Helstar - The King Of Hell

After their 19 year separation, not the original, but almost the complete "Remnants of War" line up, of Helstar reformed in 2006 (the 20th anniversary) and announced that they would start touring. From this line up only drummer Rene Luna was missing. Since then they have offered us, through the same label, a collection of the band’s favourite classic songs re-recorded with
\r\nupdated style and production, plus two brand new bonus tracks, called "Sins of the Past". This year we are happy to hold in our hands their long waited come back, "The King of Hell", an album expected for 13 years and well worth of it! The first thing that crosses one’s mind, by the time the electric guitars enter is : "Oh my god, at last PURE METAL RIFFS". Barragan and Trevino are present offering some great themes, while the rhythm section, Abarca and De Leon, build a wall surrounding them, with their steady performing.
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\r\nThe opening and title track, starts with a haunting intro, featuring female vocals and Rivera’s scream, which enters, shows to everyone that the band is going to ROCK!! Next to the list "The Plague Called Man", a song with catchy chorus and riffing, that reminds me of Death. "Tormentor" which follows can be described as an extremely angry song, where Rivera shows his skills. A drum intro and "When Empires Fall" enters with its twisted vocal lines, especially during the bridge and a powerful chorus. "Wicked Disposition" which starts with fast tempo and continues with several tempo changes, followed by "Caress of the Dead" a track previously released (as "Tormentor") in "Sins of the Past" and newly recorded for this one. Moving on to "Pain Will Be Thy Name", we deal with another extremely angry song, with Rivera’s singing being outstanding, using mostly high pitched vocals and a great and tight performance by the rhythm section, which makes this thunderous song, one of the most killer ones. Next track "In My Darkness", is a slower tempo and less complicated, yet dark and with several tempo changes, which leads to the final one, entitled, "The Garden of Temptation". This last song begins with an eerie intro, followed by heavy riffs and an extremely inspired guitar theme during the chorus. In my opinion this is the highlight of this album, featuring many of high level followings of riffs and vocal lines that lead to the finishing chorus, with Rivera, starting at low octaves, moving to the higher and giving the appropriate end of a great release.
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\r\nThe only thing that I didn’t like, was the guitar sound, even though this is by far their best production ever, I found them a little bit "muddy". A dignified release by Helstar, with excellent guitar driven but vocal supported compositions.
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\r\nJohny "L.O.V.E. Machine" Litinakis\r\n