Review Summary: A solid speed exercise that misses a pinch of the Helstar theatrics
After nearly a decade since their last album, four if you count the Clad In Black EP-compilation thing, Helstar really wanted to kick down the door with their tenth full-length. The Devil’s Masquerade is within the band’s usual power-thrash wheelhouse but proves to be a different beast than 2016’s Vampiro, eschewing extravagance in favor of a leaner approach. The thirty-eight minutes runtime is closer to the length of 1985’s Remnants of War and a more pronounced rawness suggests some aspiration to return to those days.
However, such a straightforward execution doesn’t yield the most memorable results. The playing is still solid with the guitars driven by blistering molten chugs, the drums maintaining intense speeds, and vocalist James Rivera putting in his signature sneers with shrill shrieks. But without as many of the guitar acrobatics that have made the group’s best works pop beyond the instrumental “Sueta De Muleta,” things feel a little too meat and potatoes. It also doesn’t help that the production comes out cluttered, the drums and guitars seemingly competing for supremacy as the vocals go in and out of focus.
The songwriting is pretty competent but can feel somewhat one-dimensional with the focus on speed. Songs like the title track and “The Staff of Truth” are tight though the hooks don’t break through to becoming true staples while others like “Carcass For A King” see some decent fluctuations while keeping things lively. The closing “I Am The Way” ends up being the most standout track but it’s debatable as to whether it packs the strongest chorus or just feels that way due to the army of guest vocalists on board for whatever reason.
Overall, The Devil’s Masquerade is one of Helstar’s lesser efforts but has enough going for it to keep from truly faltering. As much as I appreciate the focus on fast-paced no-nonsense, the presentation can also feel plain with the songwriting occasionally slipping into interchangeable territory. We don’t need a second coming of Nosferatu (or rather third coming since Vampiro already exists) but I hope this could be a warmup for Helstar to pick their theatrics back up next time around.
