Texas metal legends Helstar return with its first release in nine years, The Devil’s Masquerade. The hiatus did not soften Helstar, as this album is 38 minutes of old school power metal that the Texas outfit’s trademark. “Avernus” is a 26 second long intro that sounds like the mouth of hell opening up. The title track commences with double bass drums and a wailing, Middle Eastern tinged guitar lead. It is a pummeling, dynamic track, with a simple chorus. However, it is slightly underwhelming compared to the album’s other tracks. It is the album’s second single, but the band could have picked a stronger track. “Stygian Miracles” features a similar introduction with the double bass drums, but there is a sick groove to it. Guitarists Larry Barragan and Alan DeLeon Jr. churn out riff after riff, with notable praise for the chorus riff and Maidenesque harmonies during the bridge.
“Carcass For A King” continues the momentum with its epic opening guitar lead and galloping riff. “Carcass” is the longest track on Masquerade, clocking in at five-and-half minutes, but never lulls. “The Staff of Truth” speeds things up, but never crosses into thrash territory. The urgent riffs keeps the head banging, with a sick rhythm change that enriches the track. “Seek Out Your Sins” features a hooky main riff that contrasts with the relentless bass drumming. This is a pulverizing track, and the venomous dual guitar leads keep you on your toes. Helstar throws out a sinister instrumental with “Suerte De Muleta” (Luck of the Crutch). It begins with a galloping riff that transitions to a serene, acoustic phase with a bluesy guitar lead. One can hear the New Wave of British Heavy Metal influence on this track. Album closer “I Am The Way” is the heaviest track on Masquerade. It is an exercise in speed metal with rapid tempos and hellish riffing straight out of 1984. Vocalist James Rivera belts out, “Black on black unholy is my work eyes of ember infestation at birth” and we are in for a demonic final ride. The rollicking bridge descends like an elevator to the ninth rung of the Inferno, while Barragan and DeLeon once again unleash fiery leads that conclude Masquerade in devilish fashion.
The initial singles for The Devil’s Masquerade threw me off. “Seek Out Your Sins” and “The Devil’s Masquerade” are not the album’s strongest songs and I wrongly assumed that the band would play it safe on this record. Masquerade is a no frills metal album with superb guitar work and songwriting. The occult lyrics, crushing riffs and wailing vocals encapsulate what metalheads love about the genre. The songs are dynamic with a punch of prog to keep things interesting. The production is solid, with the drum and guitars sounding very crisp.
The Devil’s Masquerade is worth the wait and Helstar fans can rejoice. This is a heavy, hellish album with fine guitar work. I just hope the band does not wait another decade to release an album. Well done Helstar.
Check out the band’s page for news and tour dates: https://www.facebook.com/Helstar.Metal/
