HELSTAR – Glory Of Chaos

US Power Metal mostly belongs to the 80s, and only the older bands of that era, except for some minor new acts that didn’t make it to the top yet, have remained intact to entertain their flock. For Helstar, after their King Of Hell comeback album, another hellish joining was expected. Now, near the end of 2010, Helstar delivers Glory Of Chaos, the wrath of all that is evil is back to strike. Even if the production could have been better and more to the level of King Of Hell, it won’t spoil what is in stored within this onslaught.

Besides the new drummer that didn’t take part in the band’s Remnants Of War reunion, everything remained quite the same on the Helstar battleship. Like a good, old, preserved wine, the vocal ability of James Rivera and the high end technical form of guitarists Larry Barragan and Robert Tervino and bassist Jerry Abarca, nearly nothing less was expected from this album. Helstar remained along the same line as they were on King Of Hell, and they kept on flaming with terrific, crushing riffs, cool melodies, and great beats, while delivering the fury of hell!

Nevertheless, if you expected something similar to their older releases, this is not it. Helstar may be turned into something a lot heavier and fiercer than they used to be, yet, this didn’t shape them into the same US Metal beast they once were. All that is left from that magnificent era were the minds that brought you tracks as “Trinity Of Heresy”, “Summer Of Hate”, “Alma Negra”, “Bone Crusher”, “Dethtrap”, and “Angels Fall To Hell”. Those are great tracks with a full load of tech style riffs, with an unending shift between the classic sub-genres of Metal such as Power/Speed/Heavy Metal and Thrash.

Although some of the material is rather low-rated (even the better tracks have their weak spots), Glory Of Chaos is a must for every Helstar fan. Helstar still kills, and for now there is no power that can turn off their burning eyes.

Tracklist

1. Angels Fall To Hell
2. Pandemonium
3. Monarch Of Bloodshed
4. Bone Crusher
5. Summer Of Hate
6. Dethtrap
7. Anger
8. Trinity Of Heresy
9. Alma Negra
10. Zero One

Lineup

James Rivera (aka Bill Lionel) – Vocals
Larry Barragan – Guitars
Robert Trevino – Guitars
Jerry Abarca – Bass
Michael Lewis – Drums