HELSTAR — Nosferatu (review)

HELSTAR — Nosferatu album cover Album · 1989 · US Power Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"Nosferatu" is the 4th full-length studio album by US heavy/power metal act Helstar. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in September 1989 (which is less than a year after the release of "A Distant Thunder" from November 1988). The lineup who recorded the predecessor is intact, which was a first between two Helstar albums at that point. It wouldn´t last long though, as Helstar went on a hiatus after the release of the album, until reforming again in 1995 with a new lineup.

The tracks featured on the first half of "Nosferatu" form a concept piece following the storyline from the Bram Stoker novel "Dracula". Some tracks feature audio samples of Frank Langella's performance in John Badham's film adaptation of "Dracula" from 1979. Stylistically the material on the album continue the US heavy/power metal style of "A Distant Thunder (1988)", but with a few additional thrash metal leanings. And I emphasize a few here, because this is predominantly US heavy/power metal and not thrash metal.

The musicianship is strong, with two guitarists playing powerful riffs, blistering guitar solos, and the occasional neo-classical influenced harmony lead part, a powerful pounding rhythm section, and James Rivera´s distinct sounding voice and commanding delivery in front. I can hear why some people would call his vocal style an aquired taste, but he has got a powerful set of pipes and a personal style that are hard not to find at least a little charming. Or in the case of the fans awe inspiring and praise worthy.

"Nosferatu" features a raw and organic sounding production, which suits the material on the 11 track, 42:50 minutues long album well. The rhythm guitar tone could have been a bit more powerful, but it´s not a major issue, and the production is generally of a good quality. The material are well written too with decent variation and intriguing moments throughout the album, so upon conclusion "Nosferatu" is a strong release by Helstar. This particular lineup may only have recorded two albums, but both are strong releases worth investigating for fans of US heavy/power metal. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.
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