Helstar recorded "Remnants of War" in 1985 with a new and powerful line up. Jerry Abarca, Rob Treviño, and drummer Rene Luna joined the band and released "Remnants" in 1986 for Combat records. Once again the band received much praise from around the world. Helstar embarked on its first US tour and opened up for such heavy hitters as Anthrax, Megadeth, TT Quick, and King Diamond to name a few. Once again though, line up changes reared its ugly head and Rob and Rene chose to leave the band. This happened at a critical time as the band had decided to move to LA in pursuit of a new record deal.
It was at this time that guitarist Andre Corbin and drummer Frank Ferreira joined the band. Helstar signed with Metal Blade records and produced two albums for the label. "A Distant Thunder" saw the band cross the pond for the first time. The band played several arena sized venues with Yngwie Malmsteen and Tankard. Headlining and selling out the famed Dynamo club was one of the highlights of the tour. In 1989 the band quickly followed up "A Distant Thunder" with "Nosferatu". It was Helstar's first concept album, with half the album being dedicated to the story of Bram Stoker's "Dracula". Many believe that this album was ahead of it's time. Not only did it feature the most intricate music Helstar had done to this time, it dealt with a subject that several years later would become en vogue. It was the last album Helstar would record for Metal Blade. Andre and Frank exited the band soon thereafter. With the "grunge" movement running high, the face of music in the U.S. changed. Unable to secure a deal, Larry Barragan followed suite and left not only Helstar but music all together. But not before recording a 4 song demo with two new members. Aaron Garza took over at guitar and Russell Deleon became the new drummer. The demo would later be released as "Helstar-The James Rivera Legacy".
James Rivera never lost sight of his dream and continued along with Jerry Abarca as Helstar. Now having to fill Larry Barragan's shoes they turned to former Helstar guitarist Rob Treviño. They recorded "Multiples in Black" with the help of Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson as producer. This would be the last proper album Helstar would record. Several years later Metal Blade records released a live cd "Twas the Night of a Hellish Xmas". James Rivera later released 2 demo recordings as "The James Rivera Legacy". Helstar for all intensive purposes disbanded. Only James Rivera and Jerry Abarca would continue to do shows as Helstar but would not record again under that name.
Helstar laid the groundwork for the progressive power metal movement without even knowing it. Three things can be said about Helstar throughout the years. The music was full of integrity, it was heavy, and it was true.
James Rivera has enjoyed much success staying busy with several projects. He is considered by some to be one of the most legendary metal vocalist ever. He has recorded with Destiny's End, Seven Witches, Killing Machine, and is now a member of Vicious Rumors. He has kept the Helstar candle burning bright throughout.
Larry Barragan, Rob Treviño, and Russell Deleon have also resurfaced with a new band named Eternity Black. They have released a self-titled 5 song EP as well. Having never lost touch, the friendship and the bond between these members has always been strong. So when Robb Chavez came up with the idea, it was a "no brainer". Will this band continue? That really depends on you the fans and what the demand will be. There is one thing we all know for sure. When Helstar hits the stage on June 10th with all of its energy and power, it will be a show you will not want to miss it!
Helstar has recorded seven full length albums spanning over two decades. They have amassed an impressive body of work.
Angel of Death
Helstar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And there's nowhere to hide
Her refuge, the dark black sea
She hails only one
It's the dead of the damned
Her moan whales, through sea to sea
Her eyes glow a light
That compels you to feel
In through the night
Your day slips away
Casting two shadows
When she is after you
In the black of the night
Her mist roles in
The children of sin are to die
The blood of a lamb
On the crest of good
As she kills
There're cries the sky
Angel of death
Your the princess of darkness
Your angel of death
In the shadows behind you
Angel of death
Are they crying for mercy
Your angel of death
Is now inside of you
Ride through the skies
In their eyes up above
And down cast their blood in vain
The children of sin
Now belong to the night
Their souls without flesh and blood
Taughting and haunting
The sinners of the land
As she laughs in the darkness
Burning the hands of man
Angel of death
Your the princess of darkness
Your angel of death
In the shadows behind you
Angel of death
Are they crying for mercy
Your angel of death is dead
The lyrics of Helstar’s “Angel of Death” depict a feeling of unease and imminent danger. The song is about an ominous and powerful being, the “Angel of Death,” who emerges during the night to hunt down and wreak havoc on the sinful. The lyrics reveal that the Angel of Death’s motive is not to save them but to kill them. She is described as a seductive force that will lure her victims in and make them feel her sweet lust before she takes their lives.
The song also mentions the blood of a lamb on the crest of good, indicating that in the face of darkness, there is always hope. In essence, the lyrics paint a picture of despair, hopelessness and the vulnerability of humanity.
Overall, the song’s lyrics convey a sense of horror and anticipation of something evil.
Line by Line Meaning
When the sun sets above
At dusk, as the sun fades away
And there's nowhere to hide
There's no safe place to go
Her refuge, the dark black sea
She finds shelter near the sea at night
She hails only one
She greets only her chosen ones
It's the dead of the damned
The spirits of the cursed and wicked
Her moan whales, through sea to sea
Her melodic call echoes across the sea
Her eyes glow a light
Her gaze emits a supernatural radiance
That compels you to feel
Which evokes strong emotions and desires
Her lust that is sweet to kill
Her arousing desire to murder
In through the night
Entering under the cover of darkness
Your day slips away
Your life fades into obscurity
Casting two shadows
Leaving behind both physical and spiritual remnants
When she is after you
When she hunts you down relentlessly
In the black of the night
Under the ominous sky of darkness
Her mist roles in
Her fog creeps in, signaling her arrival
The children of sin are to die
Those who indulge in wickedness will meet their end
The blood of a lamb
A symbol of innocence and sacrifice
On the crest of good
Representing the triumph of good over evil
As she kills
While she takes lives
There're cries the sky
The heavens lament the tragedy below
Angel of death
A divine being of destruction and judgment
Your the princess of darkness
Ruling over the kingdom of shadows
In the shadows behind you
Lurking in your wake
Are they crying for mercy
Do they seek clemency as they face the end
Your angel of death is dead
You've been consumed by the very thing you represented
Contributed by James W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Yog-Sothoth
this song is so fuckin' intense in every way!!!!
9EvilHater9 OLD SKOOL
there's so many factors why this band was FUCKING wicked
86guitartane2001
Another prime example of how EPIC a good metal song can be, closing your eyes and letting the music and vocals bring the visuals to you. Awesome musicianship, songwriting,vocals and guitars, and the ending...friggin' perfect!!!
Teddygoesfishing
my favourite Helstar Song - a masterpiece progressive, epic, fantastic vocals
Magnus S
One of the best metal album ever made.
REvamp91590
That intro rips!
Jared Roberts
Wow, I never thought I'd get to hear this song again. Thanks so much for uploading it.
Mario Aguilar
Larga vida a helstar... Para mi una banda legendaria que hubiera merecido mucho mas, gracias por existir. Grandes helstar
pantxo
4:17 epicness mode: ON
Oliver Guenther
I love it! I think it's better then Slayer's Angel of Death.