Helstar have been waving the flag of US heavy metal
since the early 80s, forging their name with albums like “Burning Star” and
“Nosferatu” and later works such as “This Wicked Nest” and “Vampiro.” With
nearly four decades behind them, they’ve proven to be one of the most enduring
and fiery acts of their scene. The return of James
Rivera and Larry Barragan as a
creative duo on “The Devil’s Masquerade” feels like the rekindling of a classic
partnership, one that has always thrived on horror-driven storytelling and
aggressive riffing.
The album
runs just under forty minutes, making it sharp and impactful. “The Devil’s
Masquerade” kicks in early with a sinister energy, quickly pulling the listener
into its world of gothic dread and supernatural tales. Barragan’s
production gives the riffs a raw punch, and Rivera’s
voice once again becomes the theatrical pillar, rising from haunting whispers
to banshee screams. The band still has a knack for weaving sinister melodies
with razor-edged guitar attacks, keeping the intensity high across all ten
tracks.
“The
Devil’s Masquerade” is Helstar doing what
they were born to do. Delivering heavy metal with teeth, fire, and a sense of
the macabre. It’s the kind of album that feels alive with the same
horror-soaked imagination that’s always fueled their best work. Fans who’ve
followed them since the 80s will find that familiar flame, and newcomers are in
for an introduction to a band that continues to sound timelessly vicious. This
album reinforces Helstar’s legacy as one of
the true masters of horror-infused US heavy metal, and it hits with the energy
of a band that still has plenty of blood to spill.
Score: 8.5
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