Helstar-Glory Of Chaos (Limited Edition Version)

AFM Records
2011

For those paying attention Glory Of Chaos made my list of best albums of 2010. Originally released here in the states in digital format only this new edition features two bonus tracks-covers of "Heavy Metal Thunder" (Saxon) and "Animal Magnetism" (Scorpions). Both tracks are good in their own right even if they sound very little like the originals. As far as the regular material is concerned there is a reason it made my best of. Helstar have always been unsung heroes of heavy metal. As you may know from my review of Burning Star I think Helstar deserve more praise than they are given. Despite the busy life of vocalist James Rivera (and his various side projects) he has kept this band going over the years releasing quality metal that has grow out of their humble heavy metal roots to more of a speed metal/power metal sound. While their last studio album King Of Hell got mixed reviews from fans (personally I dug it) Glory Of Chaos pulls no punches and delivers a full on thrash attack. With a crystal clear production job Helstar come out with all guns blazing on the powerful opener "Angels Fall To Hell". This album aims for the jugular and never lets up. "Monarch Of Bloodshed" and "Bonecrusher" offer some of the hardest moments of Helstar's career. Filled with dynamic guitar solos and insane drumming Glory Of Chaos is an insane album. While I have read where some people complain because the production job sounds "too modern" I personally love how up front and punchy it is. This is in your face thrash. Sure James gets to show off his softer side on "Trinity Of Heresy" (which shows off amazing technical metal by the way) but make no bones about it Glory Of Chaos is HEAVY! "Alma Negra" is brutal metal and shows that Helstar can hang with the big boys of thrash. This is the album Helstar needed to make them household names. With the direction bands like Metallica are taking towards more of an accessible form of thrash Helstar embrace their roots and put it all out-laying all their cards on the table. The gamble paid off in this case. Glory Of Chaos is not only one of the best albums off 2010 but with this version 2011!