Forgotten Gem: Helstar-Burning Star

Nosferatu Records 1984

Serious fan's of heavy metal should already be familiar with the band Helstar. Featuring the vocal talents of James Rivera (Seven Witches, Vicious Rumors and Destiny's End) Helstar have been around on and off since 1982. Released in 1984 Burning Star might not be considered Helstar's finest moment (some would argue 1989's Nosferatu holds that honor) but it is classic American heavy metal start to finish. From the opening of "Burning Star" your treated to classic 80's metal. Tracks like "Run With the Pack" and "Leather And Lust"are fists in the air metal. Certainly a period piece Burning Star defined what 80's metal was. It was about flashy guitars, catchy lyrics, soaring vocals and a devil may care attitude. By today's standards this would not be considered overly heavy but for 1984 this was metal at it's finest. Listening you can imagine a generation of kid's playing this loud on their record players dreaming of heavy metal stardom. Overlooked by too many Burning Star is a great start for a band that continues to put out great material. If your a fan of 80's metal like I am these are the type of releases worth adding to your collection. Play it loud and proud.