Helstar Glory Of Chaos
by Cyndi Jo
Staff Writer
Last summer, legendary Texas’ metallers: Helstar, celebrated the release of an underrated, neoclassic thrash-powered ‘80s box set– Rising From The Grave. The box set, which comprises 1988’s A Distant Thunder and 1989’s Nosferatu, comes with a DVD of 2000’s belatedly released live effort, ‘Twas The Night Of A Hellish Xmas. Overall, the compilation is better developed, better performed, and, with it’s Dracula-themed concept, it’s generally better created– one really has to hear it to feel it.
Then, four months shy of that release, Glory of Chaos, was released through AFM Records. Glory of Chaos trades in power metal with progressive thrash tendencies. The songs overflow with fiery speed metal riffs that are combined into chunky thrashiness, aggressive, riff-tastic solos and the essential soaring choruses. Helstar is edgier than the average power metal band, yet they are melodic and epic. James Rivera’s vocal performance is so melodic, that it’s pierced with periodic forays into a punchy falsetto – -he absolutely is a talented vocalist. However, fans who are not familiar to power metal or to the sound of the late ‘80s may find his efforts a tad bit corny. Regardless, Rivera’s vocals undeniably are powerful and certainly exceptional, especially since he’s been Helstar’s driving force and only the original member for nearly 30 years. The remainder of the band, which comprises Rob Trevino on guitars, Jerry Abarca on bass and Mikey Lewis on drums, is solid, above average but nondescript– a combination that defines most of what they stand for.
Glory Of Chaos perceives the band elevating out an aggressive and unlimited sound that is full of thrash, power and even a little death metal. Influences of Megadeth, Slayer and some Judas Priest are identifiable in the mix. The opener, “Angels Fall From Hell,” immediately grabs a listener by the balls as the crunchy riffs highlight Rivera’s massive vocals and prove he is one of the best vocalists in the genre. The song’s flow is simply perfect. The level of intensity is kicked into high gear in the second track and in the middle of the album with “Pandemonium” and “Bone Crusher,” which screams of the evilest elements in metal. If a listener makes it past those two, prepare for some intense head banging. “Dethtrap” and “Trinity Of Heresy” will not only be a crowd favorite but will leave a listener with great appreciation of trash metal.
After 30 years in the metal game, Helstar has had their share of primitive albums, and Glory of Chaos just adds to the plethora and proves that Helstar is a metal force of reckoning.
Genre: Heavy/Thrash Metal
Band:
James Rivera
Larry Barragan
Robert Trevino
Jerry Abarca
Russel DeLeon
Track Listing :
1. Angels Fall to Hell
2. Pandemonium
3. Monarch of Bloodshed
4. Bone Crusher
5. Summer of Hate
6. Dethrap
7. Anger
8. Trinity of Heresy
9. Alma Negra
10. Zero One
Label: AFM Records
Website: www.helstar.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10