The razor-sharp
voice of James Rivera and powerful guitar chords break the silence
– a silence that lasted for 13 years…the masters HELSTAR
manage to rise from the ashes after this long period without studio
album in furious manner!
Consequently
the band enthuses with the opening title track The King Of
Hell, dedicated to old school but not sounding outmoded at
all. Therefore no Power Metal fan can resist to bow before the
ruler of darkness - with tended countenance this anthem is absorbed
greedily, I get caught by eminent power and groove after a borne
introduction immediately. Master Rivera acts in high pitched regions
as usual, but he does not get on my nerves at all and lets crack
glass and neck vertebrae. Intense and powerful like Nevermore’s
Warrel Dane, he intonates nine new Power Metal gifts.
Fortunately the group does not only set its focus on merciless
speed attacks and integrates some parts no head-banger can avoid
to shake his head!!! After this brilliant take-off the Americans
have not shot their wad at all and one killer chord chases another,
one felicitous vocal arrangement alliances with thundering drum
work and gets intertwined with suspenseful song structures. The
virtuous solos by guitar duo Barragan/Trevino are integrated homogenously
in the detailed compositions. Despite the musicians show their
abilities, nobody will get the impression of pure demonstration
of legerdemains – well done! Real hymns like Tormentor
are embossed and not drowned in dexterities because of these tactics.
Mid tempo elements also got their place and HELSTAR find
a good balance between melody and overwhelming power. The guitar
artists perform fine riffs continuously using the speed range
from fast-as-an-arrow attacks to groovy mid tempo. Towards the
end, a semi ballad entitled In My Darkness appears and
can be enjoyed on last but one place. The concluding track Garden
Of Temptation sets an impressing punch line because of its
oriental framing and contrasting riff massacres.
HELSTAR
manage to continue their egregious career in variable and ear
catchy manner with The King Of Hell. Thereby they
sound authentic in every second, disperse joy in playing and will
not disappoint any fan, that’s for sure!