HELM’S DEEP - Chasing The Dragon CD
HELMS
DEEP was formed in 2017 by guitarist and vocalist Alex Sciortino with
the initial vision of forming a raw 1980s-style speed/power metal band
of the likes of bands like Riot, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, while
blending the genre with the ambiguity and atmosphere of prog and fusion
when called for. Between vocals and guitar, Sciortino’s inspiration for
songwriting ranges drastically, from all the ‘80s metal bands we know
and love to a labyrinth of ‘70s rock, fusion, and prog which were his
foundation on guitar. This project had been in the works for around five
years before he linked up with drummer Mike Heller (Raven, Malignancy,
ex-Fear Factory) and bassist John Gallagher (Raven) and got to work on
the first HELMS DEEP album, Treacherous Ways. Following a brief, initial
independent release on Bandcamp, the band was quickly discovered by
Nameless Grave Records, who signed the band for an official release in
2023. During the tracking of Treacherous Ways, Sciortino hit a jolt of
inspiration and wrote eleven more songs for a follow-up album, which now
arrives as the glorious odyssey titled Chasing The Dragon. Though the
debut was lauded and gained the project an international following, its
follow-up would be created with a different focus. Sciortino enlisted
drummer Hal Aponte (Ice Age) for a more organic and progressive feel and
brought in his guitar uncle and teacher from his early years, Ray
DeTone (Paul Di’Anno’s Killers) on second guitar, with Gallagher and
himself remaining consistent. Chasing The Dragon was recorded in 3D,
with DeTone on the left channel, and Sciortino on the right, with the
massive Aponte and Gallagher rhythm section gluing it all together.
Boasting the larger four-piece lineup with this recording setup, the
second album presents a much more organic and live sound, which resulted
in minimal editing and a focus on and capturing the personality and
humanity in each member’s performance. Joining Sciortino’s soaring and
newly refined vocals, DeTone’s wailing and eclectic guitar style,
Gallagher’s ludicrous and thunderous baselines, and Aponte’s vicious
timing and creativity, the album features unorthodox folk instruments,
with guests Liang Wu supplying erhu and Cliff Hackford supplying Tabla.
Chasing The Dragon demonstrates an explosive and intriguing
metamorphosis of HELMS DEEP, leaving listeners with high hopes for more
to come. An eclectic and raw blend of power and speed metal with
elements of prog and fusion.
Highly recommended for fans of Savatage, Raven, Crimson Glory, and Satan.
Manufacturer / Label : Nameless Grave Records