HELSTAR already gave you a first glimpse at this new release with the “Black Wings Of Solitude” 7″ which is available since October 2020 – but now it’s time for the HELSTAR to go for your throats!
The digipak version of “Clad In Black” includes 2 CDs: The first CD includes both songs from the already released 7″ as well as two more new songs and additional killer cover versions to sink your teeth into. The second CD includes the band’s previous studio album “Vampiro” in its entirety. “Vampiro” is a concept album about Dracula and other bloodsucking creatures, and it’s no surprise HELSTAR touched on the topic again – after the release of “Nosferatu” in 1989 – with James being fascinated by and interested in vampires ever since.
James comments:
“Let’s face it: The vampire world is bigger than it ever was! You can’t go wrong when you choose to touch on the subject of the soulless beings with no reflection in the mirror. With the blueish skin, and no pulse with a thirst for nice warm blood who’s only enemy is the cross, a wooden stake and the sun!” It’s no wonder, HELSTAR used a reference from Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” as the title of the new release to tie in the reissue of “Vampiro” with the extended version of the band’s previously released 7″
single “Black Wings Of Solitude”. “Clad In Black” is a reference to Jonathan Harker talking about Dracula after meeting him for the first time, describing him as “(…) clad in black from head to foot, without a single speck of colour about him anywhere”.
The new songs on the first CD and the connection to “Vampiro” is like peas and carrots: They are living proof the world of the undead is alive and well and will be for timeless centuries to come – and this is just the beginning!
FACTS :
• The new release of US metal institution HELSTAR – available as 2-CD Digipak, limited edition vinyl LP in different colors as well as download & stream.
• Cover artwork by John Fossum.
CD 1 “Clad In Black”
• Produced by Larry Barragan at Hombre Malo Studios, Houston (TX).
• Mixed by Martin “Mattes” Pfeiffer at Redhead Studios, Wilhelmshaven (Germany).
• Mastered by Stefan Kaufmann at ROXX Studio, Solingen (Germany).
CD 2 “Vampiro”
• Produced by Larry Barragan at Hombre Malo Studios, Houston (TX).
• Mixed and mastered by Bill Metoyer at Skull Seven Studios.
Tracklist:
CD 1 – Clad In Black
01. Dark Incarnation (Mother Of The Night)
02. Black Wings Of Solitude
03. Across The Raging Seas
04. Restless And Wild
05. After All (The Dead)
06. Sinner
CD 2 – Vampiro
01. Awaken Unto Darkness
02. Blood Lust
03. To Dust You Will Become
04. Off With His Head
05. From The Pulpit To The Pit
06. To Their Death Beds They Fall
07. Malediction
08. Repent In Fire
09. Abolish The Sun
10. Black Cathedral
11. Dreamless Sleep
Line-Up:
– James “Vampiro” Rivera – Vocals
– Larry Barragan – Guitars
– Andrew Atwood – Guitars
– Garrick Smith – Bass
– Michael Lewis – Drums
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- by John Fossum
