My first attempt to make a longer form, text-centric section.
Please excuse my Engrish.
Highlights : IN MY IMAGE, DEVIL WOMAN, DON'T CRY BABY
Rough, but decent heavy metal album. The most standout thing here is James Rivera vocals, which sounds like a mixture of Bruce Dickinson & Rob Halford.
Highlights : Burning Star, Run With the Pack, Towards the Unknown
1986 is the year of thrash, and Helstar joined the trends. You could hear the Metallica-esque chugs on these songs. The problem is, some of the songs are a bit monotonous due to it's similarity with each other.
Highlights: Evil Reign (DEM RIFFS), Suicidal Nightmare, Angel Of Death
A Distant Thunder fixes the monotonous aspects of Remnants of War by dialing down the thrash bits, resulting a varying song structures.
Highlights: Scorcher, Genius Of Insanity, Winds Of War
The album that defined Helstar's style & identity. Potent mix of Heavy & Thrash metal, even better than Remnants of War & A Distant Thunder.
To fit with the album's "vampire" theme, Rivera approaches a more operatic vocal style, which further boosts the band's originality. Plus tight, and sharp guitar works.
Highlights: Baptized In Blood, Swirling Madness, Aieliaria And Everonn