Helstar began its quest in 1982. The line up consisted of James Rivera (A.K… Read Full Bio ↴Helstar began its quest in 1982. The line up consisted of James Rivera (A.K.A Bill Lionel) (vocals), Larry Barragan (guitar), Tom Rogers (guitar), Hector Pavon (drums) and Paul Medina (bass). By 1984 the band had signed with Combat Records and recorded its first album entitled "Burning Star". The average age of the band at that time was 19! After gaining much critical acclaim, the band began to splinter because of their management situation. It was at this time that James and Larry decided to part ways with the rest of the band and guide Helstar in a new direction.

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.

Dracula's Castle
Helstar Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Won't you look into my world
What do you see
Can't you free the chains
Or do you hold the key
When you reach the end
The corners of your mind
What will you be what will you find
Will you find the answers

To the questions that you ask of me
Will you find your answers or will you
Find out that you weren't meant to be

He floats through the air free as a bird on a wing
A bat out of hell
Just waiting for someone to sting
Look to the skies I think you'll suddenly
Find out I say what I mean
Silently stalking he pros by the light of the moon
He climbs up your wall
Just like Spiderman turned to a loon
Don't look in his eyes
He's got the power to make you think it's all a dream
Don't watch the mirror, you can't see his reflection, girl
He can't be seen
Don't fall asleep tonight
Or he'll find to his delight
You may wake up in a castle as his bride

Don't you make no mistake
You'd better lie awake
With a hammer and a stake
Close beside you

Watch as he crawls through your windows
To feed on his prey
Never again will you ever
See the light of day
There's no hope baby, you're his now
And forever till death do you a part
You better find him and bind him
And bury him deep
Go out and hunt him down people kill him in his sleep
Don't be afraid now, cause once you
Found him and bound him it's only the start

Pick up the stake now hold above you
And drive it deep in his heart

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Helstar's song, Dracula's Castle, convey a sense of foreboding and danger. The first stanza poses a question to the listener about seeing into the world of the singer and finding the key to free the chains. There is an air of mystery to this verse as it hints at a hidden truth that needs to be uncovered. The second verse talks of Dracula floating through the air and stalking his prey in the light of the moon. The imagery of a vampire climbing up walls like Spiderman is hauntingly portrayed here. The chorus urges the listener to stay vigilant and keep a stake and hammer close at hand to fend off Dracula's attacks.

The third verse is particularly menacing as it talks about how Dracula feeds on his prey through the windows and takes them to his castle to be his bride. The sense of inevitability is palpable in this verse as the listener is warned that once Dracula has chosen them, there is no hope of escape. The final verse is a call to action to find and bind Dracula and drive a stake through his heart.

Overall, the lyrics of Dracula's Castle capture the horror and terror associated with the legend of Dracula. It warns the listener to be vigilant and ready to fight off the vampire's attacks.

Line by Line Meaning

Won't you look into my world
Will you take a closer look at what I see and experience in my world?

What do you see
What is your interpretation of the things you perceive in my world?

Can't you free the chains
Are you capable of loosening the restraints that confine me?

Or do you hold the key
Do you possess the means to release me from my captivity?

When you reach the end
As you near the conclusion of your journey,

The corners of your mind
The deepest recesses of your thoughts

What will you be what will you find
What sort of person will you have become, and what will you have discovered?

Will you find the answers
Will you be successful in discovering the truth?

To the questions that you ask of me
Regarding the queries that you posed to me?

Will you find your answers or will you
Will you uncover what you seek, or will

Find out that you weren't meant to be
Realize that your existence was not meant to be?

He floats through the air free as a bird on a wing
Dracula moves swiftly and effortlessly, much like a bird in flight.

A bat out of hell
He resembles a terrifying creature, similar to a bat, that comes from the underworld.

Just waiting for someone to sting
Dracula seeks out his next victim, yearning to inflict harm upon them.

Look to the skies I think you'll suddenly
As you gaze upwards, you might quickly realize that

Find out I say what I mean
Dracula's presence is real and his intentions are honest.

Silently stalking he pros by the light of the moon
Dracula moves silently, tracking his prey under the soft glow of the moon.

He climbs up your wall
Dracula is able to climb sheer surfaces, such as walls, with ease.

Just like Spiderman turned to a loon
He resembles Spiderman, but his madness makes him unpredictable.

Don't look in his eyes
Avoid making direct eye contact with Dracula at all costs.

He's got the power to make you think it's all a dream
Dracula has the ability to manipulate your perception, making you believe that what you are experiencing is not real.

Don't watch the mirror, you can't see his reflection, girl
Dracula lacks a reflection, so avoid looking at mirrors if you don't wish to alert him to your presence.

He can't be seen
Dracula is nearly invisible and very hard to detect.

Don't fall asleep tonight
Whatever you do, don't drift off to sleep tonight.

Or he'll find to his delight
If you fall asleep, Dracula will find you, and he will be pleased.

You may wake up in a castle as his bride
If Dracula does find you, he may very well take you back to his castle and make you his bride.

Don't you make no mistake
Be cautious and avoid making any errors.

You'd better lie awake
Stay awake for as long as you can.

With a hammer and a stake
Equip yourself with a wooden stake and a hammer.

Close beside you
Keep these items near you at all times.

Watch as he crawls through your windows
Be vigilant as Dracula attempts to infiltrate your location by crawling through an open window.

To feed on his prey
Dracula seeks to satisfy his hunger by attacking and consuming his victim.

Never again will you ever
Your life will never again be the same after this encounter with Dracula.

See the light of day
You may never be able to see daylight again.

There's no hope baby, you're his now
You are now hopelessly under his control and there is no escaping him.

And forever till death do you a part
You will remain Dracula's captive until the moment of your death.

You better find him and bind him
You must locate Dracula and immobilize him.

And bury him deep
Take great care in concealing Dracula's immobilized body, so that he cannot be released.

Go out and hunt him down people kill him in his sleep
Rally a team and make a concerted effort to hunt him down and kill Dracula while he slumbers.

Don't be afraid now, cause once you
Do not be afraid, because once you

Found him and bound him it's only the start
Have immobilized and concealed Dracula, the real work of ensuring that he will never escape has only just begun.

Pick up the stake now hold above you
Take the wooden stake that you possess and raise it above your head.

And drive it deep in his heart
Use all of your strength to plunge the stake into Dracula's chest cavity, ensuring that he will never rise again.

Contributed by Emma S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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