HELSTAR — Nosferatu (review)

Album · 1989 · US Power Metal

5/5 · 2014-09-23
Unitron

Helstar-Nosferatu

After the masterpiece that was 'A Distant Thunder', Helstar comes back a year later to make an even stronger masterpiece of a concept album. 'Nosferatu' is a concept album about the vampire Nosferatu and actually uses sound clips from classic vampire movies, which really adds to the sound.

The album begins with the serene to chaotic intro 'Rhapsody in Black', which transitions perfectly into the Helstar classic 'Baptized in Blood'. The song starts out with shredding guitar and double bass, and Rivera's voice soon fades in. During the bridge the guitar and pounding drums compliment each-other perfectly, and soon a great solo comes in. I find it hard to describe such a masterpiece. Another favorite of mine 'Sleep Per Chance to Scream', which begins with a sound clip from an old vampire movie. Barragan's guitar shredding combined with Rivera's low menacing vocals just fits perfectly. The solo at the bridge comes in at perfect timing after it appears to be signaled in.

The instrumental 'Perseverance and Desperation' is an amazing prog-thrash piece, with relentless guitar soloing and a beautiful acoustic bridge. Next is probably my favorite song on this flawless album 'The Curse has Passed Away'. The song begins with beautiful acoustics and cold low vocal by Rivera. The electric guitar soon kicks in, and the chorus feels very heartfelt with sweet guitar shredding and Rivera's vocal being very powerful. 'Benediction' is yet another favorite, having a very loud feel to it. Rivera gives an amazing vocal performance on this track, constantly shouting and singing with amazing power. 'Harsh Reality' is a great thrash track, with constant tempo changing and awesome lyrics. i'm sure everyone will find it hard not to head-bang to this song.

The lyrics are mostly about vampires, fitting in with the concept. The song 'Harsh Reality' though has lyrics more akin to thrash lyrics at the time. Political lyrics with the best ending sentence to any song ever, 'Why is the world so fucked up?' Couldn't have said it better myself Rivera.

Overall, This is Helstar ultimate masterpiece. There are no weak moments, and I'm sure any fan of thrash, speed, and power metal will find immense enjoyment out of it. Underrated, and an essential album for any metal collection.

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more than 2 years ago
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Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

And no problem, I'm more then happy to recommend some of my favorite bands. :)

Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I meant underrated in the fact that it has only 13 ratings. ;)

To the fans it's definitely not underrated.

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

With a rating of 4.48 at the time of writing this, how can you call this underrated :) Helstar is one of those bands i have never checked out but i like the few clips i've heard. Thanks for the stream of reviews of their releases