August 30th, 2014 - Keeper Of The Carrack's Seven Keys In All Parts

Here's a pairing for my buddy Patrick... cheers mate!!  Today I'm pairing Helloween's brilliant "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Parts 1 & 2" (Deluxe Edition) and a Carrack Imperial Red Ale from Mission Brewery!  YES!

Released in 2010 as a double album, "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Parts 1 & 2" (Deluxe Edition) is the remastered collection of 1987's "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part 1" and 1988's "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part 2" along with several bonus tracks.  The original albums were the 2nd and 3rd studio albums respectively by German power metal band Helloween.   (The band originally planned to release them both as one album, but their label refused - probably wanting to milk as much money as possible out of promotion and sales.)  Anyway, the original release of these two albums was arguably what created the German power metal genre.  The band at the time was made up of Michael Kiske  (lead vocals), Kai Hansen (lead guitars and front cover concept), Michael Weikath (guitars), Markus Grosskopf (bass), and Ingo Schwichtenberg (drums).  Drawing influence from the likes of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Queensrÿche, and the Scorpions, Helloween's sound on "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Parts 1 & 2" is a powerfully intense explosion of technical prowess and beautiful song craft.  Both albums contain some of the band's most enduring, endearing, and important tracks including "I'm Alive", "Twilight Of The Gods" "Future World", "Halloween", "Eagle Fly Free", "Dr. Stein", "Keeper Of The Seven Keys", and their biggest hit, "I Want Out".  This is most definitely a must own for any power metal fan!

For the complexity, richness, and intensity of Helloween's "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Parts 1 & 2" (Deluxe Edition) you MUST go with a brew of equal merit!  Brewed with a good dose of Crystal and Rye malts along with Cascade and Summit hops, the Carrack Imperial Red Ale from Mission Brewery (San Diego, CA) is a bold, bombastic, and complex Imperial American Red Ale.  It pours a deep, opaque orange-copper with a thick and creamy off-white head that displays excellent retention and intricate lacing.  The nose is marked by intense aromas of sweet malt along with floral and spicy hops and rye.  There are notes of toasted rye bread, brown sugar, caramel, and bitter hops.  Moderately carbonated, this beast has a sticky, thick, and chunky mouthfeel.  The taste is much like the nose.. an aggressive hop profile with a sweet and malty backbone.  There are notes of toffee, brown sugar, toasted rye bread dripping with butter and molasses, peppery and herbal hops, oak, and a hint of bourbon.  Coming in at 10.2% ABV and 70 IBUs, the Carrack Imperial Red Ale (like Helloween) demands your attention!

PROST!!