Fast paced progressive alternative rock song with an eerie anxious feel from the vocals and guitars, driven by a hard-hitting infectious drum kit rhythm. It's about life in a freedom-less government-controlled society on the verge of apocalypse.

It's That Time Again

A fatal attraction kind of love. Unique vocals. Blazing lead guitar. Very memorable chorus.

Love Suicide

Up-tempo swing song in a rock band set-up. You'll be snapping your fingers and dancing all night.

The Baby Girl Strut

Down-home rock with an accent of country flair

Don't Know Shit

This is an instrumental progressive alternative rock song with a few meter changes.

Alternative rock ballad with an old school feel

Lucidly Surreal

Old school rock, mellow beginning, fast mid section, mellow ending

Lucid

"She" is a joyful, yet sad rock power ballad reminiscent of the greats from the early 80s. She was inspired by, is about, and dedicated to June (cover photo), who was my best friend and companion for 17 years. June left this world and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on July 29, 2024. Defying all odds, "She" lived well beyond the normal lifespan for a Staffie by 3+ years. June was born a runt, though that did not deter her from anything. June was the friendliest wee girl, never growled once, and had a knack for making friends with everyone She met. June loved life and held on as long as She could. The song "She" is a celebration of who June was and how special our relationship was, portrayed in the song's verses, while in contrast the chorus deals with her crossing over the Rainbow Bridge, brought out with very memorable long power chords. "She" is a song that will resonate and most people in this world can relate to the loss of a fur-baby. Thanks for reading.....Jim

Jim's style is still developing, and "Love Lost" is an anchor with his dark guitar chords, hard driving beats, catchy phrases in his lyrics, and his exploration of different timbres and layering of instruments. This is the 1st release of Jim's 2nd album titled "AfterShock". 

Love Lost

"The Dark Days" is an original percussion ensemble unlike anything you can imagine. Alongside the usual marching percussion, the "pit" (front ensemble) utilizes most types of percussion instruments, from xylophones, marimbas, vibraphones, to electric guitars, electric bass, synthesizers, and various SFX (machine guns, helicopters). As well as a competitive type arrangement, The Dark Days is more of a soundtrack and is suitable for cinematic use.  The composition features 4 movements, The Invasion, The Resistance, The Last Stand, and A New Dawn. 
On a personal note, this isn't my normal type of tracks you hear from me, though writing percussion music has been a life-long affair with me. Enjoy....Jim

The Dark Days

Step into a cinematic rock journey where driving rhythms meet epic instrumentation. Daniel’s Delusion blends a full rock band with powerful drumline energy for an intense, atmospheric experience.

Let the music pull you in — the stage is set, the drumline is alive, and the story begins now.

Daniel's Delusion

"The biggest price you pay is your soul." Diary of the Addicted is as real as it gets. It tackles a past that I've lived, either myself or people I knew. It's a RAW, REAL and unapologetic look into the world of addiction, the struggles, the loneliness, the consequences. It's hard-hitting, ruthless, explicit. This is no joyride and definitely not for the faint at heart. If you like the story as real as the music, step into this world few get to witness first-hand. Be warned though....

Diary of the Addicted

🎤 Jim Helsel – Bio (December 2025)

Producer. Songwriter. Artist. Drummer.

“The biggest price you pay is your soul.”

Diary of the Addicted.
This is my story… and those around me.

A life that started ordinary — numb, restless, unseen — twisted into something darker the moment addiction offered its false sense of escape. What began as a promise of relief became a chain around my throat, pulling me into violence, desperation, and a version of myself I pray no one ever meets.

This project is my testament:
the anger, the fear, the poison, the chase, the collapse, the rock bottom, the recovery, and the scars that stay even after you get clean. It’s the story of the people I hurt, the ones who tried to save me, and the ones who didn’t survive their own battle.

I don’t want sympathy.
I don’t want judgment.
I want honesty.

This is my diary — unfiltered, unforgiving, and carved out of the darkest years of my life.
If you see yourself in any line… you’re not alone.

Diary of the Addicted stands as the third installment from AfterShock, my upcoming follow-up to my debut album Lucidly Surreal. This project pushes deeper into the truths I’ve lived, the struggles I’ve faced, and the person I’ve had to become.

Every track on AfterShock is produced, written, arranged, and mixed by me — a continuation of the self-driven process that has defined my music from the start. My work has always been about authenticity, about capturing real moments and the emotional weight they leave behind.

I create to connect.
To tell the stories most people bury.
To turn the past into something that might help someone avoid the same path.

Jim Helsel

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