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Florida power/trad metal outfit Helms Deep had us at “bassist John Gallagher.” Apologies to the other members, who all appear to be quite solid, but if Raven vocalist/bassist Gallagher is involved, we’re already there. And, yeah, “Chasing the Dragon” doesn’t disappoint. Helms Deep is actually the project of guitarist/vocalist Alex Sciortino, who formed the band a few years back. HD’s indie debut, Treacherous Ways, was released in 2023 (later reissued by Nameless Grave) and featured Raven drummer Mike Heller, along with Gallagher. This time around the band has expanded to included second guitarist Ray DeTone, and Hal Aponte has replaced Heller. The track we’re premiering offers a speedy power metal punch, with guitar acrobatics, a punchy chorus and relentless energy.
Chasing the Dragon was recorded in 3D, with guitarist DeTone co-producing with Sciortino. It was re-amped by Lasse Lammert and Detone with DeTone handling the mixing at Dancetone Music Studio. Mastering was done by Andy Van Dette (Deep Purple, Bruce Dickinson, Fates Warning, Girlschool, Rush, Savatage). It will be available on double LP (with silkscreened D-side), CD and digitally via Nameless Grave Records on June 20. Place your preorder here or here.
Sciortino had this to say about the title track to the outfit’s new album:
“‘Chasing The Dragon’ was dubbed the title track since the writing and recording of the album was completed in the Chinese Year of the Dragon (coincidence or fate?) and we went with that as the theme for the album. It’s a good showcase of the band’s speed with some interesting subtle elements in the intro, like soprano guitar—something you don’t hear often in metal—which sounds kind of like a harp. It was chosen as a single because it’s one of the catchier, more concise songs on there, where others are longer and a bit proggier.”
The post Track Premiere: Helms Deep – “Chasing the Dragon” appeared first on Decibel Magazine.
