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November 2024

• Voodoo Circle: Hail To The King
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October 2024

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September 2024

• Sinner's Blood: Dark Horizons
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August 2024

• Siege Perilous: Creation's Call EP
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Helstar: 30 Years of Hel DVD/CD

Heavy/Power Metal

4.0/5.0

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AFM Records
by Craig Hartranft,  10.10.2012

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Helstar. Celebrating 30 years of American power metal, the band has always been one of the most underrated in the genre. But they've always offered solid material with strong performances led by vocalist James Rivera. Needless to say, 30 Years of Hel is a collection for the fans.

Helstar: tough enough.

The DVD and two CD package offers a live recording in their hometown of Houston, Texas, and pretty darn good. The venue is small, but that band in fine form before a particularly enthusiastic crowd. As for the song selection, the title lives up to it's name as Helstar includes selections across every album, delivering in concert lasting more than two hours. Can't beat that with a stick.

As for the video and audio, I'll give you a quick heads up: play the DVD on a decent stereo system rather than simply through your television; if you do so your experience will suck, big time. Early on you get the feeling that engineers aren't getting the mix quite right. The drums seem overpowering, with both the guitars and vocals trying battle above them. It gets better or maybe your ears simply adjust. But in the end I wished the guitars got a better lift. Nevertheless, it's a good show with Helstar delivering an enthusiastic performance. It's not the greatest live metal concert DVD I've seen, but rabid Helstar fans will dig it. 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.

30 Years of Hel celebrates Helstar's lengthy career in good form, showing them in their element, an enthusiastic and entertaining live show.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]