U.S. traditional/power metal band Helms Deep, led by guitarist/vocalist Alex Sciortino, have unleashed their second full-length album, Chasing The Dragon, streaming in full at NWOTHM Full Albums ahead of its official release on June 20, 2025, through Nameless Grave Records. Founded in 2017, Helms Deep channels the raw energy of 1980s speed/power metal—think Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Riot—while weaving in progressive and fusion elements. The album, hailed as a “triumph of style, substance, and steel” by Jace Media Music, features a revamped lineup with Raven’s John Gallagher (bass), Ice Age’s Hal Aponte (drums), and Paul Di’Anno’s Killers’ Ray DeTone (guitar).
Stream Chasing The Dragon:
Pre-Order at namelessgraverecords.com or helmsdeep666.bandcamp.com
Chasing The Dragon is an 11-track odyssey, written during the recording of their 2023 debut Treacherous Ways. Sciortino aimed for a more organic, progressive sound, enlisting Aponte and DeTone to elevate the band’s vision. Recorded in 3D with DeTone’s guitars on the left channel and Sciortino’s on the right, the album captures a live, unpolished feel with minimal editing. Guest musicians Liang Wu (erhu) and Cliff Hackford (tabla) add unorthodox folk textures. Co-produced by Sciortino and DeTone, mixed at Dancetone Music Studio, re-amped by Lasse Lammert, and mastered by Andy Van Dette (Rush, Savatage), the album boasts cover art by Hugo Award-winning artist Bob Eggleton.
Tracklist:
- Wing Chun
- Black Sefirot
- Chasing The Dragon
- Cursed
- Craze of the Vampire
- Flight of the Harpy
- Frozen Solid
- Necessary Evil
- Red Planet
- Seventh Circle
- Shiva’s Wrath
Formats:
- 2xLP (black vinyl, silkscreened D-side, limited to 500 copies)
- CD (jewel case, layout by Obscure Visions)
- Cassette (limited to 100 copies, no planned repress)
- Digital (24-bit/44.1kHz download via Bandcamp)
Lineup:
- 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
Production Credits:
- Co-Produced: Alex Sciortino, Ray DeTone
- Mixed: Ray DeTone (Dancetone Music Studio)
- Re-Amped: Lasse Lammert, Ray DeTone
- Mastered: Andy Van Dette
- Cover Art: Bob Eggleton
- Layout: Obscure Visions
Sciortino reflects, “It’s a new direction with elements of fusion and prog, not present on the first album. My vocal style is more refined, and Hal’s drums and Ray’s guitars pushed it to the next level. This is what I wanted Treacherous Ways to sound like.” Decibel praises the title track’s “speedy power metal punch,” while Sentinel Daily declares, “I won’t hear a better heavy metal album this year.”
Formed in Florida in 2017, Helms Deep began as Sciortino’s vision for raw, ‘80s-style metal inspired by Savatage, Crimson Glory, and Satan. After years of development, he recruited Raven’s Mike Heller (drums) and John Gallagher (bass) for Treacherous Ways, which Nameless Grave Records signed for a 2023 release. Chasing The Dragon marks a bold evolution, with New Noise Magazine calling it “a pure celebration of heavy metal itself.” The band’s pedigree—Gallagher’s NWOBHM legacy, Aponte’s precision, and DeTone’s eclectic style—sets them apart in the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM) scene.
No tour dates are confirmed, but Helms Deep’s growing international following, fueled by Bandcamp and underground buzz, suggests potential festival or club shows in 2025.
Connect
Bandcamp: helmsdeep666.bandcamp.com
Facebook: facebook.com/HelmsDeep666
YouTube: youtube.com/@HelmsDeep-Official
Stream Chasing The Dragon at NWOTHM Full Albums, pre-order now, and dive into Helms Deep’s electrifying blend of ‘80s metal, prog, and fusion