Heavy metal veterans James Rivera (Helstar) and Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin (Jag Panzer) are set to launch their European tour in November with a unique twist: a pair of exclusive unplugged shows in Greece dedicated to the music of Black Sabbath.
The performances — taking place in Thessaloniki and Athens — will feature Rivera and Conklin reimagining Sabbath classics in an acoustic, stripped-down setting. Rivera revealed the news during his appearance on the Metal Mayhem ROC Podcast, explaining that these intimate shows would serve as the dramatic prelude to Helstar’s broader European run. The unplugged sets promise to deliver a darker, more haunting take on Sabbath’s catalog, trading bombast for raw atmosphere.
The tour also coincides with the release of Helstar’s new album, The Devil’s Masquerade, which dropped September 12 on Massacre Records. The record is Helstar’s first full album of new material in eight years, following 2014’s This Wicked Nest. Rivera credits renewed chemistry with guitarist Larry Barragan for recapturing the classic Helstar essence while still pushing forward. The album’s concept leans heavily on horror movie inspirations, with themes of vampirism and demonic possession woven throughout.
Fans can also look forward to standout collaborations, including the Texas all-star vocal showcase “I Am the Way”, which features Rivera alongside Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys), Mike Soliz (Militia), and other Houston heavyweights. Rivera confirmed that Helstar’s live set will spotlight four tracks from The Devil’s Masquerade in addition to career-spanning selections — a balancing act between honoring their legacy and driving their new chapter.
Beyond Greece, Helstar will continue through Europe into late November, with discussions of a West Coast US run alongside Cage and Bitch in the new year. Rivera also hinted at more festival opportunities, where the possibility of staging the full all-star “I Am the Way” collaboration could become reality. Combined with a surge of global press and attention that Rivera describes as “through the roof” compared to any past release, The Devil’s Masquerade marks a milestone moment for Helstar’s four-decade career.
Fans can hear James Rivera’s full conversation — including the story behind the unplugged Sabbath shows, the making of The Devil’s Masquerade, and upcoming tour plans — on the Metal Mayhem ROC Podcast at metalmayhemroc.com.
Watch the video below:
Texas metal legends, Helstar, released their long-awaited 11th studio album, The Devil’s Masquerade, on September 12 via Massacre Records. The album is available as a limited Mediabook, Ltd. Vinyl LP in various colors, and digital formats. Order here.
Tracklisting:
“Avernus”
“The Devil’s Masquerade”
“Stygian Miracles”
“Carcass For A King”
“The Staff Of Truth”
“Seek Out Your Sins”
“The Haunting Mirror”
“The Black Wall”
“Suerte De Muleta”
“I Am The Way” (feat. Jason McMaster, Mike Soliz, Rob Lowe, Travis Willis, Christian Larson, George Call, Drew Brown, Jeff Vandenberge)
“The Devil’s Masquerade”:
“Seek Out Your Sins”:
Helstar are set to unleash their power across Europe this winter with their new trek: The Devil’s Masquerade Tour 2025. Known for their fiery blend of classic heavy metal and thrash intensity, Helstar will bring their crushing live energy to fans in Greece, Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Spain.
Fronted by the iconic James Rivera, Helstar promises an unforgettable setlist spanning their storied career, packed with fan favorites and deep cuts alike. This tour marks another chapter in the band’s relentless mission to keep true heavy metal alive on European stages.
The Devil’s Masquerade Tour 2025:
November
28 – Thessaloniki, Greece – Eightball
29 – Athens, Greece – An Club
30 – Agrinio, Greece – Metal Union
December
3 – Medvode, Slovenia – Klub Jedro
4 – Torino, Italy – El Barrio
6 – Oberhausen, Germany – Helvete
7 – Diest, Belgium – Hell
8 – Munchen, Germany – Backstage
9 – Stuttgart, Germany – Der Schwarze Keiler
11 – Madrid, Spain – Sala Silikona
12 – Valencia, Spain – Sala Zulu
13 – Barcelona, Spain – Sala Lennon’s
14 – Portugalete, Spain – Sala Groove
Helstar lineup:
James Rivera – vocals
Larry Barragan – guitars
Mikey Lewis – drums
Garrick Smith – bass
Alan DeLeon JR. – guitars
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