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.
Harsh Reality
Helstar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Envolkes hatred
Dividing man
Religion a tool of war
Thou shall not kill
Except for me
Politicians
Making secret deals
In secret places
Money changes hands
Life is never spared
The weak are opressed
The leader turn away
The kids are being sold
The game is called control
The homeless are a problem
Crime is the answer
Pretending is not there
Won't make it disappear
Injustice runs rampant
In the home of the free
If you don't believe me what they do
Then you're wrong
Violence, so they can pray in silence
Murder to prove a point
We are not created equal
Hypocrisy
Indignation
Greed
Dominance
Power
Defiance
The struggle for space
Radiation
Exploitation
Military defense
Starvation
Life is dying
Because of ignorance
We live in a mass of decadence
Impoverished ruins
Caused by prejudice
Escape through drugs
Is inevitable
The scourge is ineffaceable
Extended hands
Only want to take
Naiveté
Has no place
What a disgrace this life we live.
Why is the world so fucked up
The lyrics of the song Harsh Reality by Helstar are a powerful commentary on the state of the world, with a focus on some of the most pressing issues that plague society. The lyrics are characterized by their blunt, unyielding tone, urging listeners to take a hard look at the harsh realities of life and confront them head-on.
The first verse highlights the way in which things like color and religion can be used to sow hatred and divide people, ultimately leading to conflict and violence. It draws attention to the hypocrisy of those who promote religion as a means for peace, while engaging in war and killing in the guise of a higher purpose. The second verse turns to issues of politics and power, pointing out how politicians make secret deals and oppress the weak in order to maintain their control. This verse also touches on the sale of children and the prevalence of crime as a means for control.
The chorus is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to confront the brutal realities of the world we live in, and not pretend that they don't exist. The third verse continues to focus on the various forms of exploitation and the terrible consequences they have for individuals and society as a whole. The final lines express a sense of hopelessness about the state of the world, with the extended hands of those who only want to take, and naïveté having no place in the fight against the atrocities of the world.
Overall, Harsh Reality is a powerful, unflinching commentary on what the songwriter sees as the greatest ills of society. It is a call for action, urging listeners to confront these issues head-on and work towards a better world for all.
Line by Line Meaning
Color distorts logic
The perception of color can alter how one thinks and behaves, leading to irrational actions.
Envolkes hatred
It brings out intense feelings of hatred and hostility towards certain groups or individuals.
Dividing man
Creates a separation between people, leading to prejudice and conflict.
Religion a tool of war
Religious beliefs and practices are used to justify war and violence, leading to widespread destruction and suffering.
Thou shall not kill
A commandment from God to not commit murder, but often disregarded by those in authority.
Except for me
Those in power feel they have the right to commit murder, going against the religious teachings they claim to uphold.
Politicians
Elected officials who hold power and influence over the decisions and actions of a nation.
Behind their jovial faces
Despite their friendly facade, politicians often have darker intentions that they hide from the public.
Making secret deals
Politicians engage in backdoor negotiations to further their own interests and agendas.
In secret places
These deals are often conducted in secret and away from public scrutiny.
Money changes hands
Money plays a significant role in these deals, with many politicians being swayed by financial incentives.
Life is never spared
The consequences of these deals often result in innocent lives being lost.
The weak are opressed
Those who are vulnerable and powerless are often exploited and mistreated by those in positions of power.
The leader turn away
Leaders often ignore the plight of these individuals, choosing to focus on their own interests instead.
The kids are being sold
Children are often sold into slavery and human trafficking, a harrowing reality that many turn a blind eye to.
The game is called control
Those in power seek to maintain control over the masses, often at the expense of individual freedom and autonomy.
The homeless are a problem
Society often views the homeless as a nuisance rather than individuals who need help and support.
Crime is the answer
Many individuals turn to a life of crime as a means of survival in a system that is stacked against them.
Pretending is not there
Ignoring these issues will not make them disappear, and only perpetuates the cycle of injustice and suffering.
Won't make it disappear
Ignoring these problems only allows them to fester and grow, leading to even greater issues down the line.
Injustice runs rampant
Inequality and unfairness are pervasive in society, affecting countless individuals on a daily basis.
In the home of the free
The United States, often referred to as the land of the free, is not immune to these issues and struggles.
If you don't believe me what they do
Many may choose to deny the existence of these problems, refusing to acknowledge the harsh realities of the world.
Then you're wrong
However, denying these issues only perpetuates the harm and suffering they cause, making it crucial to confront them head-on.
Violence, so they can pray in silence
Those in power often use violence as a means of control, while also maintaining a facade of religious piety and devotion.
Murder to prove a point
Those in power will not hesitate to take lives to further their own interests, using violence as a tool to exert their dominance over others.
We are not created equal
Society often espouses the belief that all individuals are equal, yet systemic inequality and unfairness reveals this to be a falsehood.
Hypocrisy
Many in positions of power espouse certain beliefs and values, while their actions reveal a stark contrast and double standards.
Indignation
Many individuals feel a sense of moral outrage and anger at the systemic injustices and inequalities that exist in society.
Greed
The desire for wealth, power, and material possessions often leads people to act in selfish and harmful ways.
Dominance
Many in power seek to assert their dominance and control over others, leading to repression and harm.
Power
Power plays a significant role in the world, with those who hold it often using it to further their own interests and agendas.
Defiance
Many individuals and groups resist oppressive systems and power structures, fighting for their own autonomy and agency.
The struggle for space
Individuals and groups often compete for resources, with those in power seeking to maintain their dominance over these resources.
Radiation
The harmful effects of radiation on the environment and public health, often as a result of human practices and policies.
Exploitation
The act of using others for personal gain, often through unethical and oppressive practices.
Military defense
Military might is often seen as necessary for protecting a nation, yet it can also lead to unnecessary suffering and destruction.
Starvation
Millions of individuals around the world struggle with food insecurity and starvation, a result of systemic inequality and poverty.
Life is dying
The environmental degradation and climate change occurring around the world is leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
Because of ignorance
Many of the problems and struggles in the world are perpetuated by a lack of understanding and awareness, with many individuals and groups refusing to confront these issues.
We live in a mass of decadence
Society is often characterized by excessive consumption and materialism, leading to a mass of unfulfilled desires and false hopes.
Impoverished ruins
Many communities and societies are left in ruins, impoverished and struggling to survive as a result of systemic inequality and oppression.
Caused by prejudice
Discrimination and bias against certain groups leads to systemic inequality and oppression, perpetuating a cycle of suffering and harm.
Escape through drugs
Many individuals turn to substance abuse as a means of escaping the harsh realities of the world, leading to addiction and harm.
Is inevitable
Despite efforts to combat addiction and drug abuse, many individuals continue to struggle and suffer as a result.
The scourge is ineffaceable
The damage caused by addiction and drug abuse is often irreversible, leading to long-term harm and suffering for individuals and communities.
Extended hands
Many individuals and organizations offer help and support to those in need, seeking to alleviate the suffering caused by systemic injustice and harm.
Only want to take
However, many individuals and groups who offer help often have their own interests and agendas, leading to exploitation and harm.
Naiveté
Many individuals are unaware of the systemic inequality and injustice present in the world, leading to a lack of empathy and understanding.
Has no place
In a world where systemic injustice and harm exist, naiveté only perpetuates the cycle of suffering and oppression.
What a disgrace this life we live.
The systemic inequality and oppression present in the world is a tragic and disgraceful reality, leading to untold suffering and harm for millions of individuals around the world.
Contributed by Sydney M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.