Helstar – The Devil’s Masquerade

Helstar
The Devil’s Masquerade
Label: Massacre Records
Out: September 12^th, 2025
Playing time: 39:29

Helstar were founded in 1981 or 1982 under the name ‘Black Rose’. However, the band was renamed Helstar as early as 1982 (source Wikipedia). In the meantime, the name Vigilante (1991 – 1995) was probably also used. The current singer James Rivera (e.g. Sabbath Judas Sabbath) joined the band in 1982 (after renaming to Helstar). Along with founding member Larry Barragán, he has been with the band the longest. Although the band never officially disbanded, they did take a few creative breaks. Nevertheless, ten studio albums have already been released. The last one (‘Vampire’) was released nine years ago. After that, only two singles (‘Black Wings of Solitude’, ‘Seek Out Your Sins’) and the compilation ‘Clad In Black’ were released. So, it was time for a new album. And this will be released in September under the name ‘The Devil’s Masquerade’.

‘Avernus’ is a short, dark intro. After that, it’s on to the title track ‘The Devil’s Masquerade’ without any transition. This is introduced by drum rhythms before the guitars mercilessly enter, underpinning James Rivera’s raspy vocals. The drums continue to drive forward. ‘Stygian Miracles’ keeps up this exciting rhythm. ‘Carcass For A King’ starts with calm guitar chords. The song remains in the mid-tempo range. The vocals sound less raspy. There is a strong guitar solo in the second part. ‘The Staff Of Truth’ then switches to Old School Power Metal. The handbrake that was noticeable in the previous song is now released again. ‘Seek Out Your Sins’ was released as a single and is reminiscent of the Helstar greats of earlier years. In ‘The Haunting Mirror’, the drums kick in again, accompanied by high-pitched Metal screams. This is followed by ‘The Black Wall’ like a thunderous hurricane. ‘Suerte De Muleta’ is an instrumental piece. And oh wonder, the song is also captivating without James Rivera’s distinctive vocals. The band succeeds brilliantly in avoiding any musical break. The final song ‘I Am The Way’ features a number of guest singers – Robert Lowe, Jason McMaster, Travis Willis, George Call, Mike Soliz, Christopher Salinas, Drew Brown, Jeff Vandenburg. Helstar put the throttle pedal fully down again here. This song is the crowning finale and the highlight of a great album.

As in the past, Helstar deliver very well on ‘The Devil’s Masquerade’. They don’t give themselves or the listener the slightest respite. The album is a worthy addition to the band’s discography to date.

Helstar – Seek Out Your Sins: https://youtu.be/6geTlElkK2E?si=9jFNS39vrY-ikvvr

Lineup:

Larry Barragán – Guitars
James Rivera – Vocals
Michael Lewis – Drums
Garrick Smith – Bass
Alan DeLeon Jr. – Guitars

Track list:

• Avernus
• The Devil’s Masquerade
• Stygian Miracles
• Carcass For A King
• The Staff Of Truth
• Seek Out Your Sins
• The Haunting Mirror
• The Black Wall
• Suerte De Muleta
• I Am The Way