It was Friday night, March 14th, when I read James Rivera’s announcement:
“HELSTAR is extremely proud to finally reveal the artwork and track listing for our new album entitled ‘The Devil’s Masquerade’.”
I was already in sheer ecstasy over the news! Yes, I’m a fan! Yes, I worship them! I mean, HOW can you NOT love HELSTAR if you count yourself among those who cherish the authentic USPM sound? You simply can’t! And when we talk about HELSTAR, we’re not just talking about a band playing power metal with the original American recipe – this is one of the bands that actually defined the scene and wrote the damned recipe itself. Pioneers, the very alchemists of that metallic flavor, burning like an angry flame and rattling your senses – a true Tex-Mex forged out of speed, rhythm, grit, and melodic ferocity!
A week later, the single “Seek Out Your Sins” dropped, confirming that HELSTAR were aiming for a comeback as loud and worthy as their legendary name.
From that moment, I counted every second, day by day, until I could finally lay ears on their new work. And I consider myself very lucky to be among the first to listen to their brand-new album before its official release.
And what an album – ABSOLUTELY CRUSHING!
It’s been nine long years since we last got a full set of fresh material from the Texas legends, all the way back to the phenomenal “Vampiro”, not counting of course the 2021 compilation “Clad In Black”.
“The Devil’s Masquerade” rewards every moment of waiting – and then some! The old gang – James Rivera (voice), Larry Barragan (guitars), Mikey Lewis (drums), and Garrick Smith (bass) – add another jewel to their discography with this 11th studio release.
In the words of the band’s very soul, James Rivera: “All I can say is that this album is every HELSTAR fan’s dream come true. Larry and I went back to the old-school way of working together, and you can hear that energy from the very first track. We’ve taken the bull by the horns, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic we’ve always created.”
So let me try to get over the shock of listening – it’s already my third listen through the album – and take things from the top…
“Avernus” is a short, dark intro, perfect for our descent into the Nine Hells, and for setting up the crushing, self-titled track that hits like a punch – HELSTAR hold nothing back, playing as if they want to level everything in their path!
In the same vein, with relentless rhythm and unstoppable drive comes “Stygian Miracles”, while “Carcass For A King” builds a dramatic crescendo, slowing the pace a bit but keeping riffs sharp as razors and the rhythm section pounding mercilessly like damned hammers!
I was convinced this was a no-filler album when halfway through the tracklist I heard “Staff Of Truth” – a true metal beast that once again shows what real old-school American power metal means. No fake modernism, but not sounding dated either – EXACTLY what we want from a band still carrying the banner high for the scene!
Next comes the only single so far, “Seek Out Your Sins”, which radiates the feel of the band’s old, iconic tracks.
Thematically, “The Devil’s Masquerade” drags us into a terrifying vortex, plunging us deep into tales of vampirism, demonic possession, and mankind’s downfall – drawing inspiration from cult horror films and series such as Annabelle, Midnight Mass, The Exorcist: Pope, and even classic Twilight Zone episodes. Each track tells a story, blending myth, horror, and symbolism with HELSTAR’s trademark mastery.
“The Haunting Mirror” is a nightmare set to music, channeling all the terror and tension demanded by its lyrics, with the band delivering a performance of sheer fire. The assault doesn’t stop – “The Black Wall” keeps the storm raging, and just before the finale, we get the instrumental “Suerte De Muleta”. Even without HELSTAR’s ultimate weapon – the ageless voice of James Rivera – it stands out as a brilliant piece that sets the stage for the climactic closing.
That comes with “I Am the Way”, which features an all-star guest appearance by iconic Texas metal voices Robert Lowe, Jason McMaster, Travis Willis, George Call, Mike Soliz, Christopher Salinas, Drew Brown, and Jeff Vandenburg.
Nearly five minutes of pandemonium seal one of the best albums of the year so far in the best possible way: with speed-driven power metal the way only HELSTAR can deliver!
The album was produced and mixed by Larry Barragan at Hombre Malo Studios, and mastered by Robert Colwell at Colwell Mastering.
“The Devil’s Masquerade” will be released on September 12th by Massacre Records on limited Mediabook, and limited colored LP.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre-order both the Mediabook and the LP here.
