Helstar - Glory of Chaos
AFM Records
Speed/Thrash Metal
10 songs (44:35)
Release year: 2010
AFM Records
Reviewed by Thomas

After their frantic, fantastic first four albums, the road got a bit bumpy for Helstar including some below average albums as well as split-ups and reunions for different occasions. Finally, Rivera resembled the Remnants of War-line-up, got their shit together and released The King of Hell back in 2008. Considering their last proper album was released in 1995 in the shape of the pretty bad and faceless Multiples in Black, King of Hell got fairly good criticism for what it was, yet never came close to the classics and was probably forgotten by most at the end of that year. On the other hand, they showed with that particular release that they're as heavy as ever, as skilled as almost thirty year ago and was able to churn out a respectable and appealing album without any fancy twists and turns. In other words, of course they can write more head-bashing speedy thrash metal that definitely will turn some metalheads. With Glory of Chaos they hit the nail straight on the head.

This is quite possibly the heaviest thing they ever did, and it's a motherfucking beast! When I first got the promo, spun it and listened half-heartedly, my jaw dropped. Yes it sounds modern, but it's chock-full of thrash, speed and fiery, hellish madness that will undoubtedly spawn some serious tickling in your neck. The guitars are borderline modern Exodus-sounding, but have a bit more edge to them as well as sounding more heavy and less annoying than their bay area colleagues. They waste no time with the deadly opener Angels Fall to Hell. It kicks ass, takes names, and leaves no survivors with razor-sharp riffs at breathtaking speed. Rivera sounds fantastic, and is possibly the best in the business right now, at least when you take the other veterans into consideration. Pandemonium continues with the same furious passion for violence. The guitars chug and gallop, while the drums cause trauma in the shape of a good old-fashioned hammering. Monarch of Bloodshed is the first of many climaxes, with tons of drive, crushing riffs and drumming as well as Rivera's fierce vocal work, alternating between deep rumbling and high-pitched evil screaming. It's somewhat mid-paced yet leads smoothly into the faster, bashing Bone Crusher which will rip your face off with an arsenal of riffs as well as another snarling effort from Mr. Rivera. Summer of Hate slows things down a bit, which isn't all that bad after one brutal half. It's heavy and crushing, just like everything else, but still maybe the weakest song here. It has the least to offer in terms of quality and, but is in no way any kind of a let-down, just a nice break from all the fighting for survival among predators. Whatever lost with Summer of Hate is firmly re-established with Dethtrap anyway which delivers raging hurricanes of hate and madness via excellent song-writing, technique and skill from every band-member. Anger contributes exactly the same, before the murderous duo of Trinity of Heresy and Alma Negra kills whatever hope you have left with extreme aggression. Especially the latter will leave you fumbling for air in a pool of your own blood when it's done with you as it sums up everything this albums is about. Speed, metal, thrash, and a burning fucking passion that don't seem to blow out any time soon.

At the end of all things, I really have to hand it to them this time around. They have covered up every hole The King of Hell had, as this is thick as fuck, faster than most, heavier than everything, ripping you apart with every note they strike on this album. There's not a single low about this album, except the slightly lacklustre Summer of Hate and the space-wasting minute that is Zero Hour. This is a damn nice surprise for those who expect something along the lines of their last one. However, this is one hell of an improvement. So go get it!

Killing Songs :
All, but Monarchs of Bloodshed, Bonecrusher, Dethtrap, Trinity of Heresy and Alma Negra is my favourites.
Thomas quoted 88 / 100
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