Just a quick bit of advice before we start: before you give this album a listen, make sure your volume is turned right down (unless you want to pop your eardrums that is).
On of the UK’s most exciting mental band’s are set to release a high-octane, energetic new album ‘Your Pain Tastes Good’. After what can only be described as a rollercoaster of a year, the band are using their album to show fans that metal will always be around.
Helestios convey the message that no matter what, we need to move forward positively after the write-off that has been 2020. Admittedly, that’s not what I expected from a heavy metal band, but I like it.
Hailing from all parts of Europe, the band draw upon a number of different traditions to create this truly unique album. For example, there’s Latvian throat singing by bassist Agnis Aldins in ‘Sacrifice’ and ancient mythology used in ‘Black Storm’.
In their own words, the band ‘want to provoke people to think a bit deeper and realise there’s more than everyday mainstream media has to offer. There’s enough exciting stuff going on right now in various scientific fields, from uncovering very unusual facts about ancient history, to modern genetics and with our new understanding we should re-apply and re-view many things that we believe are cornerstones.‘
In the track ‘Black Storm’, this ethos is certainly noticeable. Immediately, you’re smacked in the face with a heavy guitar riff. Before you can stand back up, you get a swift right hook to the jaw from the booming drums; from the start it’s clear to see this won’t be a lullaby.
Whilst portraying the classic metal sound of bands like Metallica, Helestios bring a different vibe to the table with their unique lyrics and inspirations.
All the way through ‘Black Storm’ there is absolutely no let up. It’s got energy, pace and volume in abundance. The song carries on like this for a few minutes before we reach the end, where an amazing guitar solo brings the song to a crescendo. The quality of Stelios Aggelis on the guitar is truly something to behold; the man is clearly very talented.
Moving on, another lead track, ‘Sacrifice’, helps to cement what this band are all about. This time, the track starts off much calmer with some throat singing from Agnis, setting Helestios apart from every other metal band. The throat singing contributes to a building intensity in the track, getting you ready for the flourish of fury that’s to come.
One thing I’ve noticed is just how big a part the instruments play in this album. It’s not all about the vocals and lyrics. Especially in terms of the guitar playing, with the backbone of the whole album rooted in the impressive skills of Stelios Aggelis (lead guitar) and Ian Den Boer (drums).
In this track especially, the vocals taking a back seat creates a refreshing change. It allows you to appreciate the other aspects that have gone into making the album, without you being bombarded by everything at once.
Again, I have to give a special mention to Stelios for the guitar solo. The man has incredible talent and I’m so glad he’s given the freedom to show us what he can do.
If this sounds like a bit of you then you won’t have to wait much longer, the band’s album is due to release on December 18th.
For now, you can give them a listen on Spotify by following the link below
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helestios/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/helestios
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helestios_official/
Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/helestios
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClnmL-ukpMFTyWrrGo1Mcag
Check out the latest episode of The Quite Great Radio Show
Episode 3 of ‘Just Checking In’ is now out – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pNt2GF_LcA&t=197s
