US traditional/power metallers Helms Deep will release their second album, Chasing The Dragon, on June 20, 2025, through Nameless Grave Records. Formed in 2017 by guitarist/vocalist Alex Sciortino, the band channels ‘80s speed and power metal—think Riot, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest—infused with prog and fusion’s atmospheric depth. Following their 2023 debut Treacherous Ways, Sciortino, joined by drummer Hal Aponte (Ice Age), bassist John Gallagher (Raven), and guitarist Ray DeTone (Paul Di’Anno’s Killers), delivers a bolder, more organic sound. Stream the lead single “Flight Of The Harpy” now and pre-order the 2xLP, CD, or digital at namelessgraverecords.bandcamp.com.
Recorded in 3D with minimal editing, Chasing The Dragon captures raw performances, featuring DeTone’s eclectic leads, Gallagher’s thunderous bass, Aponte’s dynamic drumming, and Sciortino’s refined vocals. Guest artists Liang Wu (erhu) and Cliff Hackford (tabla) add folk textures. Co-produced by Sciortino and DeTone, re-amped by Lasse Lammert, mixed at Dancetone Music Studio, and mastered by Andy Van Dette (Rush, Savatage), the album boasts cover art by Hugo Award-winner Bob Eggleton. “‘Flight Of The Harpy’ is a Frankenstein of Swedish metal and Phantom Of The Opera vibes,” Sciortino says, “an epic rollercoaster with my favorite riffs.”
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