Is The Latest Album From Helmet Worth Your Time And Money?

The band Helmet is still putting out music and it’s interesting, raw sounding, and captivating all at once.  But what about the latest album from Helmet, Is it worth your time and Money?

I certainly think it is.  When Helmet really gained popularity, they were almost the answer to the whole grunge sound.  If you weren’t into what Seattle and the west-coast were putting out, Helmet had their own take.  And this new album “LEFT” brings that same vibe to us, just a little bit fresher.  Kicking off with the song “Holiday” we get those riffs we love and those Page Hamilton vocals which are so distinctive and unique.

Helmet emerged in the late 1980s, pioneering a sound that blended alternative, metal, and post-hardcore elements. Founded by Page Hamilton, their music is defined by thick, down-tuned guitar riffs, polyrhythmic drumming which is so much fun to play along to if you’re a drummer lol, and Hamilton's almost aggressive vocal style. What sets Helmet apart is their precise, almost mechanical, approach to music—a fusion of raw aggression and calculated precision. Their breakthrough album, "Meantime" (1992), solidified their place in the rock scene, boasting tracks like "Unsung" and "In the Meantime" that showcased their signature sound.

The band's appeal lies in their ability to appeal to diverse audiences. Metal enthusiasts are drawn to their heavy, grinding riffs, while fans of alternative and underground music appreciate their unconventional song structures and introspective lyrics. Helmet's impact on the '90s alternative and metal landscape is undeniable, influencing a generation of musicians and leaving an huge mark on rock music in general.

Their relentless touring and consistency in delivering powerful live performances also contributed to their popularity. Despite lineup changes and evolving musical landscapes, Helmet's musical integrity and Hamilton's creative vision have maintained a dedicated fan base, ensuring their legacy rock music.

This new release will certainly help the argument for Helmet being one of the best around to play heavy and odd-time signatures.  It’s a fierce and catchy piece of work, that has many earworms throughout.

So again, is the latest album from Helmet worth your time and money?  If you're into heavy, crunch riffs, odd-time signatures, and introspective and emotional lyrics, this one is for you.  Pick up "LEFT"!

It’s never easy to replace someone in your band. Especially when your band has worldwide fame and attention. The vocalist of the band makes things even harder since that voice has become synonymous with the music you’ve put out which resonated with fans.

However, it has been done successfully before and to this day actually. Again, it’s just not that easy. Here’s a look at what bands come to mind for DHA listeners when they think of bands that got a new lead singer and still were successful.

In no particular order of course:

Bon Scott was such a presence and had a such swagger to his voice and on-stage energy.  After he died, it was hard to think of a new person fronting the band.  But, in walks Brian Johnson.  He doesn’t do an impression of Bon but still has that growly, interesting, sound that made the band what they are. The rest is history!

When most people think of these boys originally from Jersey, they think of Sebastian Bach’s glorious vocals. And to be honest, his vocals on those records were excellent. However, Skid Row is still putting out new music and they’ve found an uber-talented singer in Erik Grönwall! His voice is so powerful and all his own.  He brings that modern spin to Skid Row while maintaining those old-school vocal stylings where the high notes are bountiful! He rocks!

To many, you can’t have Sabbath without Ozzy.  It’s just not possible.  Then again, the people that think that may have never heard Ronnie James Dio sing before.  LOL

He brought a new almost more upbeat hard rocking sound to Sabbath and his vocal ability was just as good as the OZ Man’s.  Not easy to find such a good fit!

Diamond Dave was a true force of nature. Not because he had the best voice in the history of Rock, but because he mixed his vocal ability with a massive on-stage persona that was dripping with charisma. After he was gone, the Van Halen fanbase had to approve of whoever replaced him. Thankfully, the boys hooked up with Sammy Hagar. Big Voice…..Check. Awesome performer…..check. More VH songs about love and ladies…… Definitely check.