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.
Reality
Helstar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With hate-hate is no surprise
Words-words that only lie
Faith-faith that only dies
And now there's only one way I believe
I see the serpent, Adam, eve
The apple tree
I wish this could be another pretty song
The lyrics of Helstar's song "Reality" deeply resonate with the listener due to their raw intensity and imagery. The opening lines encapsulate the seductive power of hate with a mesmerizing gaze that traps its victim. The use of the word "lies" following "words" suggests a sense of confusion and misleading that intensifies the hypnotic nature of hate. This idea is further reinforced with the reference to "faith that only dies," illustrating the disillusionment caused by false prophets.
The line "I see the serpent, Adam, eve, the apple tree" highlights the religious connotations of the song, referring to the biblical story of the Garden of Eden. The allusion accentuates the idea of falling into temptation and becoming trapped in a cycle of sin, leading to the denial of love and eventual loss of faith. The repetitive nature of the chorus emphasizes the pervasive nature of hate and the inevitability of its ultimate triumph.
Despite the bleakness of the lyrics, the final line "I wish this could be another pretty song" suggests a yearning for simplicity and perhaps an attempt at catharsis, as if a wish for a solution that is just out of reach.
Line by Line Meaning
Eyes-eyes that hypnotize
Eyes that exert an irresistible influence
With hate-hate is no surprise
Hatred is expected and commonplace
Words-words that only lie
Language that is deceptive and misleading
Faith-faith that only dies
Beliefs that ultimately expire
And now there's only one way I believe
There is only one path that I follow
I see the serpent, Adam, eve
I perceive the narrative of temptation and corruption
The apple tree
The symbol of forbidden fruit and the ensuing consequences
And now I know love doesn't last so long
I now understand that love is not an enduring emotion
I wish this could be another pretty song
I desire that this sentiment was merely an aesthetic expression rather than a personal realization
Contributed by Thomas G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.