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.
To Sleep Per Chance to Scream
Helstar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The voice that chus out your name
I'm out for new blood
Tonight your soul I'll claim
You're the victim I endure
Parched I watch you sleep
Awakened to my stare
To sleep per chance to scream
I'm the prince of phantoms
Who's not inhabited hell
My telepathic powers
Weave you in my spell
Excuse my icy touch
I'm of corporeal structure
Join me in twilight existence
Eternal youth with one puncture
"To sleep per chance to scream"
Soon I'll have my kingdom
I'll be lord of the dead
In the land beyond death
Where even angels fear to tread
Can't you believe your eyes still
That I am for real
Do I send you a chill while I'm having my thrill
As I watch your blood spill that gives me my fill
For me another night for me another kill
The acrid smell of blood
I taste with my breath
Your last cling to my cloak
Next sunset you'll rise
Into immorality
Vampiric afterlife
Imprisoned for my needs
"To sleep per chance to scream"
The lyrics of "To Sleep Per Chance to Scream" by Helstar describe the persona of a vampire who stalks its victims at night. The song begins with the vampire declaring its power and capability to claim new blood. The vampire is depicted as someone to be feared, as they watch their victim as they sleep and await their awakening. The victim succumbs to the hypnotic power of the vampire, falling into a deep trance. In this trance-like state, the victim is not only sleeping but also screaming, which signifies their fear and surrender to the vampire's charm.
The vampire continues to describe its powers, which seem to be telepathic and invincible. The image of the vampire is somewhat terrifying, as they exist in a state of eternal youth and can only be stopped by a puncture to the heart. Eventually, the vampire will become the ruler of the land beyond death, where angels fear to tread. The vampire seems to enjoy the taste and smell of blood and is always on the lookout for another victim to claim.
Overall, "To Sleep Per Chance to Scream" is a dark and haunting song that paints a vivid picture of the persona of the vampire. Its lyrics are an excellent example of how metal bands often use horror themes to create vivid and terrifying imagery.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the one you fear
I am the cause of your fear.
The voice that chus out your name
I am the one who calls out your name.
I'm out for new blood
I am seeking new blood to consume.
Tonight your soul I'll claim
Tonight, I will take possession of your soul.
You're the victim I endure
You are the one I will victimize.
Parched I watch you sleep
I watch you as you sleep while I am thirsty for blood.
Awakened to my stare
You will wake up to find me staring at you.
In trance you're falling deep
You will fall into a deep trance.
To sleep per chance to scream
You may fall asleep, but it may turn into a nightmare.
I'm the prince of phantoms
I am the ruler of ghosts.
Who's not inhabited hell
I do not belong to the underworld.
My telepathic powers
I have supernatural abilities to communicate with others.
Weave you in my spell
I can manipulate your thoughts and actions.
Excuse my icy touch
I apologize for my cold touch.
I'm of corporeal structure
I have a physical body.
Join me in twilight existence
Join me in my life as a vampire.
Eternal youth with one puncture
I can grant you eternal youth with just one bite.
"To sleep per chance to scream"
Sleeping may lead to nightmares.
Soon I'll have my kingdom
Soon I will have control over my own domain.
I'll be lord of the dead
I will become the ruler of the afterlife.
In the land beyond death
In the realm of the afterlife.
Where even angels fear to tread
Even angels are afraid to go there.
Can't you believe your eyes still
Are you still in disbelief?
That I am for real
That I truly exist.
Do I send you a chill while I'm having my thrill
Do I make you feel uneasy when I am enjoying myself?
As I watch your blood spill that gives me my fill
Watching your blood spill satisfies my thirst for blood.
For me another night for me another kill
I will continue to seek more victims to satisfy my desires.
The acrid smell of blood
The unpleasant odor of blood.
I taste with my breath
I can taste the blood through my breath.
Your last cling to my cloak
Your last attempt at holding onto me.
Next sunset you'll rise
You will return to life as a vampire at the next sunset.
Into immorality
You will become an undead creature.
Vampiric afterlife
Your life as a vampire will continue into the afterlife.
Imprisoned for my needs
You are bound to me to satisfy my thirst for blood.
Contributed by Isaac L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.