Disc 1
1. The King For A 1000 Years
2. The Invisible Man
3. Born On Judgment Day
4. Pleasure Drone
5. Mrs. God
6. Silent Rain
Disc 2
7. Occasion Avenue
8. Light The Universe (Feat. Candice Night)
9. Do You Know What You Are Fighting For
10. Come Alive
11. The Shade In The Shadows
12. Get It Up
13. My Life For One More Day
"Chameleon" was a controversial album due to less metal music style. "The Dark Ride" brought another controversy by heavy and modern sound production. However, the controversy that this album brought was completely different degree. This album was clowned with the name of "Keeper". I saw both positive and negative reviews. I listened to the records many many times. I am finally writing the review for this album.
Your valuation of this album largely depends on how you take the word "Keeper". I guess the band used this name because they had confidence in the line-up. In fact, this line-up still continues today and became the longest one they ever had in their career. I am pretty sure that the band knew this album would bring such controversy. Therefore, they emphasized that this is not Part 3. This is a new chapter. The name, "Keeper", means more in message that they are sending in this album than music style. They said that they divided this album in two discs because each disc has different meaning. They both start with progressive songs that are over 10 minutes. This album is really difficult to comprehend, and you must listen to the album many times.
My conclusion of this album is that I really like it. It really shows that how this line-up is tight and strong. Their composition skill and arrangement skill are way above head of their followers. The first tracks in both discs are progressive and complicated yet very dramatic and attract listeners. They also have good fast power metal tunes such as tracks 3, 6, 11, and 13. Tracks 2, 5, 10, and 12 are good Helloween style pop metal tunes. Track 8 is a beautiful ballad featuring Candice Night from Blackmore's Night. Track 4 and 9 are very cool metal songs as well.
I think most of negative reviews come from comparing this album with "Keepers Part I and II". But, I have to say this album should be sung by Andi and cannot imagine Kiske singing, so this is not really comparable with those two albums. I am not saying this album is better than "Part I and II" but surely one of my favorite Helloween albums.
☆☆☆☆
