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Helstar: Glory of Chaos

Heavy/Speed Metal

3.75/5.0

AFM Records
www.helstarmetal.com
www.myspace.com/helstar
By Craig Hartranft,  11.28.2010

Heavy and relentless. True heavy metal. Texas metal. Words and description for metal legends Helstar and also their current release Glory of Chaos. Helstar's legacy peaked with 1989's Nosferatu, only to be quickly torpedoed by 1995's Multiples of Black. But they're on a roll now thanks to the brilliance of 2008's The King of Hell. James Rivera and company bring back the best of heavy and technical speed metal, badass stuff from the Lonestar state Texas.

Glory of Chaos is basically head-banging, fist-pumping, and face-melting heavy metal from first to last. Rivera sings and screams somewhere between Dio and King Diamond, with a dose or two of black/death metal. There's nothing nuanced here: one listen to Alma Negro among others shows Helstar to be equal to and beyond present metal. Angels Fall to Hell, Monarch of Bloodshed, Bone Crusher, and Summer of Hate are blistering pieces, with much intrigue and melody, of savage heavy metal. Frankly, Helstar explodes most of what passes for 'modern' metal by sounding more heavy, creative, and relevant than most bands.

For a bit of nostalgia Helstar includes some cover tunes. The best is their interpretation of Saxon's Heavy Metal Thunder. But, I'm not quite sure to make of the heavier version of the Scorpions' Animal Magnetism. Heavier and creepier is the only way to describe it. It's strangely possessive.

Helstar's Glory of Chaos proves that this band is, and has always been, a heavy metal force of reckoning. Against current trends, Helstar delivers the heavy in metal without compromising clarity and melody. Glory of Chaos kicks ass without leaving you downtrodden. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Helstar's Glory of Chaos proves that this band is, and has always been, a heavy metal force of reckoning. Against current trends, Helstar delivers the heavy in metal without compromising clarity and melody. Glory of Chaos kicks ass without leaving you downtrodden.

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