As one of the leading post-hardcore/punk labels in the industry today, Warcon Enterprises has announced that it has signed the forefathers of the
genre themselves Helmet. Under the deal, Helmet will release a new album which is slated for early summer 2006 and has confirmed that they will
headline this year's Warped Tour.
According to Page Hamilton, founder, songwriter and guitarist for Helmet, several of the album's songs have already been written and Wharton Tiers has
been confirmed as the project's co-producer. Tiers recorded the band's first two releases 'Strap It On' and 'Meantime', which sold over a million
copies and defined the brusque element of American's underground rock scene.
"Wharton was my only choice to co-produce this project with me," said Hamilton . "I want to get back to my roots with this release and what's really
cool is that we are actually using the same tape machine that we recorded our first two albums with. The whole thing is also going to be done in all
analog to give it that classic Helmet sound. We're very excited about it."
"I really like what Warcon stands for," he said. "In today's music climate, it's more intriguing to be involved in every aspect of the project. The
structure of this deal makes me more of a partner rather than the traditionally signed artist / record deal approach, which for me personally has
little value anymore."
Helmet fans should be thrilled to have the band back in full force. Taking a six-year hiatus after releasing their fourth album 'Aftertaste', the band
returned in 2004 to release 'Size Matters' and a "best of" CD but it's not until now that Hamilton has decided to go back to the organic sound that
they are known for. The sound that actually sparked a new brand of metal that crossed all traditional music boundaries and paved the way for such
bands as Chevelle, The Deftones, Silverchair and Norma Jean.
"The first song I ever learned to play on the guitar was a helmet song. I pretty much just tried to figure the songs out and that's how I learned to
play basically. Helmet is a band that I have listened to for years and will always enjoy them because they have the sweetest riffs I have ever heard.
I love to air drum to them in the car also! I wouldn't be the same without Helmet in my life," said Chris Day, guitarist for Norma Jean.
Chi Cheng, bass player for the Deftones , says that he was also influenced by Helmet. "Every band should wish to aspire to the originality and genius
of Helmet. An inspitation to fans and musicians-alike."
Helmet's first appearance under the Warcon label will be at this year's SXSW festival where they will perform with fellow label mates Opiate for the
Masses, My American Heart, Street Drum Corps and Dir en Grey at the PETA documentary party and the WARCON showcase.XHonusWagnerX - 3-2-2006 at 03:02 PM
Im not sure if this is good or not. Last time they 'came back' it was a huge flop even though the record was pretty good. I think that their time has
passed and that maybe they should just fade away and not ruin the great name with repeated comebacks.MyOwnWay - 3-2-2006 at 03:29 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by XHonusWagnerXI think that their time has passed
LIAR!!!!CR83 - 3-2-2006 at 03:46 PM
I have only heard their one song that played on MTV back in the early 90's. Helmet any good?Gooch - 3-2-2006 at 03:46 PM
Headlining the Warped Tour??????? Do kids today, well those that attend the Warped Tour, even know who Helmet is?
I wanted to love this band, but something always held me back, not sure what it was. I liked the first 2 records and they played a great live show,
but I was still never a die hard fan. I probably haven't listened to them in at least 10-12 years. I think I still have "In the Meantime", maybe
I'll dig it out tonight and give it a spin.BDx13 - 3-2-2006 at 03:57 PM
(then rip me a copy, cause i only have it on vinyl).
I'm looking into it now BD. I'll keep you posted.MyOwnWay - 3-2-2006 at 07:16 PM
To me for as much as I love this band, they will never be able to write another song like 'Unsung'. Just something about that song that always gets
me.
Meantime = Best album
...And let me add, I really liked the last one they put out Size Matters.thedog - 3-2-2006 at 08:41 PM
Meantime is a must have record.
Most of their other stuff is good as well, but meantime is a classic.
Wasnt too crazy about size matters when i first bought it, but it has since grown on me.
still nothing like meantime.crazyfists28 - 3-2-2006 at 10:00 PM
i have vivid memories of buying betty in canada when i was there, milktoast is spelled milquetoast on my cd, awsome band, love betty and meantime the
most, great live show to bootVoodoobillyman - 3-3-2006 at 09:21 AM
Unsung was the first song I learned to play on Bass. Nice and simple.................I didnt think we had so many Helmet fans here, it really shows
our age.BDx13 - 3-3-2006 at 11:01 AM
quicksand opened for helmet in philly in like '92. one of my all-time favorite shows. believe it or not, it was also one of the bloodiest i've ever
seen.Voodoobillyman - 3-3-2006 at 11:36 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by BD
quicksand opened for helmet in philly in like '92. one of my all-time favorite shows. believe it or not, it was also one of the bloodiest i've ever
seen.
That definitely sounds like one hell of a show, which album was Quicksand touring for? Slip I believe for that time?BDx13 - 3-3-2006 at 12:18 PM
yup. nothing they did after that compared in my opinion.Voodoobillyman - 3-3-2006 at 12:41 PM
yeah, it's actually the only Quicksand album I own. never did care for anything else like that album by them.
