Chasing the Dragon by Helms Deep

HELMS DEEP was formed in 2017 by guitarist and vocalist Alex Sciortino with the initial vision of forming a raw 1980s-style speed/power metal band of the likes of bands like Riot, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, while blending the genre with the ambiguity and atmosphere of prog and fusion when called for. Between vocals and guitar, Sciortino’s inspiration for songwriting ranges drastically, from all the ‘80s metal bands we know and love to a labyrinth of ‘70s rock, fusion, and prog which were his foundation on guitar. This project had been in the works for around five years before he linked up with drummer Mike Heller (Raven, Malignancy, ex-Fear Factory) and bassist John Gallagher (Raven) and got to work on the first HELMS DEEP album, Treacherous Ways. Following a brief, initial independent release on Bandcamp, the band was quickly discovered by Nameless Grave Records, who signed the band for an official release in 2023.

During the tracking of Treacherous Ways, Sciortino hit a jolt of inspiration and wrote eleven more songs for a follow-up album, which now arrives as the glorious odyssey titled Chasing The Dragon. Though the debut was lauded and gained the project an international following, its follow-up would be created with a different focus. Sciortino enlisted drummer Hal Aponte (Ice Age) for a more organic and progressive feel and brought in his guitar uncle and teacher from his early years, Ray DeTone (Paul Di’Anno’s Killers) on second guitar, with Gallagher and himself remaining consistent.

Chasing The Dragon was recorded in 3D, with DeTone on the left channel, and Sciortino on the right, with the massive Aponte and Gallagher rhythm section gluing it all together. Boasting the larger four-piece lineup with this recording setup, the second album presents a much more organic and live sound, which resulted in minimal editing and a focus on and capturing the personality and humanity in each member’s performance. Joining Sciortino’s soaring and newly refined vocals, DeTone’s wailing and eclectic guitar style, Gallagher’s ludicrous and thunderous baselines, and Aponte’s vicious timing and creativity, the album features unorthodox folk instruments, with guests Liang Wu supplying erhu and Cliff Hackford supplying Tabla. Chasing The Dragon demonstrates an explosive and intriguing metamorphosis of HELMS DEEP, leaving listeners with high hopes for more to come. An eclectic and raw blend of power and speed metal with elements of prog and fusion.

Highly recommended for fans of Savatage, Raven, Crimson Glory, and Satan.

Tracklist

1.	Wing Chun	0:41

2.	Black Sefirot	6:42

3.	Chasing the Dragon	4:43

4.	Craze of the Vampire	6:51

5.	Cursed	5:03

6.	Flight of the Harpy	5:41

7.	Frozen Solid	4:02

8.	Necessary Evil	5:00

9.	Red Planet	6:01

10.	Seventh Circle	5:33

11.	Shiva's Wrath	7:18

Credits

released June 20, 2025

HELMS DEEP:

Alex Sciortino – vocals, guitar, steel string, 12-string

John Gallagher – bass, backing vocals

Hal Aponte – drums, percussion

Ray DeTone – guitar/nylon string, 12-string, steel string, heavy breathing

Co-produced by Ray DeTone and Alex Sciortino, re-amped by Lasse Lammert and Detone with DeTone handling the mixing at Dancetone Music Studio, Chasing The Dragon was mastered by Andy Van Dette (Deep Purple, Bruce Dickinson, Fates Warning, Girlschool, Rush, Savatage), and the cover art was handled by nine-time Hugo Award-winning artist Bob Eggleton.

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