HELSTAR is one of those typical US Metal bands that came to the scene in 1981, but it took them another two years before they got noticed with their 1983 Demo. That actually resulted in their debut album "Burning Star" being released in 1984, which caused quite a very positive stir at that time. After another three very good albums ("Remnants Of War" in 1986, "A Distant Thunder" in 1988 and "Nosferatu" in 1989) it took them another six years before they not only released "Multiples Of Black" but also disbanded in 1995. After a short spell in 2001 the band finally got back together in 2006. Now, some 19 years after reemerging they have released their 11th studio album to date. "The Devil's Masquerade" not only houses the typical US Metal they have always made, but with a difference. What has changed within HELSTAR over the years is the style of singing of James Rivera. Gone is the characteristic high pitched voice that he was using during the first spell of the band. He sings a lot lower now, which also helps him sound a lot more menacing and darker. He still goes up when he shouts or goes really loud, but that doesn't happen too often. What that has done for the music of HELSTAR is make them the possibility to make their brand of US Metal sound a lot Heavier, a lot less frivolous. It has added to the suspense that always has been and still is radiating through everything the band plays. "The Devil's Masquerade" can therefore be classed as one of the heaviest that HELSTAR has ever made. But what is even more important is that the music on "The Devil's Masquerade" also is just about the best that I have heard from HELSTAR in a long time. This is pure class. All songs are not only really Heavy, but they all tell a story, have a proper build and make sense from start to finish. I requested this one for reviewing because I wanted to know where the band would stand in the current Metal Market. The conclusion is quite obvious; with "The Devil's Masquerade" HELSTAR have been able to let the youngsters out there know that they not only are still alive, but that they really are a force that has to reckoned with. And that is something I had not expected. I therefore bow to HELSTAR after listening to "The Devil's Masquerade" multiple times.