HELSTAR – Vampiro review

HELSTAR – Vampiro

eOne /SPV

https://www.facebook.com/Helstar.Metal

Vampires are a legend that has its origin in the Balkan tradition (though in other countries you might find similar traditions too). It is the legend of the undead who come back to life and prey upon innocent victims. This legend, as you all know, became known to the world by Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. A horror classic that has also inspired HELSTAR who have released their classic album “Nosferatu” (you have to check it out if you don’t know it yet). Now, after so many years that have passed since the release of this classic album, the band felt ready to revisit it in a way and thus they give us their new release entitled “Vampiro”.

The elements that distinguish the sound of HELSTAR are obviously the high pitched vocals of James Rivera (who by the way is one of the best metal singers), the rhythm and melody changes and of course the speed that this band has. Well, all these are present here. First of all James Rivera offers us once again a great performance by combining technical skills with passion. The almost blackish high pitched vocals he does in some songs are also great and fit to the horror story of this album. The guitar work is once again very good and technical with leads and a rhythm section that can change from mid tempo to speed and even thrash metal. Also I have to add here that there are moments that the album reminded me of KING DIAMOND, which is good.

Many bands have tried to revisit and draw inspiration from classic albums of their history and most of them have failed miserably. This is not the case though, since HELSTAR create an album that sounds like a natural continuation of “Nosferatu” and also it is a work that the more you listen to it the more it will grow in you. You just have to be patient until 26^th of August (a day that also RUNNING WILD will release their new album).

Nick “Verkaim” Parastatidis