@TheAsphyx666]

"What a voice." - Welcome to Michael Kiske.

[@Madmax-kr1li]

Don’t forget he was 18 years old when he sang this

[@Questmetalband]

20 actually!

[@Madmax-kr1li]

@@Questmetalband ok

[@taurusguy9305]

It doesn't matter. His vocal style is so nasal or twangy. Andi Deris is way better than him.

[@luisgarrues]

He sounds about the same on Helloween's latest tour (Pumpkins United). It was either 2018 or 19. He performs Keeper if you want to look it up. My favorites are Eagle Fly Free and Rise and fall same tour. The main difference is that he stands in place rather than run around the stage headbanging like he used to when he was younger.

[@Madmax-kr1li]

@@luisgarrues my fav song is Twilight of the gods

[@miaorenfeng3620]

Doug: Wondering how the vocalist sounds these days. Helloween: *Laughs in Kiske and then laughs in Deris*

[@TheDryparn]

But Deris has deteriorated a lot in recent years. I saw them in 2018 and Deris vocals were both out of tune and weak.

[@7heSlime]

@@TheDryparn I don't know man, I think he just has off nights. I saw them a couple of times a number of years apart. First time Deris sounded like shit, and years later he sounded great.

[@xorsyst1]

The tempo changes were because it sounds cool :D Anyone else want to hear a piano-acoustic version of this played by Doug? The little bits you did sounded great!

[@Dreon95]

Actually, there is an acoustic version on their "Unarmed" album - it's a medley of multiple songs though

[@hohenmannhanskarl6688]

The best Helloween song to me. Good old memories. Complex structures for an old speed metal band. Thanks Doug !

[@peacekeeper3026]

Out of the long ones, I'd go for Halloween.

[@Kawabongahlive]

Doesn't the skyfall single have a Halloween vibe to it?

[@martygrand3497]

For a more mature Helloween song I can strongly recommend "The King For A 1000 Years" which is also kind of a continuation of the Keeper of the Seven Keys.

[@wind-upboy939]

Yeah!!! You called them speed metal. I prefer that, too. \m/

[@michalsnaiberg2734]

Out of the long songs I agree for sure. But for me overall it would be Future World.

[@Samael78]

The full version of Halloween by Helloween is awesome.

[@garymitchell5899]

Much better than Keeper TBH.

[@lucasyanez7660]

and a lot of good neo-classical material

[@UncleRiotous]

I really liked Keeper pt1 when it came out but I was never that impressed by pt2.

[@matheusalmeidair]

Masterpiece of Helloween

[@Nekrovelho]

@@garymitchell5899 They shouldn't be even mentioned in the same sentence.. paragraph... PAGE together! Halloween is infinitely superior.

[@dtruleall]

This guy can't still sing this way in his 50's..... Michael Kiske: Hold my beer....

[@ericarmstrong8264]

Can't or can. Can is the right answet

[@caiolinklost]

@@ericarmstrong8264 he was quoting what Doug have said

[@ltxr9973]

Epic song! But "Halloween" from the first Keeper album is their true masterpiece

[@harrygorrod4463]

Blind Guardians - "And Then There Was Silence", this has to happen!!

[@javgoro]

I was gonna say this, but I see someone got to it before I did :) .

[@bobrocha1]

It would be awesome !!

[@icaroprado2720]

I hope this happens, he's not a power metal guy(always makes "that face" when the double kick comes) but it's a good one, even more complex than this.

[@nilsforssen5297]

I definitely second this.

[@JoseAbell]

This please!

[@peacekeeper3026]

Kiske, the vocals, is still doing these high parts

[@joshmeads]

He's not as good today as he was but he's pretty damn close.

[@Cloudiskyies939]

@@joshmeads Yes I don't like him doing that today. Is always sounds he is very close to fuck up. I don't need him with the higher sounds. Andy Derris is much better today. Then you hear both singers it feels like that.

[@einbertalstein9611]

Well, he is still really good today, but don't forget that he had a long break from Helloween without excessive touring for more than two decades. And during the shows these days he can spare his voice when Andi Deris is singing

[@r.p.7283]

Kiske was 18 Jears old back then

[@peacekeeper3026]

@@KARYTTAH_PopMetal_Rock_BAND they're totally different

[@CrookedEyeSniper]

The reason it's written that way is because it's completely badass. That's it. No other reason needed. I love seeing this played live. Damn it's hectic.

[@vadergod]

Michael Kiske is one who found how to keeps his voice through the years, he's still unbelievable

[@rockithoney]

Pausing touring for over 18 years was very helpful next to a great technique, no smoking. I think if he starts some sports and looses some 20-30 kg, we would be even better.

[@rockithoney]

@@KARYTTAH_PopMetal_Rock_BAND no.

[@Muciobh]

This one deserves a tons of likes even before watching. A masterpiece.

[@brunoduff]

That’s just what I did

[@Madmax-kr1li]

Yep best power metal song ever except for Iron Maiden song insert song here ( One is Alexander The Great)

[@BellXllebMusic]

@@brunoduff Me also

[@Sorc47]

Since we're in the realm of German metal, I'm guessing Blind Guardian will be coming at some point? :)

[@phred23]

We can only hope.

[@Gamaoyabi]

It's a must, and live versions of course. They sound better live than on record. Sound is fuller, richer, like they are unleashed from studio form.

[@Islandstone89]

And Then There Was Silence 🤞

[@JasonSmith-lp6wg]

Sodom/Kreator!

[@RobCaldera]

Live version of The Bard’s Song into Valhalla!

[@Gamaoyabi]

Yes, they still do this till this day. Recommend to watch this same song live from United Alive. United because they do tour with band members from different period of the band, including three vocalists - Kai Hansen first vocalist and guitarist, second vocalist Michael Kiske (one who sings on this record) and Andi Deris, third and last vocalist. In live United version Kiske sings most of the song, and after almost three decades he still has pipes. On the way, Kiske and Hansen made project together, named "Unisonic". From that project I recommend song "Exceptional" live version. Kai Hansen after leaving "Helloween" in late 80's, formed another band "Gamma Ray". From this band I can recommend "Abyss of the void", "Land of the free" or "Rebellion in Dreamland" studio versions, all from the same record. I have listened Helloween and Gamma Ray from early 90's when I was in my teen years. Always kept in high regard both bands and their members. All the best.

[@kforcer]

Unisonic is awesome!

[@andorivanpocze5967]

All suggestions are epic, an deserve a watch! These guys are Power Metal Legends, and some of the most influential people in the German /eastern european Metal scene. And the still produce on a very high level, which is great to see!

[@FreeCityOfAtero]

"Heading For Tomorrow" sung by Ralf Scheepers will always be amongst Hansen's greatest achievements to me. Which segues nicely into Primal Fear, Scheeper's own band after he (amicably) parted ways with Gamma Ray. Criminally underrated vocalist, imho. "One Night in December" and "Walk Without Fear" would be my personal recommendations for some top tier Primal Fear songs.

[@andorivanpocze5967]

@@FreeCityOfAtero fighting the darkness is the best primal fear song, as far as I'm concerned

[@FreeCityOfAtero]

@@andorivanpocze5967 I can't believe I forgot about that one, because I actually agree that it is their best song. Thanks for the reminder!

[@metalstorm7506]

There might be some minor compositional inconsistencies but do you know how young they were back then? The oldest band member was 25 at the time. The vocalist - Michael Kiske was 19 and he still sounds like this nowadays ( chubbier and balder, but as awesome as a singer ). in the low range he sounds like Elvis and in the higher ranges - like Bruce Dickinson, but better, cleaner and more powerful. The guitar duo - Michael Weikath and Kai Hansen is unbelievable, the bassist - Markus Grosskopf usually plays parallel melodic lines rather than just supporting the drums And speaking of drums - you have just heard Ingo Schwichtenberg (RIP), and he was A BEAST ! “Eagle fly free” is a good song from that same album that shows each of the members at their best

[@peacekeeper3026]

Helloween gets my thumbs up straight away, without watching the whole thing.

[@listonheinz9103]

One would think that Michael Kiske had lost his voice long time ago singing like this being only 18 years old at the time. Well, think again.

[@uurustun]

6:40 "i dont know why he did that other than he thought it was cool" described prog.metal music in a sentence.

[@djtripnosys]

Isnt that the best reason? Some people get too wrapped in theory and analysis and they forget the best stuff comes from breaking the rules.

[@metal-adventures-joerg]

Michael Kiske, the Angel's Voice from Heaven! Thanks for reviewing a german Band! Greetings from Stuttgart Germany!

[@jeffreygould101]

Saw them on the Pumpkins United tour in 2018 with Kiske on vocals. He was amazing and this song was such a tour de force for both him and the rest of the band. A truly magical song and concert.

[@Snake3004]

Michael Kiske is unbelievably good, even nowadays and he is in his 50s!🤘🏻 Please check out Helloween - Ride The Sky (lyrics or audio) from their first album with their first singer and their lead guitarist Kai Hansen.😋

[@courtmetrage]

Kiske also sang Ride the Sky.

[@wind-upboy939]

I love Ride the Sky, but I reckon Doug won't be a huge fan. :-)

[@hptk]

the root chakra (red) is blocked by feat, this is why THE KEYS.

[@alvaropita3487]

Bruce Dickinson was Michael Kiske's hero. Maiden's influence is obvious in Helloween.

[@malawigw]

And Elvis Presley!

[@Madmax-kr1li]

Yep don’t forget Black Sabbath and Deep purple

[@ergoliat]

Kiske sings like Geoff Tate

[@sergejmiladinovic1181]

Yeah, Helloween have actually stated a few times (a long time ago, I believe) that they basically just wanted to be German Iron Maiden.

[@onsesejoo2605]

Helloween in turn became the main instigator to power metal, perhaps with Manowar, musically speaking if not thematically.

[@grvulture8235]

3:14 "Wow, what a voice". Yes, he was 18 years old back then with this incredible voice. Remarkably unbelievable!

[@funkster007]

This song always gave me major goosebumps. One of the most majestic sounding metal tunes I ever heard. Kiske's insane vocal range was absolutely mind blowing. I still can't believe he's the same age as me. But I agree with Doug on the meter changes. A bit overkill imo, even though these dudes had serious chops.

[@ernesto_longhi]

Masterpiece from Helloween... Michael Kiskie in excellent voice condition .

[@panospanagiotou2698]

Ingo Fly Free...Maybe not the best metal drummer but that heart,smile, spirit...never be forgotten.

[@jimmyggs91]

Cool you chose Helloween, they're one of the pioneers of Power Metal. And yeah, you're not the first one to compare Michael Kiske with Bruce Dickinson, they both have an insane high range and kinda of a similar voice tone. Would love to hear your take on other German bands like Blind Guardian, Avantasia and Gamma Ray, you heard a bit of their lead singers when you reacted to Ayreon.

[@Dudouh]

A N G R A - Unholy Wars Great power metal band from Brazil! 🇧🇷 this song contains a mix of brazilian rhythms, it's excellent!

[@vicenteraira]

"Carolina IV" would make him appreciate more the uniqueness of Angra, imo.

[@leandrovr13]

UP

[@LIVS10]

@@vicenteraira exactly! I've been asking for months for him to react to Carolina IV or Holy Land

[@alexandre_am]

@@LIVS10 both great choices...I'd add Fireworks and Make Believe as options

[@pedrogabrielphillipsdavid1142]

with so much double bass that some Angra songs have, he won't like. Silence and Distance would be better.

[@DjKorppi]

18:40 Ask and you shall receive. Here's live version from 2017, with original and current band members on stage. Kiske is singing most of the song. Also take into accord this is the last song of a long gig. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3TUkn-ng955eqs

[@zddoodah]

It's 30+ years later, and I still want to know what to do with the SIXTH key!

[@alexandre_am]

Isn't it?

[@luisgarrues]

I think the sixth key is the Sea of Decease (Death) key the one he needs to throw it before he dies.

[@ausgepicht]

The WHOLE album is good. This is one of those albums where every track is gold.

[@JellyRoger_XIII]

Sir Doug, if you liked this amazing Helloween track, you will LOVE this one too from Italian band Rhapsody : "Symphony Of Enchanted Lands" (song that also has the album's name itself). As a piano composer and professor, you will blown away with it i think. 😉 Little tip : expect much more than 1 genre from that song, as much as multiple emotions through it. 🤙🏻

[@ebg342]

Also Gargoles, angels of darkness this is a masterpiece

[@nberedim]

underrated suggestion

[@RedLP5000S]

I saw Rhapsody live years ago in Joliet, IL. Masterful band! I wish they would come back to the US.

[@JellyRoger_XIII]

@@ebg342 a b s o l u t e l y ! 👍🏻👌🏻👍🏻

[@JellyRoger_XIII]

@@RedLP5000S They are not just our Italian national treasure, they are truly World's Power/Symph/Metal Treasure, eheheh 😊 I bet you enjoyed the show ! 👍🏻

[@freddiekirschman4933]

Yes! Finally some Helloween!!!!

[@GuriMartinez]

It's time for Angra's "Carry On". I would like to hear your review.

[@RetroMusicTube]

@@KARYTTAH_PopMetal_Rock_BAND Go further, mate

[@leoneitor]

@@KARYTTAH_PopMetal_Rock_BAND it would be amazing to see him react to Carolina IV by Angra.

[@rodrigokarrantza4135]

HONEST RECOMMENDATION BY A BIG HELLOWEEN FAN You should react to an actual live performance of Helloween, now that after decades changing some of the members you hear in this song, now the original members are reunited (except for drummer Ingo, rest in peace, who passed away in the 90s) and they form a 7 piece band now, 3 guitars, 3 vocals. I fully recommend the 2018 version of "How many Tears" in the wacken festival!!

[@prchise]

Wintersun. Sons of winter and stars. Absolute perfection. Made in Finland!

[@ShepherdMetalBand]

He probably won't like the double bass drums but I would love to hear his reaction of all the layering in that song.

[@Benazgul]

@@ShepherdMetalBand And neither the vocals, probably.

[@deed5811]

Wintersun, Doug, is where the current drummer and the new bassist for Nightwish are from (they are still with both bands).

[@dac2007]

I think Time is better is better to get into Wintersun than Sons of Winter and Stars

[@davidviteris]

Should do "Time" instead.

[@nathanadam4666]

This is amazing, btw. Thank you as always. I am looking forward to the next Maiden Monday!!!

[@MAGAMAN]

This and the prior album was amazing. If only they had more like this.

[@onsesejoo2605]

The meter changes are to keep the music more interesting highlighting various parts. It is more typical to progressive bands such as 70's Genesis, Yes, ELP and of course later metal band Iron Maiden who was influenced by Genesis. If you listen the song "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight", Iron Maiden could play it as a bona fide song of their own.

[@tomwisniewski8988]

The musical reason is that they were learning and experimenting. You gotta admire the lack of complacency if nothing else.

[@viktorfant9182]

YESSSS!!! HE FINALLY DID KEEPER OF THE SEVEN KEYS!!!!!!! Perfect birthday gift!

[@miguelbarahona6636]

Really?. It´s also mine!. (And Rafa nadal´s, too). Happy birthday! I love Helloween and this song specially.

[@timrgemini]

Mine was yesterday! Happy Birthday!

[@viktorfant9182]

@@timrgemini Thank you! Happy birthday to you too :)

[@viktorfant9182]

@@miguelbarahona6636 Thanks bud :). Happy birthday to you too! Helloween is such a nice band!

[@emilc4872]

Doug: nice videos - enjoyed quite a few. A couple of pointers: the double kick bass drum is a staple for power metal. These two albums (which were actually meant to be one double album but the label decided to split them as two releases) were the genesis of a brand-new subgenre in metal. All these years later they are performing better than ever! I am a fan of this band since the Keepers were released. Take good care.

[@eduleal]

“And then there was Silence” by Blind Guardian would be amazing.

[@georgc6947]

Yes!

[@joostwinter]

@@georgc6947 Absolutely!

Please have a look at And Then There Was a Silence by Blind Guardian.

[@JoseAbell]

This

[@giovanniromerilli]

Great reaction as usual! The lyrics are about Jesus Christ vs Satan, Jesus is the Keeper of the seven keys, stated by the composer. The singer is currently singing those high notes! he left the band in the 90s but now there is a reunion with 3 singers and 3 guitar players. You should react to another epic track of Helloween, "King for a 1000 years"

[@EduardoVeraFarias]

King for a 1000 Years please

[@hptk]

wrong, is about christ in our self, 7 keys are seven chakras 7 glands connected to the 33 vertebres. in tolteca aztecs are called cuecueyos. its about how to tracend samsara, because jesus is a usurpoation monopolistic sci fi character

[@hptk]

THE ROOT CHAKRA IS RED, when is blocked by fear you cant see nothing, this is why they are keys, and you have it.

[@JohnDoe-uw9nq]

​@@hptk come on hater...Michael Weikath was the songwriter and he openly stated it was meant as Jesus Christ Vs. Satan, whether you haters like it or not.

[@lowdz68]

Seeing Doug react to Queensryche’s Suite Sister Mary would be fun. Choir is heavily featured.

[@alphaenemyplus8376]

Oh hell yes. Good call!

[@timgove5337]

Good idea! There are live versions, but here’s the official audio kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGrZZ35picapr9k

[@hc1358]

Yeah, I was just thinking about that very piece. Geoff Tate voice is something else. Much more natural than Kiske ....

[@JoolsGuitar]

Helloween is a musical journey, for sure. They have changed a lot through the years but their sound is unmistakable. My favorite band ever, along with dream theater.

[@fatihsendur7544]

Savatage is another great metal band you may want to check. I would personally suggest Morphine Child from their later more progressive works or When the Crowds are Gone with great lyrics about the ultimate fear of a musician (knowing that one day he'll play his last concert and each note he plays today he actually gets closer to his own death) with very touchy singing giving you goosebumps. But Savatage's signature song is Gutter Ballet. Thanks.

[@ScizorWind]

Bruce Dickinson may own the B over Em, but Michael Kiske owns the high E over Em

[@Doug.Helvering]

#true

[@BadgerNCarolina]

@@EgoShredder Blaze Bayley was clearly the best choice. Um.... Sorry - is that piling on poor Blaze?

[@wind-upboy939]

@@BadgerNCarolina Blaze Bayley fit better into the band. And to be honest, it's not only Bruce's voice that makes him special. So, I doubt that any other singer would have been accepted by the fans.

[@zebulonmcfly9213]

@@grumpyrocker Can I vote 10 times?

[@stefanodigarbo4735]

@@grumpyrocker I'd suggest Anybody Listening? as it's more interesting from the harmonic point of view, with that augmented fourth Geoff sings at the start of the verse

[@MrLookky]

Did not think I'd see this on the channel, but boy am I glad it made its way to you! Great video!

[@maxzerbini_music]

Day 3 of me asking Doug to react to Avantasia - "The Seven Angels"

[@jonloonin]

I came here to make the same request.

[@guilhermecamardelli7846]

Agreed!

[@RobCaldera]

I was about to make the same request.

[@alexandre_am]

Good choice, but I'd rather see him react to Let The Storm Descend Upon You

[@Angel1416lml]

yes please!

[@ivanmarkovic1809]

Omg Helloween at last, so many epic songs, dig more into them pls :)

[@wind-upboy939]

I second that.

[@felipepacheco1050]

Blind Guardian - And Then There Was Silence WE NEED THIS

[@EddieMotorhead]

Yes please!

[@davidbakerscuba]

Doug, please do Savatage. Incredible stuff. I recommend Gutter Ballet, When the Crowds are Gone or Hall of the Mountain King.

[@wind-upboy939]

And Chance. That song is also awesome.

[@VasilisKoskinas]

Plus one on this 💪 I'd suggest Chance from Handful of Rain album,those Queen style of vocals are just amazing.

[@davidbakerscuba]

@@VasilisKoskinas I do love Chance, it’s a great song. When I saw Trans-Siberian Orchestra a few years ago, they did that song. It was really cool. That said, I prefer Savatage with Jon and Criss Oliva at the helm. The later stuff is good but it just didn’t have the same affect on me.

[@werwolfusn]

and "Chance"!!!!!!

[@kensacco6003]

Madness reigns!

[@gerardoespinosa8865]

I'm joining to the petition of. " and then theres was silence" by blind guardian

[@ebg342]

Hey please do Haggard - Eppur si muove. A real Classical Orchestra with metal elements. I really hope you see the comment!

[@phred23]

Good call. Many of the tracks from that album are good candidates for Doug.

[@phred23]

But to expand on Emanuel's and my partisan suggestion, Haggard blends heavy metal with renaissance and folk music instrumentation and styles. You wouldn't necessarily expect death growls to work well with episodes of madrigal or tutti instrumentation, but it honestly does.

[@dimitriid]

Haggard I think Doug would dig quite a bit. Also some Lacrimosa songs they're pretty classically inspired too.

[@worfeus]

These are exquisite suggestions. Hope one day Doug gives Haggard a shot (even if he doesn’t realy enjoy the growls, Haggard’ s orchestration is fantastic).

[@juanm.q5121]

Yes, yes

[@olicorrivo3289]

Micheal Kiske is still doing it on tour and hes not tuning down. Hes an awesome singer but also a smart singer. He belts with total support all the time. Its nice to see him do it live, at 40+ years old.

[@slartibart35]

I don't know if Doug would like the vocals, but I think he would enjoy the musical composition of the band Death. Chuck was genius, and showed it in his music, especially in his later work, such as Flesh and the Power It Holds.

[@lucasdemarchigomes2935]

Finally!!!!! I've been waiting for this one

[@freddiekirschman4933]

The time changes keep it very interesting!

[@danbal4185]

But the metre change during the verses IS cool. It fits perfectly with the changes in the storytelling

[@ricardowinter8562]

I just hit like not because you are so talented in music with your freaking great knowledge and all that stuff, but when you said, it's like Frodo and the Ring, that's when you got me! Great reaction, man!

[@nicolasjungblut7874]

Fun fact: Kiske loves Elvis and he always wanted to do his style, he is also able to sing in a lower tone.

[@502Imcomingthrough]

Michael Kiske's voice has hardly changed, they do tune lower but he hasn't lost it at all

[@AdrianSmithRocks]

Blind Guardians - "And Then There Was Silence" - PLEASE

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

I love how you not only break down the music but the lyrics as well, which are just as much part of the experience.

[@Ralph85Williams85]

I Hope this Channel gets 1M subscribers ASAP. Great stuff. Keepers is my fav of all time.

[@evtrantos]

Doug, since you're doing metal epics, you absolutely have to make a video about the "Ivory Gate of Dreams" from the band Fates Warning. It's basically one of the earliest Progressive Metal anthems. In general Fates Warning is one of (if not the) best Prog Metal bands over the years with very interesting albums and a fantastic repertoir.

[@hernanleon6201]

could you react to "Raphsody" this band combines classical music with power metal, some songs "esmeral sword", "land of the immortals," down of victory "and many more, this band has stories on their albums as legends. luca turilli, his guitarist has some albums as a soloist, one of his songs is "princess aurora"

[@cesarsalazar3599]

Don't forget Luca Turilli's Rhapsody and Lione Turilli's Rhapsody lol, so many Rhapsody's

[@ArchjSM]

He's not gonna survive the drums haha

[@FreeCityOfAtero]

"The Magic of the Wizard's Dream" duet with Christopher Lee would be a reaction I'd love to see.

[@jakeukalanemilegum]

@@FreeCityOfAtero the one that is Dvorak overture?

[@Lordestroyer]

Just revisited this and I’m blown away by your hate on the meter change. You’ll never get metal but I love your videos!

[@ericdepagne]

Once again, a fantastic video. I never picked the polka feel, and now, I can't ignore it! I really appreciate your honesty when you say it's not your favourite, and still you made this video, as all the others, very educational. Thanks a lot, Doug.

[@jessehigginson]

On the meter change, "I don't know why they'd do that other than, at the time they thought it was cool." It's optimistic to expect a better reason from a prog band 😄

[@bloodysmurf]

Admittedly true, but I've always loved that part :).

[@SuperXtoon]

The song is like a journey, I think it makes sense to add meter changes and intrincate stuff.

[@garymitchell5899]

@@SuperXtoon Yes. But it doesn't work here - that's Doug's point.

[@Celatra]

@@garymitchell5899 i think it does work

[@xIncrement]

@@garymitchell5899 but it does

[@guillearacenag]

Permítanme un reconociento para Markus Grosskopf, porque sigue siendo por años toda una escuela del bajo en el Power Metal, y siempre ahí, humilde y "lejos del flash"👏. Ahora, como baterísta: Ingo ES "el papi" de la Batería en el Power Metal👏. Saludos desde Chile🇨🇱

[@hernancacereshc7645]

Hola, yo también soy chileno, Ariqueño más que nada. También me gusta esta épica banda alemana de Power Metal, la mejor de todo el mundo, recien este año se convirtió en una de mis favoritas porque me había prometido escuchar tres que no conocía para ir a Santiago y disfrutar del concierto Masters Of Rock 2023, eran 5 bandas de rock en inglés que tocaban, KISS y Scorpions ya los escucho desde 2019, Helloween, Skid Row y Deep Purple no los conocia pero cuando escuché sus canciones me di cuenta que eran igual buenísimas bandas, fue inolvidable la experiencia.

[@chilesuicmez]

FUCK YES! every time a weirder metal band (this for me is not weird, is actually pop) BUT please keep doing different styles, i love your insight, and your ears are just trying to catch any reference, i love it.

[@timglas]

I love your voice, and the echoes in this venue makes it really great :)

[@stevenpurtee5062]

You should do And Then There Was Silence by Blind Guardian next. It is truly epic.

[@jeffkanji8304]

And so cleverly written and orchestrated.

[@themacstack]

Good song but Sacred World or Wheels of Time would be my choices

[@tmauro386]

@@themacstack sacred worlds all the way but it has got to be the full length version The one where they chop the orchestration at the start is a bummer IMO Think war feeds war or dark clouds rising would be good picks too. The tracks are not that lengthily but would be interesting to hear his take on the Prague Philharmonic’s performance 🎭

[@user-po9sd8nq8v]

@@tmauro386 Twilight Orchestra is truly a great album to pick a song for analysis. I think Point Of No Return, In The Underworld or In The Red Dwarf`s Tower would be great picks too.

[@undeadd666]

Well, what about King Diamond. Something from the Abigail album - Arrival, or Black Horsemen.

[@CounterflowEntropy]

Поддерживаю, но лучше что-нибудь типа sleeples nights, the eye, darkness, emerencia, киперов кстати он по моей просьбе оценил, я даже не думал, что он согласится)

[@edgarmaestre6622]

This is a f... Masterpiece, i love this piece... I hope the music history deserves a place for It un the future. How many times i shacked my head in a metal party with my Friends listening this joy... More than ten minutes of Glory. In this time, only remain a few persons with the patiente for valorate this. I know, i know... My english is so bad, but i am from the Pyrenees, so...

[@kemalturgut9127]

You are the best reactor i have ever seen on youtube. Great musical ear and understanding of music. Huge respect !

[@bygoneegowaitingremoval]

"We Got the Right" I think you would love the lyrics

[@Northern5tar]

Someone mentioned Avantasia in the comments. Let me second that. Song: The Scarecrow.

[@miguelbarahona6636]

Thanks for this birthday gift!. One of my favorite songs.

[@crisoliveira2644]

Please, listen to Carolina IV (studio version), by Angra! More Polka Metal! That part you said you don't get why the meter changed, the first verse is descriptive and the second one is imperative ("Our only hope is your victory / Kill that Satan who won't let us be"). The second time it plays, it doesn't have that, so I don't know what to say. :-P That double bass drum is the basis of a couple or three subgenres of metal. We love Polka Metal. Things kinda went downhill when some bands decided they should just play every instrument with tremolos, but nothing is perfect anyway. About the singer: he left the band in 1993, but returned in 2016, with the former guitar player that left the band after the record you just listened to. The thing is no one left the band for them to return, so the band now has 3 guitar players and 3 lead singers (not 2, because that guitarrist was also the band's first lead singer). So vocal harmonies galore. No, they don't transpose their songs down (at least they are not doing it now afaik).

[@xastor]

That was a fast click ;) Keep up the good work Doug!

[@One_Proud_Papa]

The best part is the vocals. Reminds me of Early Queensryche.

[@franknada8235]

Current Queensryche with Todd La Torre is excellent. They found new life and metamorphosis while still doing the old stuff with 100% quality. Latest albums are very good.

[@gregrankin1863]

They are so good they founded one of the largest subgenres of metal - power metal! Kai Hansen is a song writing Genius!

[@alextozzi8619]

Founded? Hmmmm, what about Manowar than?

[@Bananenbennie]

Weikath wrote this song though 😉

[@alextozzi8619]

@@EgoShredder I absolutely do not agree, Battle Hyms is Power Metal already, they are like that since the beginning?

[@cesarsalazar3599]

Technically they also created the term Death metal with their first demo

[@j2oaks]

@@cesarsalazar3599 Possessed had a demo in 1984 called Death Metal

[@BrianGrossPy]

i love your reactions man, its really instructive!!

[@pablopallone]

What a voice!! He was just 18 years old when he sang this.

[@kevinmcmurray4900]

The best album for me was walls of jericho , i loved kai hansen's voice lol

[@Northern5tar]

Yeah, to be honest, me too. Luckily there is a whole catalogue of Gamma Ray.

[@kevinmcmurray4900]

@@Northern5tar Yeah , i never really liked Gamma Ray, i feel like it was too power metal for my taste as Walls was power but a bit thrash-melodic also, i only found the band Stormwarrior to really capture that same sound, would really like to get some other bands like that if anyone here knows some :)

[@PabloLink74]

@@kevinmcmurray4900 I love Walls of Jericho too, one of their best. The first two albums from Blind Guardian kinda sounds like it (even Kai sings in some of their songs and recorded solos)

[@jonko4359]

Awesome, thank you for this !

[@chipsunday5563]

Thank you for this, you made my weekend 😊