Helmet - Monochrome
Helmet
Monochrome
2006
Meantime was an album that left an indelible impression on me. When the video for Unsung first appeared, that was it for me. The whole album, with its staccato attacks and serrating force were a high point in an age otherwise known for the launchpad for grunge.
After several follow up albums of almost or equally good measure, Helmet called it a day. Then in 2004 they came back with the sadly overlooked Size Matters with former members of Anthrax and Rob Zombie, which changed the sound a little (I missed that John Stanier snare sound; something akin to Stewart Copeland strung out while tuning) but nonetheless resulted in no loss of power. Now they follow it up with Monochrome, which took some time to grow on me.
The production has Page Hamilton's vocals sounding more emo-crowd friendly, and the beat department less muscular. But the sharp guitar riffs and atonal cascades are still there and all over Brand New, 410 and Goodbye. Hamilton's lyrics are just as distressed and cryptic as ever, especially on the loathsome stalking of Swallowing Everything and the closest-they-get-to-laidback title track.
Still better than all the alt-metal wannabes.
Monochrome
2006
Meantime was an album that left an indelible impression on me. When the video for Unsung first appeared, that was it for me. The whole album, with its staccato attacks and serrating force were a high point in an age otherwise known for the launchpad for grunge.
After several follow up albums of almost or equally good measure, Helmet called it a day. Then in 2004 they came back with the sadly overlooked Size Matters with former members of Anthrax and Rob Zombie, which changed the sound a little (I missed that John Stanier snare sound; something akin to Stewart Copeland strung out while tuning) but nonetheless resulted in no loss of power. Now they follow it up with Monochrome, which took some time to grow on me.
The production has Page Hamilton's vocals sounding more emo-crowd friendly, and the beat department less muscular. But the sharp guitar riffs and atonal cascades are still there and all over Brand New, 410 and Goodbye. Hamilton's lyrics are just as distressed and cryptic as ever, especially on the loathsome stalking of Swallowing Everything and the closest-they-get-to-laidback title track.
Still better than all the alt-metal wannabes.
