Power metal giants Helloween return four years after their critically acclaimed mega-reunion album that saw Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske rejoin the band. I liked that record more than I expected to, and Giants & Monsters follows more or less in its footsteps. This is your usual blend of speedy Euro power metal, upbeat anthems, and AOR-tinged singalongs, perfectly embodied by the opening trio of "Giants on the Run," "Savior of the World," and "A Little Is a Little Too Much." I've always leaned toward Helloween's heavier, faster, and less flowery side, so tracks like "Giants on the Run," "We Can Be Gods," "Universe (Gravity for Hearts)," and closer "Majestic" get the most playtime. Still, there's no denying that the choruses of "A Little Is a Little Too Much," "This Is Tokyo," and "Hand of God" have burrowed into my brain and refuse to leave.

Performance-wise, everyone delivers exactly what you'd expect at this point. The three vocalists are all in excellent form, each bringing their own distinguishing character, and the guitars sound crisp and forward, with a tight, pounding rhythm section driving it home. The songwriting is varied enough to stay engaging throughout, even if some of the more optimistic, bubbly moments lose me. Thankfully, there's always another riff, hook, or vocal line waiting to pull me back in on the next song. Definitely check this out if you're a fan, and if you're not, there's nothing here to bring you around.