Biography
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Years Active
1982 – present (43 years)
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Founded In
Houston, Harris County, Texas, United States
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Members
- James Rivera
Helstar is an American heavy metal band formed in Houston, Texas, in 1982 by guitarist Larry Barragan. They became known as a significant influence in the emerging American power metal scene of the mid-1980s. The band began with a traditional heavy metal style and released their debut album "Burning Star" in 1984 on Combat Records, followed by "Remnants of War" in 1986. Internal conflicts and lineup changes marked this early period, but Helstar continued to build a following, including opening for Stryper at the Sam Houston Coliseum in 1985.
In 1987, the band relocated briefly to Los Angeles, underwent more personnel changes, and signed with Metal Blade Records. With the addition of guitarist André Corbin and drummer Frank Ferreira, they released "A Distant Thunder" in 1988 and toured with acts like Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. Their 1989 album "Nosferatu", inspired by the Dracula film, is often regarded as their strongest work. However, the departure of key members in 1990 led to the band's temporary dissolution.
From 1990 to 2000, Helstar released several demos and the 1995 album "Multiples of Black", which received a poor reception. Vocalist James Rivera remained active during this time, working with bands such as Seven Witches, Distant Thunder, Chaotic Order, and Destiny's End.
Helstar reunited multiple times starting in 2001, with Rivera and bassist Jerry Abarca at the centre. In 2006, Rivera and Barragan rejoined with members from the "Remnants of War" era, releasing a re-recorded collection titled "Sins of the Past" and the new album "The King of Hell" in 2008. Abarca stepped back from the band in 2013 due to illness, with Mike Lepond and Garrick Smith handling live performances. The band released "This Wicked Nest" in 2014 and "Vampiro" in 2016, with Andrew Atwood joining as second guitarist. Their most recent album, "Clad in Black", was released in February 2021, and a new album was in development as of December 2023.
U.S. metal veterans HELSTAR released their eleventh studio album, "The Devil's Masquerade", on September 12, 2025.
HELSTAR is:
James Rivera - vocals
Larry Barragan - guitars
Mikey Lewis - drums
Garrick Smith - bass
Alan DeLeon Jr. - guitars
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