Helms Deep Chasing The Dragon Review
Helms Deep
Chasing The Dragon
Nameless Grave Records
2025
The Metal winds howl once more, and Helms Deep has returned, sword sharpened, amps blazing with their sophomore slab of steel, “Chasing The Dragon”. Released via Nameless Grave Records, this album sees the band doubling down on their love letter to the glory days of Heavy Metal and the hallowed NWOBHM sound. That latter influence is stamped in blood by none other than legendary Raven bassist/vocalist John Gallagher, who handles low-end duties here.
Now, before you get your leather britches in a twist, no, Gallagher isn’t handling lead vocals. I was mildly bummed by that too. But let’s not miss the forest for the riffs. Gallagher may not be on the mic, but the man is tearing up that bass. This isn’t your standard four-string thud. This is an experienced warrior showing he’s still got new tricks in his arsenal.
Their debut, “Treacherous Ways”, came out of nowhere and landed like a fireball, leaving a smoking crater of praise in its wake. Expectations, naturally, were sky-high this time around. With “Chasing the Dragon”, the band tries to soar even higher, but whether they hit the mark depends on what flavor of Metal fuels your veins.
Musically, the album gallops like a warhorse, riffs slicing, drums pounding, and the spirit of denim-and-leather glory pulsing strong. There are moments where it fully clicks, that old school Metal ecstasy that hits you right in the chest. But vocally, I’m a little torn. It’s not bad, not by any means. But at times it feels worn, less battle cry, more journeyman chant. Maybe it’s the more pronounced Prog leanings creeping into the mix this time. And look, I get it, some folks thrive on that complexity. Me, I want my Heavy Metal loud, proud, and straight to the gut. Give me soaring Priest-style falsettos that peel paint off the walls. I want to smell the stage smoke and feel the amplifier tubes melting. I want the sky to crack open when that chorus hits.
Then there's the production, less polished than the debut, and that’s where I struggle. It’s rawer, looser, a little grittier… Maybe even intentionally so. But in this case, a cleaner, more explosive mix might’ve given the vocals and melodies the lift they deserved. As it stands, it’s a solid effort, but doesn’t quite punch as hard or shine as bright as it could’ve.
Still, don’t get me wrong: this is a damn fine record. Helms Deep are clearly in love with the roots of this genre, and that passion bleeds through every note. Classic Metal fans, especially those who cut their teeth on the Metal glories of the early '80s, will find a lot to bang their heads to here.
Standout Tracks: “Black Sefirot,” “Chasing the Dragon,” “Craze Of the Vampire,” and “Cursed” – all worthy entries into the Heavy Metal cannon.