Helms Deep – Chasing The Dragon
Release Date: 20th June 2025
Label: Nameless Grave Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Power Metal, Heavy Metal, Traditional Metal, Progressive Metal.
FFO: Savatage, Raven, Crimson Glory, NWOBHM, Satan, Omen, Saxon, Metal Church.
Review By: Rick Farley
Florida’s Helms Deep was formed in 2017 by guitarist and vocalist Alex Sciortino with the intention of bringing back a beloved time in music (early to mid-eighties) when fiery heavy/speed metal ruled the lands. Bands like Iron Maiden, Judas priest and Riot were the purveyors of all our headbanging and fist pumping needs. If you’re an old bastard such as I, you will absolutely and undoubtedly feel nostalgic listening to this and find yourself uncontrollably throwing the metal horns to the sky in fits of its dragon slaying heavy metal glory. If you’re younger and this is a newer sound to you, I’m slightly envious, whereas you have an entire history of great music to possibly discover from this.
Chasing The Dragon being released on Nameless Grave Records is the bands second full length album. Helms Deep had been in the works for several years before Alex hooked up with drummer Mike Heller (Raven, Malignancy, ex-Fear Factory) and bassist John Gallagher (Raven) and got to work on their debut album Treacherous Ways, which was initially released on Bandcamp before Nameless Grave Records signed them in 2023 for an official release. Wanting to create a more progressive and organic type of sound for the sophomore album, drummer Hal Aponte (Ice Age) and Ray DeTone (Paul Di’Anno’s Killers) as a second guitarist were recruited.
Chasing The Dragon is chock-full of killer guitar solos, sharpened heavy metal riffs, thunderous basslines, soaring highs and raspy vocals. The commanding drums drive each track like it’s marching forward towards battle. It’s a classic, raw blend of power and speed metal with elements of prog and fusion that transcends the genre. Anthem style vocals, epic power, beautiful acoustics, 70s style prog elements and the majesty of NWOBHM all shine bright in the bands personal love letter to traditional metal. The basslines are warm, fluid and given shine with melodious, virtuous runs while the rugged guitars rip and shred their way through the mix like fine blades through flesh. There’s an occasional thrashiness that rears its head for extra viciousness, and at all times the guitars are deep in the axe slinger realm. The snarling mid-range vocals can reach the highest of highs with extreme power and complete control over his voice. Much in the same way as Bruce Dickinson or Rob Halford, without actually sounding like either one. Chasing The Dragon is cohesive with songwriting being the most crucial element, but the musicianship from all members is second to none.
Production wise, the record is clear but presented in a live, raw way. It feels old school, with some modern touches. I do wish the guitars had a little more bite to them, riff wise. The leads and melodies sound amazing, however. The snare drum occasionally has an awkward snappiness that echoes, which gives it an odd sound in my opinion. It’s not a constant thing, but I do notice it in a few songs. Overall, though, the record truly sounds organically nostalgic and pleasing.
If you’re into majestic heavy metal with a taste for the dramatic, that’s not overdone or blatantly corny, I have no doubt you will love this. It’s hard to find bands like this in this day and age that’s not full of cheese and senseless wankery. Helms Deep sounds like they came directly from the early eighties in the best possible way.
(4 / 5)
