Nameless Grave Records announces Helms Deep’s “Chasing The Dragon,” Out June 20th!

Nameless Grave Records proudly presents Chasing The Dragon, the second full-length album from U.S. traditional/power metal force HELMS DEEP, dropping June 20th on 2xLP, CD, and digital formats.

Founded in 2017 by guitarist/vocalist Alex Sciortino, HELMS DEEP channels classic ‘80s metal à la Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, infused with shades of prog, fusion, and ’70s rock. The project took shape over several years before Sciortino teamed up with drummer Mike Heller and bassist John Gallagher (both from Raven) for their debut, Treacherous Ways, which caught the attention of Nameless Grave for an official 2023 release.

While tracking that first record, Sciortino began writing again—this burst of creativity became Chasing The Dragon, described as a more organic, expansive evolution of their sound. This time around, Hal Aponte (Ice Age) takes over on drums, and Sciortino enlists his early mentor and uncle Ray DeTone (Paul Di’Anno’s Killers) on guitar, rounding out a formidable four-piece.

Recorded in a dynamic stereo format—DeTone on the left channel, Sciortino on the right—the album captures the “personality and humanity” of each performance. “It’s got that live, breathing energy,” Sciortino shares, with minimal edits and maximum presence. Highlights include guest performances from Liang Wu on erhu and Cliff Hackford on tabla, further stretching the band’s sonic boundaries.

Lead single “Flight Of The Harpy” is already making waves. Says Sciortino, “I actually wrote the first half of ‘Harpy’ before the first album and finished it after. It started as a Swedish-style metal song inspired by 220 Volt and Gotham City… then turned into a Frankenstein. The melody break was even inspired by Phantom Of The Opera!”

Co-produced by Sciortino and DeTone, mixed at Dancetone Music Studio, and mastered by Andy Van Dette (Rush, Savatage), the album’s visual component is capped with cover art by Hugo Award-winning legend Bob Eggleton.

Fans of Savatage, Raven, Crimson Glory, and Satan—this one’s for you.

Stream “Flight Of The Harpy” now
Pre-order via Nameless Grave and Bandcamp