The other day I was going through my site making notes of things that I need to do. While doing so, I noticed that some of my articles especially the album ranks, are quite old and my thoughts on some of these have changed so I thought why not update these. One of the first ones that I thought of was Helmet. I’m still not over that show from earlier this year. It was seriously one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. Well, with that in mind, here’s an updated ranking of Helmet’s albums. And if you get the chance to go see Helmet live, GO!!! It will be one of the best decisions you’ll make!
From Not The Best To The Best:
09) Seeing Eye Dog:
08) Dead To The World:
07) Strap It On:
06) Monochrome:
05) Left:
04) Aftertaste:
03) Size Matters:
02) Betty*:
01) Meantime*:
*Note: Meantime and Betty could be flipped depending on the day!
2025 is the year Helmet’s album Betty turns 30. It gets crazier and crazier to me seeing all these album that as a young kid I listened to all the time. Betty is one of the best and underrated albums of the 1990’s. There has always been one song in particular on Betty that I’ve loved since first hearing it and that song is “I Know.” This song is so damn good. It’s got this great rhythm that drives it all and it hits like a sledgehammer through concrete walls. Then you add in the textured guitar part that gives you that moment of “oh shit.” And when you put it all together with the riff and vocals it just takes you to another world! The version you hear on the album is a bit different than the early versions of the song. Take a listen to both and see which one you like better! Enjoy!
Helmet- “I Know” (Demo Version- Live In Italy / 1993):
The other day Helmet announced new tour dates. That got me excited as I haven’t seen them in quite some time. Naturally, I did what I always do when I get excited about a band or music news, I put Helmet on. Meantime, their breakthrough album which features the classic “Unsung,” is one of those albums that when you put on, it fuels the day. The first track “In The Meantime” is one of those album openers that does more than sets a tone, it’s also a hard charger that has been ripped off countless times as it’s such a classic. Meantime was an album that has stood up to this day. The influence the band and album has had on music since its release is uncanny. Start your day off with this banger!
I’ve been on a bit of a Helmet kick as of late. While going through their catalog, I made the obligatory stop at the Judgement Night Soundtrack and the collaboration they did with House Of Pain on the song “Just Another Victim.” Listening back to the song it’s still a banger. The whole soundtrack is a classic and still holds up quite well. Especially this song as well as the Slayer and Ice-T collab. Helmet’s style of dropped tuned guitars mixed with hip hop definitely ushered in a movement and this song is a testament to it being done right and well!
Tonic Immobility is Tomahawk’s first album in 8 years and the end result is something quite intriguing. Adding to the already well established hard rock sound they’ve developed since their debut, Tonic Immobility is one of if not the most diverse album this group has released thus far. There’s something more to this album than the previous one, 2013’s Oddfellows. This album expands on what you’ve heard before and adds some very interesting new curveballs.
As much as people love Mike Patton and his vocal deliveries, the real star on this album is the band. Bassist Trevor Dunn, drummer John Stainer and guitarist Duane Denison have really crafted songs that transcend genres and boundaries alike. The textures on the album along with the riffs and rhythms create a sonic adventure with the icing on the cake being Patton. You can hear all the different sonic waves on songs like “Recoil” and “Sidewinder.” You still have the vintage sound fans of this band have come to enjoy like “Business Casual.” Then you can’t forget how the album starts off with the assault of “Shhh” and “Valentine Shine” which adds a thrash element to the vocals. One of my favorite tracks on the album is “Doomsday Fatigue.” I’m not going to say anything about this one as I’d much rather hear what you think about this one.
Tomahawk delivers the goods on this album. There is plenty for longtime fans of the band to enjoy. If you are a new fan too, this album is a nice way to get into the band. I still will always have a fondness for their first two albums. I even had the pleasure of seeing Tomahawk open for Tool back in 2001. That’s where I really began to develop my appreciation for them. I will say too that it’s very awesome to hear Duane, Trevor, John and Mike all back together again and make an album like this. These guys are too talented to stay in one lane. Tonic Immobility is a strong album and a very welcome return!
AUDIOECLECTICA 