No worries if you haven't paid Helmet any mind since the mid-nineties: the band's potent blend of post-hardcore riffing and sarcastic, smart-stupid lyrics made Page Hamilton and Co. underground stars, but it also unwittingly helped usher in the IQ-lowering hordes of nu-metal that sent heavy music into a self-loathing free fall at the turn of the century. That does not, however, discount the fact that Helmet was-and is-one of the most formidable acts in hard rock. Original drummer John Stanier, who currently plays in Battles, and frontman Page Hamilton developed a distinctive, circular riff-beat syncopation style that has yet to be duplicated, and Hamilton's stellar guitar solos fused the avant-noise of his roots (in Band of Susans and Glenn Branca's band) with rock-god virtuosity.

During Helmet's lean years, Hamilton stayed busy, making his name as a hard-rock producer and playing with artists as diverse as David Bowie, Mike Patton (in Tomahawk) and Trent Reznor. The recent resurgence in Helmet's popularity, with a new record (Monochrome), a well-received greatest hits comp, and "Unsung" being featured on the Guitar Hero video game, has resulted in Hamilton putting a new lineup together for a world tour. Tonight's show at Red 7 promises a setlist leaning heavily on material from their first three albums, including such classics as "Unsung," "Repetition," and "Overrated," which this set promises to be anything but.

Helmet with Burning Brides, Totimoshi, Feed at Red 7
Tonight
Doors at 8pm [map]

Helmet official website
"Milquetoast" live clip

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