Rating: 9 / 10 Stars
HELSTAR is: James Rivera (vocals), Larry Barragan (guitars), Mikey Lewis (drums), Garrick Smith (bass), Alan DeLeon Jr. (guitars)
Guest Vocals on “I Am The Way”: Robert Lowe, Jason McMaster, Travis Willis, George Call, Mike Soliz, Christopher Salinas, Drew Brown, Jeff Vandenburg
REVIEW – Returning with their long-awaited 11th studio album, ‘The Devil’s Masquerade’, HELSTAR once again delivers a masterclass in US heavy metal. Out September 12, 2025 via Massacre Records, the album revives the old-school energy between James Rivera and Larry Barragan while diving into dark lyrical realms inspired by horror films, supernatural myths, and classic television lore. Clocking in at just under 39 minutes, it’s a tight and lethal offering packed with horror-tinged storytelling, vicious riffing, and Rivera’s ever-iconic vocal theatrics.
The record opens with the instrumental intro “Avernus”, an ominous soundscape that sets the tone with eerie atmosphere and creeping dread. It’s the slow pull of the curtain before the nightmare begins. That nightmare arrives in full force with “The Devil’s Masquerade”, a riff-driven beast that draws inspiration from Annabelle. Rivera’s delivery is sharp and theatrical, matched with thunderous drumming and a chorus built for chanting crowds.
“Stygian Miracles”, based on the vampire cult themes from Midnight Mass, erupts with classic thrash energy and blistering solos. It’s a bloodletting anthem that blends gothic imagery with Helstar’s ironclad groove. “Carcass for a King” follows, stacking thick riffs and crushing mid-tempo power while calling to mind the band’s Nosferatu-era precision. This one’s for fans who like their metal heavy, melodic, and darkly regal.
“The Staff of Truth”, inspired by a Twilight Zone episode about freeing the Devil, brings catchy hooks, sinister themes, and scorching leads. Rivera’s voice soars above the crunch with power and menace. “Seek Out Your Sins”, borrowing its premise from The Exorcist: Pope, imagines a world where the Devil wins—and it sounds absolutely glorious. It’s aggressive, unrelenting, and built to incite pits and raise horns.
The second half of the album leans deeper into the band’s melodic storytelling. “The Haunting Mirror” hits with haunting harmonies and evocative riffs, carrying a ghostly atmosphere that lingers like a shadow in a dark room. “The Black Wall” brings tight rhythms and an old-school gallop, layered with signature twin guitar leads that elevate it to a modern Helstar highlight.
“Suerte De Muleta” is an unexpected detour with a title that invokes bullfighting flair. It’s dark, intense, and thrashes with an unpredictable rhythm section, showing the band’s ability to experiment without losing their roots. Finally, “I Am The Way” closes the album with a bang — a Dio-esque anthem featuring an all-star Texas metal lineup. It’s a vampire legion call-to-arms, dripping with theatrical fury and unity, reminiscent of Hear ‘n Aid but darker and more apocalyptic.
‘The Devil’s Masquerade’ is not just a return to form — it’s a bold, bloody celebration of everything HELSTAR has always stood for: horror-infused metal, explosive riffs, and storytelling that refuses to die. For fans of Nosferatu, This Wicked Nest, and Vampiro, this album is pure vampire metal vengeance.
For more information on HELSTAR, visit:
www.Facebook.com/Helstar.Metal
www.Instagram.com/HelstarOfficial
www.Spotify.com/Artist/Helstar
