It's been nearly 10 years since I last reviewed a Helstar album (2016's Vampiro), and even though I wasn't much of a fan of this band back in the day, I appear to have liked their more recent albums well enough and that continues with 2025's The Devil's Masquerade. This band has always played quality power/thrash metal with cool riffs and pounding drums that don't sound triggered. Riffs like the one on "The Black Wall" aren't typical Helstar and show them trying some different things, which I appreciate. The main thing I like about The Devil's Masquerade though is James Rivera's singing. He is not just using his signature screaming howl, but also a lower register gritty style that, along with some mid-paced songwriting, gives this album a more varied and interesting feel. It gives off an early Metal Church vibe, so there is an ebb and a flow to The Devil's Masquerade, not just a blistering, face-melting assault. You can actually enjoy the whole album without it going by in a blur. Good stuff from a veteran band that has found a way to make an album a little different but still very much Helstar.