Helstar - Vampiro (2016)^{Release ID: 2930}

Trying to make a sequel to a classic from decades prior is a risk that sometimes pays off and sometimes doesn't. Texas-based speedy US power metal band Helstar decided to make an album that would continue the vampire themes of their breakthrough album Nosferatu. When fans first heard about that, they feared it would end up falling flat like the 2006 Queensryche album Operation Mindcrime II. As it turns out, Helstar are still in the game! Since their late 2000s reformation, the band was building up where they left off. Here we have clearer production for more of the guitar heaviness to be heard. James Rivera maintains his vocal range from clean melodies to high shrieks.

I think it's not just the vocals that help this release out very well but also the guitars. The riffing is often fast and crushing while also adding harmonic arpeggios. I can almost think of this as neoclassical thrash. Although we can never deny the guitarwork by founding member Larry Barragan, new guy Andrew Atwood can throw in some great shreds too. The end result is an excellent example of Helstar's new era.

Some of the best variety can be found in the first track "Awaken unto Darkness". If you really wanna hear the guitar duo in action, check out "Blood Lust". You can also hear James Rivera belt out his vocals that have made great use throughout the past few decades, considering how long he's been in Helstar and other projects. He has sick aggression, almost coming close to deathly territory. The guitar fury doesn't end there, as "To Dust You Will Become" makes another speedy banger of a highlight. "Off With His Head" leans towards the tech-thrash of Vektor and Revocation, right from the breakneck beginning and speedy verses. The chorus helps make it another standout.

"From the Pulpit to the Pit" pushes the speed and intensity further. Then "To Their Death Beds They Fell" mellows out a bit while making room for more of that neoclassical shredding fire. It leads to the virtuous instrumental "Malediction", 4 minutes of fast neoclassical Malmsteem-isms.

Having more theatrical impact is the wicked "Repent in Fire". I'm fine with having the doomy "Abolish the Sun" shake up the flow a bit. Earth-shattering vocals and depressive pacing helps add to the variety. Then the slowness is brushed aside towards the end for some more of those fast leads. "Black Cathedral" is the album's progressive epic filled with guitar melodrama to make the ultimate representation of all that was experienced. "Dreamless Sleep" is a somber acoustic outro with the last of Rivera's vocals.

The 2010s really was the decade where thrash was being slowly built back up by bands of that genre or close to that genre. Helstar continues bringing forward their melodic speedy sound with some modern touches that may turn away some fans but win a lot more of them. A stronger force has awakened than The Force Awakens!

Favorites: "Awaken unto Darkness", "To Dust You Will Become", "Off With His Head", "Malediction", "Repent in Fire", "Black Cathedral"