From Science Fact to Science Fiction … that’s the lyrical range of topics for U.S. power metallers HELION PRIME. The band is a refreshing, high class addition to the scene – highly recommended to check out for fans of Iron Savior, Star One, Dream Evil, Iced Earth and even Amaranthe. It’s melodic, at times rough, classic but modern at the same time, throughout cleverly arranged and adds a unique touch to it. HELION PRIME is a band that combines epic (female) vocals with strong guitar work and a natural instinct for killer melodies. Watch out for things to come from this amazing new and promising group.
HELION PRIME was first conceived from a common love of metal and all things science. The band was founded when Jason Ashcraft (of Dire Peril) asked Heather Michele (of Graveshadow) to form a project with him. The concept: power metal with themes based on actual scientific theories, with the occasional sci-fi tribute. The name HELION PRIME was borrowed from an alien planet featured in the film “Chronicles Of Riddick,” a movie the two were great fans of. She accepted the exciting proposition without hesitation. The two recorded their first demo track in June of 2014, and with the help of members from Dire Peril and Axiom, HELION PRIME debuted their first live performance in August 2014 at the Boardwalk in Orangevale, CA. The dynamic duo then released their first EP on February 26th 2015 with a full length album in the works. HELION PRIME’s lineup was completed after bringing Jeremy Steinhouse on bass and Justin Herzer (of Axiom) on drums. In August of 2015, HELION PRIME set out on their first tour, playing shows in Oregon, Nevada, California, and Utah. Their debut album “Helion Prime” was self-released in early 2016 and featured a guest appearance by Niklas Isfeldt (Dream Evil).
A string of line-up changes followed and in the process the band’s character changed from a project into a real band. The new members Alex Bosson (drums), Chad Anderson (lead guitars) and Kayla Dixon (vocals) completed Helion Prime’s line-up lately.
So with a new record deal under their belts, the band is first set to officially (re-)release their debut album through AFM Records on February 24th. But the songwriting for the sophomore piece of work is in full steam already, with a projected late 2017/early 2018 arrival.
Guest Musicians:
Niklas Isfeldt: lead male vocals on “Live and Die On This Day”
Bryan Edwards: lead male vocals on “You Keep What You Kill”
Carlos Alvarez: additional guitars
Taylor Washington: guitar solos on “Life Finds A Way”, “Moon-Watcher”, “Live
And Die On This Day”
Jeff Teets: guitar solo on ”Into The Black Hole”
Steven Soderberg: second guitar solo on “A Place I Thought I Knew”
Brett Windnagle: solo on “You Keep What You Kill”
Matt Krais: guitar solo on “Ocean Of Time”
Ryan Patane: keyboard solo on “Ocean Of Time”
Josh Schwartz: guitar solo on “Apollo (The Eagle Has Landed)”
Austin Benelty: additional keys and orchestrations
Travis Sigler: spoken words on “Into the Alien Terrain”
Tracklist:
01. Into The Alien Terrain
02. The Drake Equation
03. Life Finds A Way
04. Into The Black Hole
05. A Place I Thought I Knew
06. You Keep What You Kill
07. Oceans Of Time
08. Moon-Watcher
09. Apollo (The Eagle Has Landed)
10. Live And Die On This Day
11. The Drake Equation (Demo)*
12. A Place I Thought I Knew (Demo)*
* Bonus tracks