Helion Prime: Helion Prime

Forming in 2014, this self titled effort from Sacramento based metal outfit Helion Prime is their first; a liking for all things power metal and sci-fi fantasy driving on what is a convincing debut. Where things differ ever so slightly is that the meaty but melodic vocals are provided by a young lady, the fierce attack of Heather Michele Smith leading this band from the front, although it would appear she has subsequently headed for pastures new. Something that on this evidence is a shame, her controlled but confident display a perfect match for a brand of power metal that could similarly be described as both controlled and confident.

Lyrically, the reliance on space based themes and, ehhhhhhhh…… attacking dinosaurs may well prove a turn off for some but the over the top grandeur is balanced neatly against meaty, biting guitars. First song proper, "The Drake Equation" gets things under way with buzzing riffs and layers of vocals that loosely land somewhere between Anette Olzon and Floor Jansen. Although to suggest that Smith is operating at that high a water mark may be a little kind, but she's not far off. Adding a touch more drama to the simple formula "Into The Black Hole" adds intrigue and excitement through electro-layered voice and a serious kit pummel from drummer Justin Herzer (who is longer with the band either...). From there Helion Prime's mantra is pretty much set and while there's little that will really knock you sideways with its innovation or originality, it's pretty difficult to argue that "Apollo (The Eagle Has Landed)" isn't a prime slab of glistening metallic thunder. The slower "A Place I Thought I Knew" does reveal a different, more restrained side of this outfit but in all reality it is the melodic hammer fists of metal such as "You Keep What You Kill" and "Moon-Watcher" that make this debut offering as engaging as it is.

What the future holds for this band with new vocalist Sozos Michael (who replaced the short lived Kayla Dixon), only time will tell, but if it's anything like their virgin outing, then Helion Prime will be a name worth watching.

Track Listing
1. Into the Alien Terrain
2. The Drake Equation
3. Life Finds a Way
4. Into the Black Hole
5. A Place I Thought I Knew
6. You Keep What You Kill
7. The Ocean of Time
8. Moon-Watcher
9. Apollo (The Eagle Has Landed
10. Live and Die on This Day

Added: February 11th 2018
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Helion Prime online
Hits: 1297
Language: english

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