Artist: HELSTAR
Album: "SINS OF THE PAST RE-RELEASE (CD)"

Year: 2007
Media type: CD

To say HELSTAR are a true legend of Metal is nothing but justified. The Texas based band created some of the most memorable classics in the history of Heavy Metal. Albums like “Burning Star” (1984), “Remnants Of War” (1986), “A Distant Thunder” (1988) and “Nosferatu” from 1989 are immortal classics and belong to every Power Metal fanґs collection. They are the reason why people still talk proud of their HELSTAR collection and adore the band to this day. All those guys will have a great time with “Sins Of The Past”, a collection of the bandґs classic tunes, re-recorded by HELSTAR’s original line-up around charismatic singer James Rivera (Vicious Rumors)! To make this a real value package the band has also included the great brand new songs “Tormentor” and “Caress Of The Dead”. But this is just the beginning: watch out for HELSTAR’s first studio album in 13 years, scheduled for a release in 2008 on AFM Records. In the meantime lay back and enjoy the first part of their legacy, 11 classics recorded with todayґs improved studio technique.

1981 - Houston, Texas, at the tender age of 16, Larry Barragan knows he wants to form a band that is special; one whose members would all compliment his burgeoning writing and playing skills to create a musical monster! He forms HELSTAR with members of his previous band, Black Rose. After numerous line up changes the band settles into its first solid recording lineup in 1983: James Rivera (vocals), Larry Barragan (guitar), Tom Rogers (guitar), Hector Pavon (drums) and Paul Medina (bass). The band records an 8-song demo in the springtime. The band signs with Combat Records in November and in December enters the studio to record its first album entitled “Burning Star”, released in 1984 to much critical acclaim. The Metal press takes notice and heralds the band for its musicianship and songwriting ability. Many quickly point out the band’s highly-talented vocalist ‘Bill Lionel’ AKA James Rivera, whose voice is described as Dio meets Halford and the twin guitar attack of Barragan and Rogers that is just as lethal as many well-known established acts. The band opens for well known act W.A.S.P. in Houston, Texas. Regional Texas touring ensues and solidifies the band’s status as a crowd favorite. In March 1986 the band tours with Anthrax throughout Texas. “Remnants of War” is released in June and receives much praise from around the world. The album is in the top 10 heavy charts in Germany and others in the press are giving stellar reviews. A US tour begins in October. The band is opening for Megadeth and TT Quick as well as some headline dates. The response is overwhelmingly positive. More regional Texas touring occurs with some headlining shows and a couple of special guest slots opening for King Diamond, and Keel. 1988 sees the band embark on its first ever European tour. The tour is a huge success playing several arenas with Yngwie Malmsteen and Tankard and also headlining and selling-out the famed Dynamo club in Eindhoven. In the U.S., the band is given a support slot for Savatage at their performance in Riverside, CA. In 1989 HELSTAR releases “Nosferatu”, which is partially a concept album with the first six songs dedicated to the story of Bram Stoker's “Dracula”. The music was highly complex, yet highly musical, and dealt with a subject matter that would become quite en vogue in years to come. At the time, it is misunderstood, yet now, almost unfailingly, most consider this release to be the band’s Magnum Opus. Also, this year saw the band tour with label mates Fates Warning in support of the “Perfect Symmetry” release. After the recording of a 4-track demo in 1990 HELSTAR disappeared from the sceneґs surface to return in 1995 with a new album: “Multiples In Black”, produced by their old friend Dave Ellefson (Megadeth). In the year 2000 Metal Blade Records releases a live bootleg CD “Twas the Night of a Helish Xmas”. 2001 – James assembles a reunion lineup with Jerry and Russell and some guest musicians to perform at the Bang Your Head!!! festival in Europe. Following this, the band embarks on a US tour beginning with the Milwaukee Metal fest and ending at the Powermad festival, held in Baltimore, MD. In 2004 James headlines the Keep It True festival in Germany as HELSTAR. Selected appearances in Greece, Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands follow. Then, in 2006 James, Larry, Jerry, and Rob reform with Russell to bring the nucleus of this classic line-up back together.

And now we have HELSTAR returning with “Sins Of The Past”, an album full of their re-recorded classic Metal pearls and the promise to deliver a fantastic new studio album in 2008. Watch out!

TRACKLIST:

Burning Star
Suicidal Nightmare
The King Is Dead
Evil Reign
Baptised In Blood
Witchґs Eye
Tyrannacide
Harkerґs Tale
Angel Of Deathe
Draculaґs Castle
Face The Wicked One
Tormentor (new song!)
Caress Of The Dead (new song!)

+ addition video material with 1 hour playing time!

LINE-UP:

James Rivera (vocals)
Larry Barragan (guitars)
Jerry Abarca (bass)
Rob Trevino (guitars)
Russel DeLeon (drums)

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