Press release –US Metal legends HELSTAR return with their long-awaited 11th studio album, “The Devil’s Masquerade”, set for release on September 12th, 2025 through Massacre Records. The album will be available as a limited Mediabook, Ltd. Vinyl LP in various colors, and digital formats.
“The Devil’s Masquerade” marks a powerful return to the band’s roots, bringing back the classic creative chemistry between James Rivera (vocals) and Larry Barragan (guitars). The album was produced and mixed by Barragan at Hombre Malo Studios, and mastered by Robert Colwell at Colwell Mastering.
Lyrically, “The Devil’s Masquerade” dives deep into tales of vampirism, demonic possession, and mankind’s downfall – drawing inspiration from cult horror films and series such as Annabelle, Midnight Mass, The Exorcist: Pope, and even classic Twilight Zone episodes. Each track tells a story, blending myth, horror, and symbolism with Helstar’s trademark power.
The song “I Am the Way” features an all-star guest appearance by iconic Texas metal voices Robert Lowe, Jason McMaster, Travis Willis, George Call, Mike Soliz, Christopher Salinas, Drew Brown, Jeff Vandenburg.
Frontman James Rivera states:
“All I can say is that this album is every Helstar fan’s dream come true. Larry and I went back to the old-school way of working together, and you can hear that energy from the very first track. We’ve taken the bull by the horns, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic we’ve always created.”
From their classic debut “Burning Star” (1984) to milestones like Nosferatu (1989), and more recent releases such as “This Wicked Nest” (2014) and “Vampiro” (2016), HELSTAR have carved a unique and enduring legacy in US heavy metal. With “The Devil’s Masquerade”, the band once again proves their legendary status, delivering a fierce and uncompromising new chapter.
TRACKLISTING
1. Avernus
2. The Devil’s Masquerade
3 Stygian Miracles
4. Carcass For A King
5. The Staff Of Truth
6. Seek Out Your Sins
7. The Haunting Mirror
8. The Black Wall
9. Suerte De Muleta
10. I Am The Way
HELSTAR are:
James Rivera – vocals
Larry Barragan – guitars
Mikey Lewis – drums
Garrick Smith – bass
Alan DeLeon JR. – guitars
GUEST MUSICIANS:
Robert Lowe, Jason McMaster, Travis Willis, George Call, Mike Soliz, Christopher Salinas, Drew Brown, Jeff Vandenburg guest vocals on I am the Way
SONG BREAKDOWN:
As far as stories and what songs are about well. Sure there is a few songs about Vampirism or I wouldn’t holed that title of VAMPIRO. This album also goes into subjects beyond that. The Devil, the fear of dying and possession so I’m going to touch on the highlights. Such as the title track The Devil’s Masquerade is about the movie Annabel and not the devil. Stygian Miracles is totally about Vampires but based from the Netflix series called Midnight Mass. The Staff Of Truth is about the Twilight episode where this homeless guy sets the devil free from captivity. Seek Out Your Sins is about the movie The Exorcist Pope but in our story the devil wins. However the highlight is I am the Way that was inspired byt Dio’s We’re Stars. So I gathered the best and well know Texas metal singers to join me on this song that is a bout a legion of Vampires and the Devil who have gotten sick of what mankind has done to this world and it is time we take over!
UPCOMING GIGS & FESTIVAL SHOWS:
09/27/2025 With Watchtower, El Paso, Tx. Rock House
European Tour starting in Greece and ending in Spain. End of November through middle of December. Dates to be all announced
DISCOGRAPHY:
1984 Burning Star
1986 Remnants Of War
1988 A Distant Thunder
1989 Nosferatu
1990 Demolition (Demo Cassette)
1995 Multiples Of Black
2000 Twas The Night Of A Helish Xmas (Live Album)
2001 The James Rivera Legacy (Helstar/Vigilante Split)
2007 Sins Of The Past
2008 The King Of Hell
2010 Rising From The Grave (Box Set)
2010 Glory Of Chaos
2014 This Wicked Nest
2016 Black Cathedral (Digital Single)
2016 Vampiro
2020 Black Wings Of Solitude (7” Single)
2021 Clad In Black
2025 The Devil’s Masquerade
