Artist: Helstar
Title: Glory of Chaos
Type: Album
Label: AFM Records

A couple of years ago, this classic US power/speed metal band returned with ‘The King of Hell’. Since plying their trade across the continents in support of that release, they are back, and they intend to be noticed. Now with a new line up (re-joined by drummer Mikey Lewis, their previous recording incarnation being the ‘Remnants of War’ line up), Helstar are taking you into a heavier world all together.

My initial thoughts from this release was the massive increase in momentum on display, this is much more of a thrash explosion than the more accustomed sounds of traditional US power metal. The band are very much still reliant on the love them or hate them vocals of James Rivera (what a range this man has!) overlaid across the riffing mania that is what some have come to expect from these Texan axe slingers. Whilst they gain brownie points for including many classic thrash rooted riffs, we have to remember that these guys formed in 1981 long before the thrash scene really took a hold to the mainstream, but it obviously has come out as an influence in latter years. ‘Pandemonium’ swirls and twists into skull beating tracks like ‘Bone Crusher’, the song writing remains elegant, when it comes to the softer side of Helstar, this is long forgotten in 2010. SF thrashers Exodus and early Slayer compare, in fact if it were not for Rivera’s distinct vocal style, you would really have to double take the musicians behind this master class. Almost every tune relentlessly wills itself to burst into an arena and deafen the crowd with some almighty roar. ‘Summer of Hate’, ‘Angels Fall to Hell’ and ‘Trinity of Heresy’ are some of the albums featured highlights holding both structure and chaos at every turn, released at the perfect moment to gain full audible enjoyment.

Taking on board everything on offer, Helstar have really outdone themselves, whether the increased momentum and thrash style will please their fans remains to be seen, I myself think this is a giant leap forward in terms of Helstar being relevant and very noticeable in the current music scene rather than relying on past glory’s as other bands tend to try and do. ‘Glory of Chaos’ oozes style and immense power, I often see the slogan “don’t mess with Texas”, damn right, Helstar kick’s your ass from their native Houston to Amarillo and back again many times over on this release.

http://www.helstar.com/
http://www.afm-records.de