While power metal veterans Helstar may not have reinvented the Metal wheel with their latest album “This Wicked Nest”, they look to have completed their own metamorphosis. This almost seamless blend of power metal and thrash is guaranteed to get your head moving, no matter where you are, so be prepared for slightly odd looks when listening on the bus, or at work.
Helstar shows its 80’s power metal roots in the opening of lead song “Fall of Dominion”. Rob Trevino and Larry Barragan’s dual lead guitars combined with James Rivera’s near operatic voice immediately brought to mind classic Judas Priest or Iron Maiden. Those roots are then ripped free and strapped to a rocket by Michael Lewis’s relentless drums that power the album.
In fact, after the tempered intro in “Fall of Dominion” the album doesn’t slow down for the next four songs. While the brutal onrushing beat is fun, it does introduce a sense of sameness to the album. Even the instrumental “Isla De Las Munecas” feels like an extended ending for the preceding “Souls Cry”, creepy laughing children intro aside. That’s not to say there is anything wrong musically, this album is very technically proficient, each of these men are masters of their instruments and it shows.
It isn’t until we get to the melodic and doom laden “Cursed” that the album slows down (comparatively speaking). Rob and Larry’s guitars have a chance to shine in this song, probably because they drive the song rather than the drums, which get a rest.
The other song that stands out is the sinister and relentless “Defy the Swarm”, where James Rivera does things with his voice that make you wonder how he has been doing this for over 30 years. You can almost picture this song being used in a horror movie when our hero finally starts to fight back against the threat.
This album is a lot of fun to listen to, especially if you’re doing anything high energy, like working out, or climbing Mount Everest. Unfortunately, the combination of the songs blending together and the lack of a hook to catch you with means that it is ultimately forgettable. This might work in the albums favor, as you’ll be excited every time you rediscover it.
Matthew Hancock, HMS
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