HELLOWEEN - Hard Rock Hideout's Interview with Michael Weikath

May 19, 2010 - PRLog -- HRH: Congratulations Weiki on Helloween's 25th Anniversary! The new album is a unique celebration of your songs. What inspired this musical direction for "Unarmed"?

Weiki: Well, we just came off of a huge, a massive tour. We had some time off after the last tour and never really had a break for fifteen years. "Unarmed" was all the managers idea, the thought of doing something big this time around for the 25th Anniversary of Helloween. We employed outside arrangers to re-arrange all of the songs you hear on "Unarmed". We picked some greatest tracks, still "Falling To Pieces" was not on the list. There was a ton of file transfers going on and everything was done this way, so I could stay on top of what was happening with the arrangements.

HRH: From concept to finish, how long did it take to create "Unarmed"?

Weiki: It took a little over a year. With the re-arrrangements, feedbacks, brainstorming and recording. We had to consult with so many people and work with numerous timetables regarding the classical and digital recordings. Having the opportunity, the means and the time to do this album all came together. I feel the result is great! So far, I have heard a fifty-fifty response to "Unarmed", people either love it or hate it.

HRH: Well Weiki, I am not in the group that hates "Unarmed"!

Weiki: Thank you!

HRH: With all of the dynamics involved with "Unarmed", what was the most difficult step in the recording process?

Weiki: Doing arrangements on the computer was no biggie. The Classical arrangements of the timing and where do you put these parts? That all takes time. During the session arrangements, I did not touch one string or guitar.

HRH: "Why" is a hidden track, with no hint of it anywhere in the liner notes. Why is this?

Weiki: I don't know, it's not on my CD either! I was pretty surprised myself when I discovered this. I'm not aware of why "Why" is a hidden track. It's a mega surprise track! It surprised everyone, even me!

HRH: Would you consider creating music in the future with the 70 piece Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Choir once again?

Weiki: It was so much hard work, it's a good idea though. If our manager wants to, we do it. We would be extremely proud to do it again.

To read the rest of the interview, please visit Hard Rock Hideout at the following link:
http://hardrockhideout.com/2010/05/17/helloweens-michael-...

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