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.
Possession
Helstar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
After taking my life full of joy
And still around when I don't want you near
You only wish is to fill me up with fear
You're possessing me
I don't like what I see
You're possessing me
You're controlling my thoughts day by day
You tell me lies and wrong games to play
And like a fool I do as I am told
While you just laugh as you steal away my soul
You're possessing me
I don't like what I see
You're possessing me
Oh! just set me tree
Daylight's fading, I'm lost and confused
It seems to me this game I'm gonna lose
Going insane our job is being done
Now are you pleased to know another
One you've won
You're possessing me
I don't like what I see
You're possessing me
Oh! just let me be
You're possessing me
I don't like what I see
You're possessing me
Hell! I don't want to see
The lyrics of Helstar's song "Possession" depict a situation where the singer is being controlled and manipulated by an external force. The first verse expresses the feeling of being played around with like a toy, after the entity has taken away the life full of joy. Although the singer does not wish to be near this force, it continues to fill them up with fear. The chorus highlights the possession that the entity has over the singer, controlling their thoughts and actions, making them a fool for playing wrong games and stealing away their soul. The second verse depicts the predicament reaching a point of no return where the singer is lost and confused and seems to be losing the game to the dominating force, driving the singer to the brink of insanity. The last chorus expresses the singer's deep-seated desire for the entity to stop taking over their life and just let them be.
Line by Line Meaning
You play around with me if I were a toy
You treat me like an object, as if I have no feelings or value.
After taking my life full of joy
You have taken away the happiness and contentment from my life.
And still around when I don't want you near
You persistently invade my personal space even when I have made it clear that I don't want you around.
You only wish is to fill me up with fear
Your sole desire is to instill fear and terror in me.
You're possessing me
You have a powerful hold over me, controlling my actions and thoughts.
I don't like what I see
I am aware of your actions and do not approve.
Oh! just let me be
Please release me from your grasp.
You're controlling my thoughts day by day
You have complete control over my mind, dictating my thoughts and actions.
You tell me lies and wrong games to play
You deceive me with falsehoods and convince me to participate in harmful activities.
And like a fool I do as I am told
I am foolishly obedient to your commands.
While you just laugh as you steal away my soul
You take pleasure in draining the life out of me and destroying my soul.
Daylight's fading, I'm lost and confused
I am feeling hopeless and bewildered as my life spirals out of control.
It seems to me this game I'm gonna lose
I feel that I am destined to lose in this unfair game.
Going insane our job is being done
Our relationship is driving me to the point of insanity.
Now are you pleased to know another One you've won
You derive satisfaction from the knowledge that you have gained another victim.
Hell! I don't want to see
I am vehemently opposed to continuing this toxic relationship, and want no part of it.
Contributed by Addison L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.