High octane Power based metallers HELSTAR, created in Houston during 1982, came to the fore on the underground tape trading scene with their debut 1983 demo. An early line-up involved ex-DEATHWISH and SCORCHER vocalist James Rivera and founding guitarist Larry Barragan, second guitarist guitarist Tom Rogers, bassist Paul Medina and drummer Hector Pavan.

The impact made by the demo soon landed HELSTAR a deal with Combat Records in 1984 and the resulting debut album, 'Burning Star', was produced by drummer Carl Canedy of THE RODS. Oddly, Rivera went by the pseudonym Bill Lionel for this set. The original version came decked in a sleeve depicting a red cowled wizard, subsequently changed to the more familiar science fiction based artwork. Music For Nations took the record on for the UK market. Critical riposte from the metal fraternity was swift and unanimously positive.

During 1985 HELSTAR inducted new members guitarist Rob Treviño, bass player Jerry Abarca and drummer Rene Luna. Following the Randy Burns produced 'Remnants Of War', issued in Europe during 1986 via Berlin's Noise imprint, HELSTAR split from Combat and re-locating to Los Angeles signed a fresh deal with Metal Blade Records. Ructions hit the band soon afterwards, though, and Treviño and Luna opted out to make way for guitarist Andre Corbin and drummer Frank Ferreira, while Barragan quit after a row with both the band's management and his colleagues. He intended to form a new band, BETRAYER, but quickly rejoined HELSTAR.

November 1988's 'A Distant Thunder' album sees HELSTAR covering the SCORPIONS classic 'He's A Woman, She's A Man'. The record captured worthy reviews and HELSTAR proceeded to tour both America and then Europe opening for TANKARD and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN. Upon their return the band migrated back to their native Houston.

Internal friction saw HELSTAR splitting asunder with only Rivera and Barragan remaining. Following the September 1989 'Nosferatu' release HELSTAR cut a further demo tape consisting of 'Social Circle', 'Scalpel In The Skin', 'Sirens Of The Sun' and 'Changeless Season'. The recording roster involved Rivera, Abarca, Barragan, guitarist Aaron Garza and drummer Russell DeLeon. Soon afterwards, Barragan withdrew from the metal scene totally finding a new calling with a Tex-Mex bar band. HELSTAR struggled on playing gigs on the local circuit but under a new title of VIGILANTE.

As VIGILANTE the band members began negotiation with MEGADETH bassist Dave Ellefson with the intention of recording a four track demo. Although the deal with Ellefson fell through VIGILANTE recorded and released one six-song EP. However, circumstances forced their hand as, with the return of Abaraca and under pressure the band reverted back to their HELSTAR moniker. Also forcing the pace was MEGADETH's dumping from the support slot they had at the time with rock giants AEROSMITH. MEGADETH opted out of the tour at a Houston date when main man Dave Mustaine was unable to continue and Ellefson found himself with more time to work with HELSTAR, the planned demo then evolving into the 'Multiples Of Black' album, released in 1995 on German label Massacre Records.

By 1998 Rivera was fronting DESTINYS END for their 'Breathe Deep The Dark' album. The singer founded a new act in 2000 titled PROJECT RIVERA which comprised of Z-LOT-Z guitarist Eric Halpern, MYSTIC CROSS guitarist Don LaFon, OUTWORLD bassist Brent Marches, VICTIM keyboard player Adam Rawlings and drummer Rick Ward from MIDNIGHT CIRCUS.

In May of 2000 Metal Blade released a live HELSTAR album, 'Twas The Night Of A Helish X-mas', which was widely panned as being an inferior quality bootleg from a Christmas show many years prior. The HELSTAR legacy was not ready to die as in 2001 the Iron Glory label issued a compilation of material under the HELSTAR name called 'The James Rivera Legacy'. The first four tracks on the compilation were the unreleased post-Nosferatu demo and the last six cuts were the rare VIGILANTE EP.

It would be reported in August 2001 that Rivera had joined FLOTSAM AND JETSAM after their longstanding vocalist Eric A.K. departed. Rivera would then team up with SEVEN WITCHES, debuting with the band at their July appearance at the 'Classic Metal Fest II' in Cleveland, Ohio. The following year Rivera headed out on the live circuit with a unique tribute band, fronting up SABBATH JUDAS SABBATH, honouring both JUDAS PRIEST and BLACK SABBATH, also including HELSTAR colleague Mike Heald on guitar.

An all new act with strong HELSTAR ties was announced in August of 2003 as James Rivera and DESTINY'S END guitarist Eric Halpern united with SYMPHONY X bassist Mike Lepond in DISTANT THUNDER. The resulting 2004 album 'Welcome The End' would include a cover of HELSTAR's 'Run With The Pack'. DISTANT THUNDER undertook an extensive round of European headline shows in December although by the time the shows were booked they were all under the HELSTAR branding once again. Meanwhile, a triumvirate of erstwhile HELSTAR personnel in guitarists Larry Barragan and Rob Trevino alongside drummer Russell DeLeon founded ETERNITY BLACK. A five song demo, recorded at Spyder Studios with producer Gregg Gill, emerged in early 2005.

In mid 2005 it was learned that James Rivera was contributing to the DAWNRIDER project assembled by MAJESTY mentor Tarek "Metal Son" Maghary. The singer, keeping up his road miles with the tribute band SABBATH JUDAS SABBATH, joined VICIOUS RUMORS in September. Retaining this post, as well as his duties in KILLING MACHINE, Rivera was announced as fronting up a HELSTAR reunion in May 2006. The singer would be joined by the 'Remnants Of War' roster, guitarists Larry Barragan and Rob Treviño, bassist Jerry Abarca and drummer Russell DeLeon.

The band put in an appearance at the 'Festival de Metal Boricua' on November 17th 2007 at Coliseo de Cayey in Cayey, Puerto Rico alongside GRIM REAPER and CAGE.

HELSTAR wrapped up recording of 'The King Of Hell' album for AFM REcords in July 2008. The band formed up an impressive billing for the December 2008 'Death To Xmas' European tour alongside FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, SAMAEL, DISMEMBER, HATCHET, ONSLAUGHT, HEATHEN and MONSTROSITY.

HELSTAR embarked on a European tour, dubbed 'Hell Over Europe', in May 2009. Support on the trek came from the Swedish Metal band LOCH VOSTOK, apart from the first three dates, which featured Germany's LANFEAR.