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HELSTAR
The Devil’s Masquerade

Massacre (2025)
Rating: 8.5/10

Almost a decade after their last full-length slab, Houston, Texas-based cult metallers Helstar return from the darkness. If you’re reading this review then I assume you know who Helstar is because back in the 80s they released some killer albums, such as Remnants Of War (1986) and A Distant Thunder (1988). Less impactful albums came after, but Helstar has marched on through the trends, sticking to their guns like a veteran assassin still relying on old weapons.

Like a lot of current releases, The Devil’s Masquerade succumbs to digital cover art that does nothing for me, but musically it’s still a tour de force driven by James Rivera’s vocals and the licks of Larry Barragan. There’s a new axe man in the fold too in Alan DeLeon Jr., who joined last year, and the line-up is completed by bassist Garrick Smith and drummer Mikey Lewis, both of whom have now been with Helstar over a decade.

The Devil’s Masquerade goes straight for the jugular with the blistering title track. It’s a savagely melodious thrash workout not too dissimilar to Judas Priest at their most volatile. Rivera remains a powerhouse, his siren-like wails and high energy screeches have barely changed since the 80s.

Now, a lot of bands tend to pulverise early on then exit with a whimper, but not Helstar as most of this product is a scorching high speed machine glistening with every streak. The only real moment where the band tends to go into cruise mode is with ‘Carcass For A King’ which takes a more measured approach. Even so, Rivera snarls with such a majesty and is backed by a thunderous bass tone. I think though that after the blazing title cut fans will be craving more bloodthirsty speed metal which comes in droves.

‘The Staff Of Truth’ has 90s power metal feel to its steely gallop, while ‘Stygian Miracles’ is a feisty thrasher, rich lyrically and almost Gothic in its sneering tirade altered with the exceptional riffs and hard drums. ‘The Haunting Mirror’ is another gem, running black through whips of dancing fire as Rivera bellows like an overlord.

This is such a riveting display of power n’ thrash metal combined, a smoking hot citadel whose final belch of flame is cast as ‘I Am The Way’, a steamrollering slice of refined metal that’s commanding and cocksure, bristling with its own arrogant splendour. The double axe attack is to be marvelled at as orange embers are cast from the fret boards, swirling in the warm winds of drum and bass.

Somewhere before lurks ‘The Black Wall’, a steady Goth rocker combining the majestic horror of Mercyful Fate and the streamlined grandeur of Sanctuary. Instrumental ‘Suerte De Muleta’ is just mesmeric, the guitars cavorting with the kick of drum to provide further red velvet mysticism with Helstar’s great walls of black stone and sparkling marble.

What a rich reward this is for any fan who has stuck with Helstar over the decades, but if you’re new to such an endeavour then slip behind the plush curtain and envelope yourself in the might of the metal.

Neil Arnold

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