HOUSTON — As a pioneer of H-town heavy metal beginning with its 1984 debut album Burning Star that considers the Alamo City more than a second home, Helstar has made just a few sacrifices along the journey into 2026.
For vampirish vocalist James Rivera, however, none may have been more attention-getting or impressive than agreeing to not only whittle a 42-year career into a six-song set, but to do so at the bloodsucking brutal time of 1:45 in the afternoon.
But when it comes to playing its hometown — particularly for the eighth annual Hell’s Heroes festival at White Oak Music Hall that is the brainchild of Necrofier singer/guitarist and Night Cobra vocalist Christian Larson — this past Thursday’s performance was all in a day’s work for Rivera and his partner in crime, band founder and guitarist Larry Barragan.
Adorned in his customary black cloak and fang-like teeth jutting from the corners of his mouth, Rivera was no worse for the wear vocally despite the abnormal start time in 90-degree Texas heat.
On the contrary, Helstar brought heat of its own, making the most of its brief itinerary with five tracks from the first four albums plus “Carcass for a King” from terrific new effort The Devil’s Masquerade (setlist in 36-photo gallery). But it was the inclusion of the final track on second album Remants of War from 1986 — “Angel of Death” which Rivera said the band hadn’t played in 20 years — that wowed the audience just a little extra and stamped Helstar’s latest showing as magnifique (ATM footage below).
Barragan, who also plays lead in Spanish-singing metallers Santa Oscuridad, riffed his way with sheer intensity that woke up any fans still hung over from Wednesday night’s pre-party.
Rivera, who more than dabs his way around San Antonio stages also as part of James Rivera’s Metal Asylum and the South Texas Legion, found time after the set to make a cameo with Jag Panzer as that band performed its own 1984 debut Ample Destruction in its entirety (ATM footage here).
Along with veteran drummer Mikey Lewis — who also woke up those hurting from the night before with his ferocious pounding of the skins — and bassist Garrick Smith, Helstar’s latest addition is another component of its San Antonio-Houston connection: Alan DeLeon Jr., who joined two years ago, is also the guitarist for S.A. black metal group Fluxus Mortis as of last year.
Luckily, Helstar’s hard work in putting out new music four decades into its career has given fans another cause to check out the band anytime it plays live in the Lone Star State even though its members have every reason to rest on their laurels.
Then again, that wouldn’t be the Helstar or Texas way. No matter the time of day — or blood screeching night.
