Album Review: Helms Deep - Chasing The Dragon
Reviewed by Richard Oliver
Returning for their second album are Florida classic metal enthusiasts Helms Deep. Founded in 2017 by guitarist and vocalist Alex Sciortino, the project really kicked into gear when Alex was joined by drummer Mike Heller (Raven, ex-Fear Factory) and bassist John Gallagher (Raven). A debut album “Treacherous Ways” landed in 2023 and was extremely well received with this second album “Chasing The Dragon” written during a period of inspiration whilst tracking the debut album. This time round the drums are handled by Hal Aponte (Ice Age) whilst a second guitarist has been added with Ray DeTone (ex-Paul Dianno) adding an extra level of axe attack.
“Chasing The Dragon” is a far more ambitious and progressive beast than its predecessor with more complex arrangements, folk instrumentation and being a slightly more unorthodox album whilst remaining true to the spirit of the speed metal and US power metal bands that have clearly influenced Sciortino. The progressive influences can be heard in songs such as the stunning ‘Craze Of The Vampire’, the powerful ‘Red Planet’ and the instrumental ‘Shiva’s Wrath’ which all boast some superb playing and a bolder sound. For fans of fist banging heavy metal you have the anthemic ‘Cursed’ and the glorious ‘Necessary Evil’ whilst those with a need for speed will be thoroughly satisfied by songs such as ‘Flight Of The Harpy’, ‘Frozen Solid’ and the relentless ‘Black Sefirot’.
Whilst the line-up may be boasting two new members, the performances and the chemistry between the four musicians is very much there. The bass work from the legendary Raven frontman John Gallagher is thunderous and full of flair, the drum work from newcomer Hal Aponte is powerful and intricate whilst the guitar work from Alex Sciortino and Ray DeTone is just superb with some excellent riffs and truly delicious solo work. The vocals from Sciortino are hat right mix of gruff and melodic and have that classic over the top 80’s metal feel to them which works perfectly with this style of metal.
“Chasing The Dragon” is another superb release from Helms Deep. It is unashamed 80’s metal worship with the sounds of power, progressive and speed metal bands from the latter half of the decade really influencing the sound. The album also has a very organic sound to it with many of the performances having been done live in the studio with minimal editing and also due to the production and mix. This is an excellent album of old school heavy metal worship and one that can easily be recommended to fans of bands such as Riot, Manilla Road, Crimson Glory and Savatage.
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