Helstar, a band that gave its brand in the US Power/Speed metal scene of the 80’s, has returned 13 years after their last complete studio release, with its new album “The King Of Hell”. Last year they also released the album “Sins Of The Past", which was a collection of 11 re-recorded songs and 2 new tracks.

The first impression is that this album could very well have been the successor of “Nosferatu”. The songs are characterized by the band’s well-known sound, with the voice of James Rivera in top form and the tight rhythm section, which in accordance with the cutting guitar riffs, trademark of their sound, gives power and bulk to the compositions. The production highly contributes to that, since it gives the album the clear sound and the power which is characteristic of the up to date heavy metal bands.

Truth is, this album is beyond any expectation. All the songs have an extra ordinary vehemence and changes that range from mid tempo style to a faster pace, without tiring the audience with repetitions of the same riffs and style. Tracks that step out are my favorite “The Garden of Temptation” , which has a main riff that could have very well been a song from “Seasons in the Abyss” of Slayer, the self titled “King Of Hell” with the prevailing intro with the female vocals,“Pain be Thy name”,  “When Empires Fall” and “In My Darkness”. That doesn’t mean that there are bad songs in the album, since all the compositions are in high standards.

In conclusion, “The King Of Hell” is highly recommended to the old fans of the band, since it is one of their best albums so far, as well as to those who appreciate old school guitar orientated US metal with speed influences.