Four Decades Later, Helloween Reignites the Paramount Theatre in Seattle
SEATTLE (April 28, 2026) — Forty years ago, Helloween stepped onto the stage at the Paramount Theatre and introduced Seattle to a sound that would help define European power metal. For one teenage fan in the crowd, myself, it was an instant conversion, the kind that turns a casual listener into a lifelong devotee.
On Tuesday, the German legends returned to that same room, closing a circle four decades in the making.
Fans filtered steadily into the Paramount throughout the evening, taking advantage of early doors that made entry smooth and unhurried. There was no crush at the entrance, just a constant stream of concertgoers filing in with quiet anticipation. Inside, the venue swelled to near capacity, building the unmistakable tension of an almost sold out show ready to erupt.
Beast In Black set that tone early.
Despite the absence of founding guitarist Anton Kabanen, who remained overseas to meet recording deadlines, the band delivered a performance that never felt diminished. Their set was tight, driving, and immediate, locking into the crowd’s energy from the first notes.
Songs like “Hardcore,” “One Night in Tokyo,” “Die By The Blade,” and “Blind and Frozen” landed with force, drawing loud cheers and keeping the floor in constant motion. The balance of newer material and fan favorites gave the set a sense of momentum without losing its celebratory edge. By the time they stepped offstage, the room was fully awake and ready.
At 8:45 p.m., Helloween took command.
Opening with “March of Time,” the band launched into a set that stretched well past two hours, pulling from a catalog that spans generations. “This Is Tokyo,” “Future World,” “I Want Out,” and “Eagle Fly Free” ignited waves of singalongs, while deeper cuts like “The King for a 1000 Years,” “Universe (Gravity for Hearts),” and the epic “Halloween” reinforced the band’s legacy as architects of the genre.
Selections from their latest release, “Giants and Monsters,” blended seamlessly alongside classics, while a strong portion of the set paid tribute to “Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I,” still regarded as a cornerstone of power metal.
Visually, the production balanced simplicity with imagination. The stage itself remained traditional, anchored by mic stands, monitors, and an elevated drum riser, while a massive digital backdrop carried the storytelling. The Keeper, a recurring figure in the band’s mythology, appeared throughout the night as a narrator, guiding the audience between songs. Scenes shifted from album inspired imagery to graveyards filled with bats, towering pumpkins, and even a playful van reminiscent of a cartoon mystery machine.
Helloween’s history remains as layered as their sound. Over the decades, the lineup has evolved through both triumph and loss. Drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg departed in 1993 due to health issues and passed away in 1995, a loss that still resonates with fans. Vocalist Michael Kiske left that same year, only to return triumphantly in 2016 in a moment that reshaped the band’s future. Guitarist Kai Hansen also rejoined during that period, reconnecting Helloween with its earliest era.
They now stand alongside vocalist Andi Deris, drummer Dani Löble, guitarist Sascha Gerstner, and founding members Markus Grosskopf and Michael Weikath, creating a lineup that feels both historic and revitalized.
Onstage, that chemistry is undeniable. Three guitarists layer harmonies with precision, dual vocalists trade soaring lines with ease, and the rhythm section drives everything forward with relentless force. This was not simply a reunion, it is a fully realized version of the band, one that expands on its past while pushing forward.
As the final notes echoed through the Paramount, the weight of the moment settled in. This was more than a tour stop. It was a return, a reflection, and a reminder of how deeply music can connect a band and a city across decades.
With the North American leg of their 2026 tour now complete, Helloween heads next to Japan, followed by dates across Europe and South America. If this night in Seattle proved anything, it is that their fire is far from fading.
Helloween Gallery
Beast In Black Gallery
