Helmet
Can university educated musicians Rock? While it might seem unlikely, Helmet proves that, on occasion, the answer is 'yes.' Helmet formed in '89 led by guitarist Page Hamilton. The New York based quartet also had Henry Bogdan (bass), John Stamier (drums) and Peter Mengede (guitar), who was replaced in '94 by Rob Echeverria. Helmet's roaring fury resonated with audiences and soon the group was tagged the "next big thing," "the next Nirvana" and more. That didn't happen. And even though, Helmet began recording the year they were founded (the EP "Born Annoying") the group didn't hit its stride until '92 which saw the release of "Meantime" (with "In The Meantime" and "Turned Out"). The album features start/stop rhythms and shouted lyrics. "Betty" roared out '94. Three years later, Helmet returned with "Aftertaste." Absent was the churn and burn and in its place a more fluid sound.
Ominous, violent and packed with power chords "Meantime" is Helmet's major achievement. "Aftertaste" represents a sonic change but they still Rock hard on "Pure," "Driving Nowhere," "It's Easy To Get Bored" and other tracks. The '90 release "Strap It On" and "Betty" are good but not great albums. Of the two "Betty" is the better and closest in power to "Meantime." "Born Annoying" (originally released in '89 and released in the '90s) is a fairly unaccomplished sampler of the group finding its way.