Conversation so far:
How did these departures effect the band?
The remaining members continued on but ran into label problems with Noise.
Did the musical direction change after they left?
Instead of taking a heavier approach, the band ventured into new territory.
What kind of new territory did they go into?
eschewing its signature double-guitar harmonies for synthesizers, horns, acoustic guitars, a children's chorus, country music, and swing.
How did the fans react to their new direction?
Chameleon failed commercially and critically.
Did this make the band return to their roots?
Abdel-Nabi, whose inability to replicate Schwichtenberg's machine-gun style of drumming hindered Helloween's ability to play live fan-favorites.

Question: So the departures hurt them artistically?
Self-contained rewrite: So the departures hurt Helloween artistically?