Looking for some classic heavy power metal that takes you back? Something absolutely packed with riffs, high energy, and a nice dose of fantasy? Allow me to offer up a taste of Helms Deep. Formed by guitarist and vocalist Alex Sciortino, and joined by bassist John Gallagher (Raven), drummer Hal Aponte (Ice Age), and Ray DeTone (Paul Di’Anno’s Killers) on second guitar, they’re set to release their second album at the end of this week. Chasing The Dragon will be out through Nameless Grave Records and Alex took a few moments to respond to our Profile questions and introduce this project and album a little further. It’s a good read and a better listen, so take the jump and we’ll see ya on the other side. Enjoy!

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I got into metal around 13 or 14. This project got started in my mind maybe 8-10 years ago. I’ve always played guitar, been in and out of bands throughout my life but I started writing Helms Deep riffs around then. It took a while and a lot of trial and error before I was able to boil everything down and write concise full songs that I enjoyed listening to. Once I had all the songs together, I coincidentally met Mike and John from Raven and that’s when the project became real. My family is Sicilian, and grandparents were off the boat and very Catholic, so yeah, you could imagine they weren’t leaping with joy over my devil horn tshirts.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

I guess I’d describe it as classic style hard rock/heavy metal, kind of 80s sounding, then I’d have to show them Black Sabbath, UFO, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest for starters if they had never heard of it.

Is there anything about your upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

Personally, I like this album more than the first for a bunch of reasons. I think it captures more ‘human’ in the playing. I think the songs come across more as compositions as opposed to one riff into another. I also think the vocal writing just works better with more restraint and confidence. There are also so many interesting progressive elements throughout and presents as a really cool piece of art.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

We haven’t played any shows, so nothing for you there. As far as recording, I’d say Ray’s heavy breathing being featured in “Flight Of The Harpy” is pretty funny though. We made sure to credit him for that.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

(positive) There’s some great death metal coming out of Scandinavia, and also, Satan continuing to release incredible work. (negative) I think social media, although it provides tremendous convenience, is a cancer to inspiration and culture in general.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

Honestly, politics in music have to be done right (i.e. “War Pigs”) for me to enjoy it. Power metal is more fantasy and occult themed, so the subject matter is definitely more escapist, although real life situations occasionally tend to slip their way in metaphorically when I write. For example, “Chasing The Dragon” is kind of a play on heroin addiction side by side with a literal fantasy scenario of a knight chasing a dragon. Heroin addiction is a pretty dark subject, especially if you’ve ever known an addict, I never was one myself, but I have known them to go on many quests. Kind of funny when you think about it that way. Sometimes laughing is the only way to get you through tough situations.

Do you have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

I know Ray is heavily into designing and modifying guitar and audio equipment. Hal is a big NY Rangers fan. John builds hotrods, guitars, and basses. I’m into motorcycles and fishing but my main one is probably combat sports as I train Muay Thai and boxing five times a week competitively and some wrestling as well. Pretty much anything torturous and high adrenaline is up my alley.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

This is highly subjective, but I really think over-editing in music should see more punishment in the eyes
of critics.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

We’ve just hit a nice milestone, just going with the flow at the moment.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to
currently?

I’m all over the place right now. I’ve been listening to Abhorration (death metal from Norway) and Wardruna (Norse folk music).

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

As of now I’m just getting some more riffs together for future material, no events planned as of now.

Summarize your band in one word.

No idea lol

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Many thanks to Alex and Helms Deep for the time!

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Chasing The Dragon is out on June 20th through Nameless Grave Records. For more information on Helms Deep, give them a follow on Facebook.