Drum Sheet – Helloween – Forever and One

“Forever and One (Neverland)” by Helloween is one of the band’s most beloved ballads, blending melodic metal emotion with heartfelt lyrics. Released in 1996 on their album The Time of the Oath, it marked a softer, more introspective side of the German power metal giants, known more for their high-speed riffs and anthemic choruses. For fans of the drums in this track, it’s a case study in restraint—showing how a drummer can shape mood with subtle accents rather than sheer force.

The song was written primarily by vocalist Andi Deris, who had joined Helloween in the early ’90s and was eager to expand the band’s emotional range. The idea reportedly came to him late at night while strumming on an acoustic guitar, crafting a bittersweet melody about love, loss, and longing. The arrangement started as a bare-bones acoustic piece, but when the band worked on it in the studio, drummer Uli Kusch found the perfect way to give it pulse without overwhelming the fragile atmosphere.

Kusch’s drumming on “Forever and One” is a masterclass in nuance. Rather than his usual double-kick power metal attack, he uses brushes and soft mallets in parts, giving the verses a gentle, breathing rhythm. During the choruses, he opens up with fuller tom hits and cymbal swells, adding emotional lift. His sense of dynamics is key—starting with a whisper, then building to a heartfelt peak, before dropping back into quiet reflection.

The track quickly became a fan favorite after its release. Helloween often included it in their live sets, providing a dramatic contrast to their faster, heavier songs. One of the most memorable live performances was during their Time of the Oath world tour, where Deris would often sing it seated on a stool under a single spotlight while Kusch delivered the heartbeat-like drum part with precision and grace. In later tours, the song also appeared in acoustic sets, but even then, the percussion remained a central emotional element.

For drum enthusiasts, “Forever and One” shows the beauty of playing for the song. Kusch’s approach is all about serving the emotion, using space and tone to elevate the storytelling. The drumming here doesn’t fight for the spotlight—it cradles the melody, making the ballad’s longing even more powerful. In the context of Helloween’s discography, it’s a reminder that even in metal, sometimes the softest beat can hit the hardest.