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Helstar-The King of Hell
After taking a twelve year hiatus, Helstar is back with another studio album featuring the line-up of 'Remnants of War'. 'The King of Hell' has a completely different sound compared to previous albums, being largely based in thrash metal with some powerful riffing. So don't expect Helstar's sound to be the same after twelve years on hiatus.
Unlike Helstar's 1995 thrash album 'Multiples of Black', which had a sound like thrash at the time, 'The King of Hell' mixes more powerful riffing into a modern thrash album. You will hear quite a few soft intros on this album, on songs like the title track, 'In My Darkness', and the nine-minute closing epic 'The Garden of Temptation. I can safely say that all the songs on this album will make you want to at least tap your foot, with the constant barrage of double bass and crunching guitar.
Rivera's vocals are just as strong as ever on this album, but I actually think the music compliments his vocals much more on this album. His voice flows along to the fast-pased guitar and drums perfectly. The lyrics are much darker then previous albums but still keeping some political lyrics in there. Songs like 'When Empires Fall' and my personal favorite on the album 'The Plague Called Man'. Some songs feel more personal like another favorite of mine, 'In My Darkness'.
Overall, if you're looking for something for head-banging or something to release some tension, this album is perfect.
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