Country of origin: United States Location: Florida Status: Active Formed in: N/A Genre: Heavy Metal Themes: N/A Current label: Nameless Grave Records Years active: N/A US Power/Speed Metal Helms Deep was formed in 2017 by guitarist and vocalist Alex Sciortino with the initial vision of forming a raw 1980s-style speed/power metal band of the likes of bands like Riot, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, while blending the genre with the ambiguity and atmosphere of prog and fusion when called for. Between vocals and guitar, Sciortino’s inspiration for songwriting ranges drastically, from all the ‘80s metal bands we know and love to a labyrinth of ‘70s rock, fusion, and prog which were his foundation on guitar. This project had been in the works for around five years before he linked up with drummer Mike Heller (Raven, Malignancy, ex-Fear Factory) and bassist John Gallagher (Raven) and got to work on the first Helms Deep album, “Treacherous Ways”. Following a brief, initial independent release on Bandcamp, the band was quickly discovered by Nameless Grave Records, who signed the band for an official release in 2023. Line-up: Alex Sciortino – Vocals, guitar, steel string, 12-string John Gallagher – Bass, backing vocals Hal Aponte – Drums, percussion Ray DeTone – Guitar/nylon string, 12-string, steel string, heavy breathing