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HELMS DEEP – “Chasing The Dragon”
HELMS DEEP – “Chasing The Dragon”
By Bob Burner
Here we have the second album by studio project HELMS DEEP, titled “Chasing the Dragon.” The band was created by musical mastermind Alex Sciortino who yet again brings some fresh air to the metal masses. By his side on this journey is John Gallagher on bass from the band RAVEN who helps bring a spotlight to this special project and also now bringing in ICE AGE drummer Hal Aponte and Ray DeTone from PAUL DI’ANNO’S KILLERS on second guitar. This is the next step in the evolution of this project and you can hear the growth and maturity in each song. The band is now weaving in some hints of progressiveness into their solid mix of traditional metal. It is great to hear a change with any new album but not to where it changes what the band is and sounds like. Like a rocket ship into space, this is a perfect step in the right direction.
For those who missed out on the debut record “Treacherous Ways” which is also highly recommended and still available via Nameless Grave Records. This second album blasts into a new world and vibe. After a quick intro the album leaps right into a heavy dose of twisting and turning music and one where every song stands out on its own. What I love about this first song is the almost robotic smooth vocals which work so well till the chorus explodes onto some high pitched wailing which brings the song “Black Sefirot” to a new level. This mix of vocal styles really makes this song stand out in a lot of ways.
The next song is the title track “Chasing the Dragon”, which sounds like someone opened a time portal to the 80’s and ripped this song from that time period and jammed it on this album. With a sing along chorus, high speed dueling guitars and thundering drums this one is a high point of this release. While not as progressive or layered as some of the other tracks on this album this one works so well with the rest as the bridge or the gateway to the rest.
A longer song is next titled “Craze of the Vampires” which is one of my favorites. There is a lot going on vocally and musically with this track. I love the shift in vocal style during this song from clean to high pitched and the amount of amazing guitar work is just jaw dropping. The harmonies will stick with you for a long time like a vampiric curse, but in a good way. While not normally a fan of longer songs for traditional metal this one does not wear out its welcome even during the more subdued middle part. It is all about build up and this song has it.
“Flight of the Harpy” kicks into high gear on this musical voyage and continues to keep the listener engaged with many layers to enjoy. The vocal harmonies and hooks are what make this one a winner along with a more mid paced song “Red Planet” which brings the speed down to a “cruising the galaxy” feel. It was a very bold and brave move of having a long instrumental track “Shiva’s Wraith” close out this musical journey through space and time but it works and a good solid way to close off this album.
I know many look past studio projects due to the fact they know that they may never get to hear these amazing songs played live but “Chasing the Dragon” by HELMS DEEP is one that everyone should check out. It is full of catchy, well crafted songs which will stick with you for days after listening. It is great to see this project still going strong and I can’t wait till they put out their next album to see where they evolve to next. If you love classic metal and traditional metal with soaring vocals, insane leads and hooks, riffs from beyond this universe and an album with no padding, I highly recommend this one. HELMS DEEP have done it again with striking dragon’s gold! Pick this one up as soon as possible.
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