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.

Warthur I personally think that A Distant Thunder just has the edge on it, but make no mistake - Helstar's Nosferatu is a great little US power metal album, easily on a par with Remnants of War. The recurring vampire theme seems to have helped the band focus their sound for this one, bringing their incorporation of thrash metal influences into a power metal context to a final, polished form. Helstar are one of those groups who have rarely been able to make two studio albums in a row with the same lineup (in fact, I believe this is the first of only two times they managed it), and the extra cohesiveness that resulted from the team working together really helps.

Unitron Helstar-Nosferatu

After the masterpiece that was 'A Distant Thunder', Helstar comes back a year later to make an even stronger masterpiece of a concept album. 'Nosferatu' is a concept album about the vampire Nosferatu and actually uses sound clips from classic vampire movies, which really adds to the sound.

The album begins with the serene to chaotic intro 'Rhapsody in Black', which transitions perfectly into the Helstar classic 'Baptized in Blood'. The song starts out with shredding guitar and double bass, and Rivera's voice soon fades in. During the bridge the guitar and pounding drums compliment each-other perfectly, and soon a great solo comes in. I find it hard to describe such a masterpiece. Another favorite of mine 'Sleep Per Chance to Scream', which begins with a sound clip from an old vampire movie. Barragan's guitar shredding combined with Rivera's low menacing vocals just fits perfectly. The solo at the bridge comes in at perfect timing after it appears to be signaled in.

The instrumental 'Perseverance and Desperation' is an amazing prog-thrash piece, with relentless guitar soloing and a beautiful acoustic bridge. Next is probably my favorite song on this flawless album 'The Curse has Passed Away'. The song begins with beautiful acoustics and cold low vocal by Rivera. The electric guitar soon kicks in, and the chorus feels very heartfelt with sweet guitar shredding and Rivera's vocal being very powerful. 'Benediction' is yet another favorite, having a very loud feel to it. Rivera gives an amazing vocal performance on this track, constantly shouting and singing with amazing power. 'Harsh Reality' is a great thrash track, with constant tempo changing and awesome lyrics. i'm sure everyone will find it hard not to head-bang to this song.

The lyrics are mostly about vampires, fitting in with the concept. The song 'Harsh Reality' though has lyrics more akin to thrash lyrics at the time. Political lyrics with the best ending sentence to any song ever, 'Why is the world so fucked up?' Couldn't have said it better myself Rivera.

Overall, This is Helstar ultimate masterpiece. There are no weak moments, and I'm sure any fan of thrash, speed, and power metal will find immense enjoyment out of it. Underrated, and an essential album for any metal collection.

Hope you found this review helpful

Feel free to leave a comment!

LightningRider Helstar reached a creative peak with their third studio album, A Distant Thunder" which was quirky and diversified much like "Deep Purple in Rock" was. The follow-up, Nosferatu, was different. It focused on the brutality of speed metal and US Power Metal, and the album was much darker because of its vampyric lyrics and more well-produced, as well as more technical. Some of the band's most incredible solos are featured on this album, notably on "Baptized in Blood" and "The Curse Has Passed Away."

Having said that, I prefer A Distant Thunde" because the album was more diverse and unpredictable. Many of the songs on "Nosferatu," while brilliantly played, sound the same. Their overall goal is shared: be a dark and well-produced metal album with neoclassical technicality.

Ironically, this is considered to be Helstar's best album because of the technicality. To say that this isn't one of US power metal's greatest technical achievements would be a fallacy. There are plenty of moments of sheer brilliance in Nosferatu that many guitar players can only hope to compose. If this artistry was paired with the variety featured on A Distant Star, it would have been US power metal's crowning achievement.