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.
Run With the Pack
Helstar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No light- but the evil ones ore prowling
Pitch black - and their wicked eyes are on you
They attack - 'cause there's nowhere they can find you
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
Run with the pack
Screaming wind - from the valley of the dead
They'll win - the soul from you of which they led
They lie - but you listen just the same
You cry - but now tell me who's to blame
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
So now you run with the pack
Run with the pack
Midnight - can you hear the wolves are howling
No light - but the evil ones are prowling
Screaming wind - from the valley of the dead
They'll win-the soul from you of which they led
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
So now you run with the pack
Nowhere to hide
So run with pride
You run with me
You won't be free
Why don't you see
It's not a dream
No turning back
Run with the pack
Nowhere to hide
So run with pride
You run with me
You won't be free
So now you run, run, run...
Run with the pack
The lyrics speak of a frightening and dangerous situation in which the singer finds themselves. They are being chased by evil forces, represented by wolves and the screaming wind from the valley of the dead. The singer is the chosen one who is being hunted down and has nowhere to hide. Nevertheless, they refuse to give up and run with the pack. This may symbolize joining forces with other like-minded individuals or embracing one's inner strength to face challenges head-on.
The use of imagery throughout the song is quite vivid and creates a sense of tension and fear. The wolves and the valley of the dead are powerful and unsettling symbols that add to the ominous mood of the song. The repetition of the phrase "run with the pack" serves as a rallying cry for the singer and perhaps for the listener as well. It suggests the importance of solidarity and strength in facing difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Midnight-can you hear the wolves are howling
It's late night and the sound of wolves howling can be perceived
No light- but the evil ones ore prowling
Darkness surrounds while the wicked beings are wandering around
Pitch black - and their wicked eyes are on you
The environment is totally dark and the malignant creatures have laid their eyes on the person
They attack - 'cause there's nowhere they can find you
The enemies strike since there's no place to find a hideaway
Swirling you round, taking you down
The forces that stalk are spinning the person, making them disoriented and overwhelmed
You're the chosen one
The person is selected or targeted by the adversaries
You're looking back, you left your track
The person is walking away, yet they left behind evidence of their presence
So now you run with the pack
As a mark of survival instinct and protection, the person unites with the group of fellow survivors
Screaming wind - from the valley of the dead
The sound of howling wind is howling across a lifeless field
They lie - but you listen just the same
The enemies deceive with their words, and the person gets deceived even though they know they're lying
You cry - but now tell me who's to blame
The individual expresses regret, but they need to question who is at fault
Nowhere to hide
There's no place to conceal oneself from the danger
So run with pride
Therefore, run confidently and bravely
You run with me
Run alongside the singer, who's also among the survivors
You won't be free
There is no freedom to roam around individually anymore
Why don't you see
The person needs to comprehend the situation and the peril they're in
It's not a dream
This is real and not an illusion
No turning back
There's no chance of moving backwards, and it's necessary to persist in the battle
So now you run, run, run...
Therefore, continue to run incessantly
Run with the pack
Keep running with the fellow survivors
Contributed by Kennedy J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Harold Johan Ortegón
Midnight-can you hear the wolves are howling
No light- but the evil ones ore prowling
Pitch black - and their wicked eyes are on you
They attack - 'cause there's nowhere they can find you
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
So now you run with the pack
Run with the pack
Screaming wind - from the valley of the dead
They'll win - the soul from you of which they led
They lie - but you listen just the same
You cry - but now tell me who's to blame
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
So now you run with the pack
Run with the pack
Midnight - can you hear the wolves are howling
No light - but the evil ones are prowling
Screaming wind - from the valley of the dead
They'll win-the soul from you of which they led
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
So now you run with the pack
Nowhere to hide
So run with pride
You run with me
You won't be free
Why don't you see
It's not a dream
No turning back
Run with the pack
Nowhere to hide
So run with pride
You run with me
You won't be free
So now you run, run, run...
Run with the pack
nefos
Midnight-can you hear the wolves are howling
No light- but the evil ones ore prowling
Pitch black - and their wicked eyes are on you
They attack - 'cause there's nowhere they can find you
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
So now you run with the pack
Run with the pack
Screaming wind - from the valley of the dead
They'll win - the soul from you of which they led
They lie - but you listen just the same
You cry - but now tell me who's to blame
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
So now you run with the pack
Run with the pack
Midnight - can you hear the wolves are howling
No light - but the evil ones are prowling
Screaming wind - from the valley of the dead
They'll win-the soul from you of which they led
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
So now you run with the pack
Nowhere to hide
So run with pride
You run with me
You won't be free
Why don't you see
It's not a dream
No turning back
Run with the pack
Nowhere to hide
So run with pride
You run with me
You won't be free
So now you run, run, run...
Run with the pack
Harold Johan Ortegón
Midnight-can you hear the wolves are howling
No light- but the evil ones ore prowling
Pitch black - and their wicked eyes are on you
They attack - 'cause there's nowhere they can find you
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
So now you run with the pack
Run with the pack
Screaming wind - from the valley of the dead
They'll win - the soul from you of which they led
They lie - but you listen just the same
You cry - but now tell me who's to blame
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
So now you run with the pack
Run with the pack
Midnight - can you hear the wolves are howling
No light - but the evil ones are prowling
Screaming wind - from the valley of the dead
They'll win-the soul from you of which they led
Swirling you round, taking you down
You're the chosen one
You're looking back, you left your track
So now you run with the pack
Nowhere to hide
So run with pride
You run with me
You won't be free
Why don't you see
It's not a dream
No turning back
Run with the pack
Nowhere to hide
So run with pride
You run with me
You won't be free
So now you run, run, run...
Run with the pack
jjammmees
my favourite song on this album
Bert Ettema
Let there be Metal...let there be light...let there be....long live Helstar
Charles Hernandez
The jams from take to my zen and younger days I'm older now and run with the family pack
huy vu
until the light take us
Klenilton Carvalho
Sensacional banda!
Linda.
Tiger Mane
love the rhythm guitar- love this record and second
Michaelo deOliveira
I am number 100 who liked this incredible great song,but anyway,i can like it a hundred times more !!!!!
Phronexis Thrash
BEST HELSTAR SONG EVER
Rene Castillo
Favorite song by them.... Kickass...