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.
Suicidal Nightmare
Helstar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where your dreams never end
To dwell alone
In me dead of the night
Become a corpse
So your soul can carry on
Death brings new life
Will you ride with morning dawn
Through away your pride
Your choice has been made
The noose hangs in your mind
Suicidal nightmare
Suicidal nightmare
You wait for the call
From the voice of unknown
The "dealer of death"
Suicide is his name
Your body grows numb
And your blood is running cold
Your life just flashes by
While your soul is being sold
The packs been made
The dealer smiles wide
The wheel of life stops!
In black sleep you drown
Suicidal nightmare
Suicidal nightmare
Suicidal nightmare
Suicidal nightmare
In your sleep a vision creeps
A dream you've not found
Just a nightmare
Made of molten black flames
Your soul tries to run
From a laugh known so well
But there's no escape
Once you fall into hell
Suicidal nightmare
Suicidal nightmare
Suicidal nightmare
Suicidal nightmare
The song Suicidal Nightmare by Helstar, is a heavy metal song that portrays the internal battle faced by an individual who is struggling with thoughts of suicide. The lyrics suggest that the person is tired of living and wishes to end their life. They desire to escape into a dream world with no end, to dwell alone, becoming a corpse so that their soul can carry on. The song highlights the fact that death brings new life and that the person has made a choice to end their life by hanging themselves.
The ominous tone of the song is created by the use of language and imagery that evoke feelings of despair, hopelessness and desperation. The lyrics speak of the dealer of death who awaits the person, offering them a way out. The idea of the wheel of life is prevalent in the song, with the person wanting to spin the wheel of death, overcome their pride and end their life. The song talks of the person's soul being sold, and once they have made the decision, there is no turning back.
In conclusion, Suicidal Nightmare by Helstar is a powerful song that addresses the struggles of someone dealing with suicidal thoughts. The lyrics are haunting, and the imagery created by the language is quite vivid, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you want to sleep
Do you desire to rest
Where your dreams never end
In a state where your visions carry on indefinitely
To dwell alone
To reside without companionship
In me dead of the night
During the darkest hours of night
Become a corpse
Transform into a lifeless body
So your soul can carry on
To allow your spirit to endure
Death brings new life
Passing away permits a fresh start
Will you ride with morning dawn
Are you willing to confront the upcoming day
Spin the "wheel of death"
Turn the means of demise
Through away your pride
Discard your arrogance
Your choice has been made
You have made a decision
The noose hangs in your mind
You are preoccupied with thoughts of suicide
You wait for the call
You anticipate a summons
From the voice of unknown
Concerning an unidentified speaker
The "dealer of death"
The purveyor of the end
Suicide is his name
The term for his service
Your body grows numb
You experience loss of sensation
And your blood is running cold
You are feeling very frightened
Your life just flashes by
Your existence quickly passes before you
While your soul is being sold
As your spirit is exchanged
The packs been made
The agreement has been established
The dealer smiles wide
He expresses great pleasure
The wheel of life stops!
The mechanism of existence ceases
In black sleep you drown
You succumb to a deep and dark slumber
In your sleep a vision creeps
As you slumber, an image appears
A dream you've not found
One that you have never encountered
Just a nightmare
Merely a bad dream
Made of molten black flames
Composed of scorching, dark flames
Your soul tries to run
Your spirit endeavors to escape
From a laugh known so well
Caused by a chuckle that is familiar
But there's no escape
However, there is no way out
Once you fall into hell
After you enter the realm of the damned
Suicidal nightmare
A dream of taking one's life
Suicidal nightmare
A vision of committing suicide
Suicidal nightmare
An extremely distressing dream about self-harm
Suicidal nightmare
A ghastly dream of ending one's own life
Contributed by Micah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.