Helden

Helden operates today primarily as a historical curiosity and a subject of interest for collectors of lost 1980s albums. While the original incarnation ceased activity in the mid-1980s, the legacy of the project saw a revival in 2023 when Zaine Griff re-recorded and released the Spies album via Sony Music International. This release brought the original concept to light nearly forty years after its conception, allowing modern audiences to hear the soundscapes that foreshadowed Zimmer's future cinematic style.

The group is known for its departure from standard pop structures, favoring a theatrical approach that integrated spoken word elements with melodic singing. Fans of the project are typically enthusiasts of early synth-pop or those tracking the evolution of Hans Zimmer's career. The absence of a permanent lineup meant that the project relied heavily on a rotating cast of guest musicians, creating a collaborative atmosphere that differed significantly from the rigid member roles found in typical bands. [edit]

The seeds of Helden were sown in 1979 while Hans Zimmer and Warren Cann toured as part of the backing band for New Zealand singer Zaine Griff. During this period, they also appeared as guest musicians with The Buggles on various TV presentations. Their professional relationship deepened during the production of Griff's debut album, Ashes and Diamonds, which was released in 1980. Working closely together on these projects provided the duo with the creative momentum needed to launch their own venture.

In the summer of 1980, Zimmer and Cann formally established Helden as a "changing project" designed to explore an ambitious "adventure album." They began recording material in the autumn of 1981, aiming to create a 12-track collection that utilized synthesizers and computers to tell a story. By March 1983, the album was announced under the title Spies. The lineup expanded to include vocalists Zaine Griff and Linda Jardim (later known as Linda Allan), along with Hugo Vereker, French singer Ronny, and Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson. Despite completing the recordings and producing a rare promotional tape dated February 1, 1983, the project was cancelled before its intended release.

Following the cancellation, Zimmer and Cann moved on to collaborate with the Spanish new wave band Mecano for their 1984–1985 tour. The Helden material remained unreleased until recent decades, surviving only as a bootleg compilation titled Radio One Saturday Live and limited singles. Singles such as "Holding On," released on their independent label ZiCa Records in autumn 1983, and "Stranded," distributed free with *In The City* magazine in 1985, saw only minor circulation. It was not until 2023 that the original vision was fully realized with the re-recording and release of Spies. [edit]

Helden's sound was rooted in synth-pop and electronic new wave, characterized by a heavy reliance on synthesizers and early computer sequencing. The music evolved from the pop-oriented structures of their work with Zaine Griff and The Buggles into a more theatrical, dramatic, and narrative-driven style. Tracks like "The Ball" and "My Killing Hand" showcased a cinematic quality that foreshadowed Zimmer's future film scoring career, while songs like "Young & Scientific" and "Movies for Eva" drew comparisons to The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star." The project blended purely instrumental soundscapes with vocal performances that ranged from spoken word to melodic singing.

The instrumentation often featured complex layers of electronic textures, creating an atmospheric backdrop for the lyrical content. The inclusion of rock elements, such as Brian Robertson's guitar work, added a distinct edge to the otherwise electronic production. The narrative structure of the planned album suggested a concept record similar to works by Pink Floyd or The Who, which was unusual for a synth-pop project of that era. [edit]

Helden holds a unique distinction in music history as the precursor to Hans Zimmer's legendary film score career. While not a commercial success during its active period, the survival and eventual 2023 release of Spies are considered significant archival milestones for fans of 1980s synth-pop and Zimmer's early work. The project demonstrates the evolution of Zimmer's musical style from new wave electronics to the orchestral grandeur of modern cinema.

The project also highlights the collaborative networks of the late 1970s UK new wave scene, linking figures like Warren Cann (Ultravox), The Buggles, and Zaine Griff. Its existence provides insight into the experimental side of the era's music industry, where artists often experimented with concepts that did not immediately find a commercial audience but influenced their future trajectories. [edit]

Helden has no official fandom, lightstick, or fan color. The community consists primarily of collectors of bootlegs, vinyl enthusiasts, and fans of Hans Zimmer's early work. Fan traditions involve sharing rare promo tapes and discussing the hypothetical release of Spies. The lack of official marketing means that engagement is driven by underground interest and academic curiosity regarding the project's influence on film music. [edit]

The name "Helden" is German for "Heroes," likely chosen to reflect the "adventure" theme of the planned album., A 15-page background story with lyrics accompanied the promotional tape, suggesting a concept album structure similar to Pink Floyd., Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson contributed guitar work to the recordings, adding a rock element to the electronic project., The project operated independently without a major label backing during its active years, releasing singles on their own label, ZiCa Records., Recent search results sometimes confuse the project with DJ Armand Van Helden, but the two are unrelated.[edit]