Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
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Band
Helstar
Title
This Wicked Nest
Type
LP/EP
Company
AFM
YOR
2014
Style
Thrash
5/1/2014 - Review by: Eric Compton

Helstar
This Wicked Nest

Company: AFM
Release: 2014
Genre: Thrash
Reviewer: EC

  • Back-to-basics power thrash



  • Thirty one years later this Texas outfit releases their ninth studio record. In comparison Overkill has been active since 1983 as well and have seventeen releases. Like most veterans at this point in time, the revolving door on lineups has been constant. Singer James Rivera and guitarist Larry Barragan are the only original members left but this album features bassist Jerry Abarca and guitarist Robert Trevino, both long time alumni since 1985. The only genuine newbie is drummer Michael Lewis who has been floating around since 2004. "This Wicked Nest" is the fourth Helstar release for AFM in the past seven years and continues the back-to-basics power thrash sound that the denim and leathers crave. It is hard to find fault with this sort of sincere true metal ethics and old school approach. Opener "Fall of Dominion" sets the tone with earsplitting wails from the ageless Rivera, momentarily utilizing some screeching rough vocals to counter the outrageous falsetto. "Souls Cry" and "Defy the Swarm" are electric thrashers that move galley-west with galloping riffs and extremely busy hands from Lewis. Interesting additions of emotional ballad "Cursed" and instrumental "Isla de las Munecas" help to offset the high energy momentum. Overall this is another fine addition to the Helstar catalog and AFM’s fruitful offerings for 2014. Albums like "This Wicked Nest" espouse the belief that US metal is still very relevant and alive and that, my friend, is a very good thing.


    • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
      4 :AVE RATING

    ALL REVIEWS FOR: HELSTAR
    TITLE
    DOR
    COMPANY
    REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
    Glory Of Chaos
    2010
    AFM
    Eric Compton1/17/2011
    4.5
    This Wicked Nest
    2014
    AFM
    Eric Compton5/1/2014
    4
    Vampiro
    2016
    Ellefson Music
    Eric Compton9/13/2016
    3

    ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: HELSTAR
    INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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