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

A short little instrumental that will have you kicking your heels.

Some Kinda

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

🎤 Jim Helsel – Bio (2025)
Producer. Songwriter. Artist. Drummer.

I’ve been writing, recording, and mixing my own music since I was a kid with sticks in my hands and fire in my chest. My debut album, Lucidly Surreal, dropped in January—and since then, I’ve been chasing the edge of every sound I create.

Now I’m back with a second album in progress—AfterShock—and it’s already packing heat. Six tracks deep and mastered. One single out: Love Lost. This isn’t background noise. This is full-on emotional expression—layered guitars, dark textures, tight arrangements, and raw energy.

My soon-to-be-released track, Runner, was born in the shadows of Christchurch—pulled from personal struggle, raw emotion, and the restless energy of a city with something to prove. It’s about moving forward when everything's stacked against you. It's rock. It’s rhythm. It’s real.

Based in Aotearoa New Zealand, I’m a local artist with a global sound. Every song I write is a story from my life—tangled in emotion, textured with rhythm, and always relevant.

I don’t write songs for algorithms—I write for connection.
If you feel it, it’s yours too.

Expect the unexpected. And turn it up.

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