HELKER – Somewhere In The Circle

Label: AFM Records

Release Date: February 26, 2013

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by: ToddStar

Here comes another disc from a band I had never heard of.  2013 seems to be that year where I am going to be exposed to all sorts of new rock.  With an open mind I push play and wait to see what happens.  “Modern Roman Circus” starts this disc off.  The guitars are big and the vocals are even bigger.  The sound takes me back to listening to Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Dio; songs with strong vocals with an even stronger vibrato   “Just Be Yourself” follows and demonstrates these guys can play hard rock with the best of them.  The playing is solid, the tempo fast, and the singing is on the mark.  “No Chance To Be Reborn” brings the chugging guitar riffs, pounding drums, and killer bass line.  Add the vocals to the mix and you have a really good rock track.  This song screams out to be played loud as hell.  “Begging For Forgiveness” is another track that features the strong vocal and vibrato  much like the opening track.  The guitars drive the track while the rhythm section keeps time.  “Wake Up” is a heavier track with faster guitars and a great tempo.  This song adds a different feel tot he other tracks due to its tempo changes and variation from everything else on the disc thus far.  “At The End Of The Journey” keeps the energy of the last track while adding some of the hard rock 80’s vibe to the heavier mix.  The song keeps the pace of the disc on track while keeping it from sounding repetitive.

“Flying” slows things down a bit, exposing the softer side of the band and allowing the guitars to stretch out a bit and demonstrate their true abilities without squeals, pings, and big notes.  “Still Alive” brings the rock back.  The opening of this track – the chugging guitars and big drum sound – really drive home the point that this is a solid rock track.  This is one of the better tracks on the disc and is a very different, but quality, one-two punch when combined with the previous lighter track.  “Ghosts From The Past” has a mellow guitar interlude that opens the track, but don’t be fooled.  This rocker rears its head when the vocals, bass, and drums kick in.  The songs get stronger as the disc gets deeper.  “Inside Of Me” returns to the sound that kicked the disc off.  The fast tempo and big guitar sound, in addition to  the soaring vocals, make this another good rock song that is reminiscent of that big vocal rocker sound from the 80’s.  There is no doubt this is one of the strongest vocalists around today in the metal community.  “Dreams” is a balls out guitar rocker that has all the components of a great rock tune.  The vocals blend well with the music, while the band plays together and every instrument seems to get their moment in the spotlight.  This is a great way to close the disc.

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Category: CD Reviews