Months ago in Germany, hearing the piano in 'If I Could Fly' sent a quiver of retreat through my veins; perhaps not as worrying as the band's Chameleon failure, but the word crossover did surface. Listening to the track now, it's just another side of the genius from Helloween, a five-man juggernaut that has that coveted sixth sense when it comes to songwriting. And bloody hell, not many in metal can even come close to the variety and musical nature of Germany's grand-daddy speed metal legends. But this is a long way from 'Eagle Fly Free', Helloween having managed to grow gracefully without offending. Meanwhile, the shadow of Better Than Raw hangs overhead like the Holy Grail. Bands take a lifetime to create such a masterpiece, while most never even come close. And when it has been achieved, it becomes a measuring stick. Well this measuring stick looks a little smaller beside The Dark Ride, album number ten (excluding live albums/collections, including last year's covers opus Metal Jukebox), surpassing all expectations with ease. And even the band admits that producers Roy Z and Charlie Bauerfeind took them to greater heights in managing their instruments. Tracks like the aforementioned first single, ooze with grace, relaxation and feeling. As always the album is filled with soaring, speedy anthems, 'We Damn The Night', 'Salvation' and 'All Over The Nations' kick The Dark Ride into overdrive, while 'Mr. Torture' is classic Helloween, rolling and tumbling merrily down the path of melodic metal. 'The Departed (Sun Is Going Down)' is a heavenly gasp, while 'I Live For Your Pain' is another future single. The grand finale is the title track, a rousing near-nine minute escapade with Deris showing absolutely no signs of age. Lyrically the track follows you down a strange path to hell, beckoning you to board The Dark Ride. This is one ticket you can afford.