After the critically acclaimed “Dead to the World” album released in 2016, one of the most iconic (and criminally underrated) 1990s alternative-rock acts, HELMET, are back with a new full-length offering “Left” released on November 10th, 2023, via earMUSIC. To be honest, their previous album passed by almost unnoticed for yours truly – I had no idea these ruffians were still around! This time, I made it a priority to check what these angry old geezers have on offer, and – fuck, yes! – the selection of new songs comes off punching as if it were 1994 again! Judging by a brief twice-over with their previous efforts, I would say Page Hamilton‘s alt.rock squad hasn’t sounded this lean and mean since their biggest bangers such as “Unsung” and “Milquetoast” from time immemorial. The band’s sonic trademarks of crushing riffs, unfiltered lyrics, and pounding drums define the new album just like they used to do in that alternative galaxy far, far away.
The album kicks off with the single, “Holiday,” the first bars of which traverse an almost OASIS-tinged, melodic pop-rock terrain before the band’s characteristic riffs come and punch you in the face. The lyrics resonate with the band’s signature flair, what with lines such as “time for your holiday serial murder.” Yeah, this is yet another song that kind of reminds me that the 1990s were the peak of human civilization in many ways, with music being one of them. In all honesty, it has not been merely downhill ever since – yeah, what would be the chances that I just so happened to be alive in the 10-year period that humanity began to decline after millions and millions of years of evolution? However, certain things were unequivocally better 30 years ago. HELMET are like a band of sages delivering us the scroll of truth that music need not be all about some marketing bullshit to sell you a new pair of fancy sneakers.
All of the songs are relatively short, with none reaching the 4-minute mark. This undoubtedly factors into the album’s punchy feel. A good number of songs are also characteristically comprised of staccato riffs, with the funkiest example being “Bombastic.” As a counterweight, a few tracks step out of this paradigm rather nicely, with “Reprise,” for example, unfolding like a psychedelic and shoegazey-atmospheric interlude sandwiched between two banging riffers. Then, “Tell Me Again” is an acoustic breather with strings and all; the oriental-sounding strings and vocal layers resonate rather thick with the late-1960s air of THE BEATLES. Diabolically enough, the following track, “Powder Puff” gears up on this particular vibe in the vocal department, prompting me to think that Hamilton could perhaps drop one hell of a John Lennon impersonation like nothing to it! After a few spins, I’m beginning to think that this is THE song on this album! Those slightly grunge-tinged riffs and lovely retro-vintage vocal harmonies really do put the icing on the cake!
Lastly, the album closer is one hell of a treat, albeit one that is way too short! “Resolution” is a cover rendition of one of John Coltrane‘s most haunting contributions to the world of jazz, from his 1964 landmark album “A Love Supreme.” Hamilton & Co jam with the saxophone theme from this monolithic jazz classic – and, to give credit where credit is due, these alt.rock ruffians aren’t fooling around with their jazz chops! What they should have done, however, is a full-blown 7-minute rendition of the original – or, better yet, since they seem to share my infatuation with this banging jazz album, why not make a tribute to the whole 4-part suite? After all, it’s not the first time these geezers make forays into jazz or blues. Their 1994 album classic “Betty” already featured a good deal of experimentalism. I might be wrong, of course, but I don’t think a pedigree post-hardcore bunch has flirted this openly with the jazz monoliths of the past before! Some 30 years ago, HELMET‘s music was dubbed head-banging music for people without hair. Having matured with the years like fine wine, I’d say their music is now head-banging music for people adhering to the classic dress code of jazz. Wouldn’t that be something if these old gents kicked off a new birth of cool mixing punk attitude, heavy riffs, and a good pinch of hard-bopping jazz!
Written by Jani Lehtinen
Tracklist
- Holiday
- Gun Fluf
- NYC Tough Guy
- Make-Up
- Big Shot
- Bombastic
- Reprise
- Dislocated
- Tell Me Again
- Powder Puff
- Resolution
Lineup
Page Hamilton – vocals
Kyle Stevenson – drummer
Dan Beeman – guitars
Dave Case – bass
Label
earMUSIC
