Helker: Firesoul

I don't need to imagine what Dokken and Accept mixed together would sound like because I am listening to Helker's new release Firesoul and totally enjoying pure power metal with a gifted vocalist Diego Valdez hailing from the supportive rock environment of Argentina. Helker has a signature "sound" that immediately sets them apart from classic power metal bands. You'll hear an edgy attitude that fights for its own attention while keeping to the basic rules of a good melody.

The opening tracks "Fight," "For All The Eternity" and "Playing With Fire" build the tone for an album forged from the melodic fires of 80's Lynch-like riffs backed by a muscular bass section confident in its dynamic direction. The enormous range of the lead vocalist is again present in the semi-ballad "Empty Room" which would make a fine single to highlight their retro-power metal bonafides.

Helker shifts again with the last three original tracks of the album "Stay Away, ""Break Your Chains" and the title track "Firesoul" to a Dio sounding vocal and a hefty speed thrash vibe that twists your head back in wonder. This band can easily do it all and more but found a way to fit most of their strongest cards into one wicked and worthy album.

There are two additional bonus tracks "Rise or Fall" and "Neon Knights" which are whipped into shape by leaving enough Black Sabbath and Ronnie James Dio to be respectful but arranging them into such a fashion as to remind you this band can steal your heart and yet convince you had it coming! Their rendition of "Rise or Fall" is a major accomplishment with a soulful haunting voice that harkens back to "Stargazer" from early Rainbow.

I cannot see a reason why Helker should not be a rising force in the melodic metal arena going forward. Their tools, talents and timbre are exceptional examples of the international language of music and what blessings its bestows on players willing to practice and perform to the heights of their influences and possibly beyond. Helker has redefined "down under" it no longer means Australia, it now means Argentina.

See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!

Track List
1. Genesis (Intro) 1:11
2. Fight 3:12
3. For All The Eternity 4:02
4. Playing With Fire 4:26
5. The One 6:16
6. Where You Belong 4:08
7. You Are In My Heart 4:59
8. Empty Room 4:11
9. Leaving Out The Ashes 3:53
10. Stay Away 3:14
11. Break Your Chains 3:37
12. Firesoul 3:52
13. Rise Or Fall (bonus track) 4:05
14. Neon Knights (bonus track) 3:42

Added: May 29th 2017
Reviewer: Mark Antony Rossi
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 2321
Language: english

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