The world of Metal music is a bizarre one indeed. Many bands I grew up listening to are taking a stab at it once again and I have no problem with this! Helstar return to give us their unique brand of classic, shredding, power metal...featuring the timeless vocals of James Rivera. James has kept busy with many projects and bands over the years but his home is firmly in Helstar. From the soaring wails to the classic high-pitch screams, he delivers the goods and really shows no sign of slowing down after all these years. Rivera wisely mixes up the vocal delivery with each tune, making this a really diverse record. I was really surprised how these guys could take parts of each early album and weave it all together with a modern touch. No stone is left unturned here with plodding, riff heavy tunes followed by up-tempo thrashers and mid-paced anthems all solidified with the amazing, trademark duel solos I thought I'd never hear from this band again. It's pretty incredible to think that these songs brought me back to the early days of listening to this band, yet are strong enough to stand on their own in the realm of today's Metal music. The term "Modern Classic" has never been more fitting."The King Of Hell" was a long time coming but well worth the wait!

Axeman

James Rivera - Vocals
Larry Barragan - Guitar
Robert Trevino - Guitar
Jerry Abarca - Bass
Russel DeLeon - Drums

1. The King Of Hell
2. The Plague Called Man
3. Tormentor
4. When Empires Fall
5. Wicked Disposition
6. Caress Of The Dead
7. Pain Will Be Thy Name
8. In My Darkness
9. The Garden Of Temptation