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.
Toward the Unknown
Helstar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The battle raged with wrath
The warrior rides with sword at hand
Conquering his path
No one knows just where he goes
When the dust all clears
For he's nowhere to be seen
Some say he disappears!
Castles tower overhead
The warrior rambles on
He never stops to grace the night
He rides to meet the dawn
Kings beware immortal man
He'll surely strike you down
Determined in his lasting will
He's come to wear your crown
Look up to the mountains
Watch over the plains
Watch over your kingdom
The warrior's come to reign
Beware the stranger
He wants your throne
Riding aimlessly onward
Toward the unknown
Look out!
So if you see a cloud of dust
Headed straight your way
Forget about your pride to ride
And lead your knights to slay
You better turn and run like hell
It's best you stay alive
For cowards know a different pride
'Cause they are still alive
Look up to the mountains
Watch over the plains
Watch over your kingdom
The warrior's come to reign
Beware the stranger
He wants your throne
Riding aimlessly onward
Toward the unknown
The lyrics of "Toward the Unknown" are centred around a mysterious and powerful warrior who conquers everything in his path. The song begins with the imagery of vultures thriving and senseless battles being waged, as the warrior rides forth with his sword in hand. The lyrics suggest that there is something enigmatic about this warrior, as no one knows where he disappears to when the dust settles. The second verse speaks of the warrior's unending journey, as he rides towards the dawn and his determination to wear the crown of kings.
The chorus warns of the warrior's impending reign, commanding kings to watch over their kingdoms and beware the stranger who wants their throne. The final verse encourages listeners to flee if they see a cloud of dust headed their way, advising that survival is more important than pride. The song builds to a climactic warning - the warrior is coming towards the unknown, and no one knows what he will do.
Overall, the song appears to warn of the dangers of ambition and the thirst for power. The warrior is an embodiment of this warning, with his unrelenting drive to conquer and become king. The lyrics advise those in power to watch their backs and remain vigilant, lest they fall to someone who seeks to take their place.
Line by Line Meaning
The vultures thrive, the senseless drive
In a world of chaos and violence, scavengers and those lacking in reason prosper.
The battle raged with wrath
The conflict erupted with intense anger and fury.
The warrior rides with sword at hand, conquering his path
The hero journeys forth with his weapon ready, vanquishing any obstacle he encounters.
No one knows just where he goes, when the dust all clears, for he's nowhere to be seen, some say he disappears!
Once the commotion has subsided, the artist disappears without a trace, leaving his whereabouts unknown.
Castles tower overhead, the warrior rambles on
As the artist travels, the formidable towers of fortresses loom above him.
He never stops to grace the night, he rides to meet the dawn
Undeterred, the hero pushes on through the darkness to face the new day.
Kings beware immortal man, he'll surely strike you down
Rulers must be cautious of the unkillable hero, as he will inevitably defeat them.
Determined in his lasting will, he's come to wear your crown
The hero is ambitious and persistent, and seeks to claim the throne for himself.
Look up to the mountains, watch over the plains, watch over your kingdom, the warrior's come to reign
The hero has arrived to conquer and rule over the land, and all must be vigilant.
Beware the stranger, he wants your throne, riding aimlessly onward, toward the unknown
The unknown hero is a threat to those in power, as he seeks to usurp their reign and move towards his ultimate goal.
Contributed by Noah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robert Smithers
Can't believe he can still hit those high notes!!!
David Guajardo
Good word was he took precautions to take care of he's voice way back in the day it sure payed off for him.
GunNow
And still does in 2022! 😳
Fabio
Those ones lost by Geoff Tate
Scuba
Most UNDERRATED singer in Heavy Metal history!!
Abenla Jones
Too underrated... Such a great band!!
Kalamazoo River Valley Rails
James was my downstairs neighbor in California for 2 years.....he is an absolutely awesome guy and friend
PhotogV
Damn! I love Helstar! These old tunes still hold up!
PICKLEJUICE X2
My brother Paul Medina was the bass player. I remember when Hector the drummer used to come over to the house and they would wail!!! Back in early 80s
Spring Bloom
Nice. My friend and I went to Backstage at about 3 in the afternoon to get tickets and they were soundchecking. So we sat down and watched and they all-out did 3 or 4 songs for us, with all the stage antics and everything.