Some time ago I purchased a CD by a band called Helstar, that release was Nosferatu, and I was very impressed by what I then heard, as this band was really something different. Helstar are heavy but quite technical and with a singer who has an incredible vocal range, allowing him to scream high like Halford when required. A commanding blend of thrash, speed and power metal that's what Helstar play with a potent rhythm section and scorching guitar work dispensing killer riffs and solos. I never came across any of their other albums of which there are quite a few, but I did find a copy of the very good Breath Deep In The Dark, the metal debut of Destiny's End, a band which included Helstar's vocalist James Rivera.
When I noticed this CD The King Of Hell, besides having heard something of Helstar's work previously, the cover art also caught my attention. I mean how cool is it? But what is contained on the actual CD is really something else. The start gives little away, as a gentle female voice can be heard, but as the volume and music builds in intensity a scream is let out and then it's on, Helstar are off as they "Bow Down To The King Of Hell". There are plenty of other great tunes on this album, like the excellent and quite long "The Garden Of Temptation" with some seriously cool music courtesy of Helstar.
So Helstar are still striving on they actually formed in the early eighties and did breakup for a time years later, but surprisingly they have not really caused a large stir over the years. I can't comprehend why a band that is so good isn't given more coverage it's just crazy. Helstar ought to be a prominent name in metal with a fabulous metal CD like The King Of Hell.
Track list:
1. The King of Hell
2. The Plague Called Man
3. Tormentor
4. When Empire Falls
5. Wicked Disposition
6. Caress of the Dead
7. Pain Will Be My Name
8. In My Darkness
9. The Garden of Temptation
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