The band Helmet, formed in New York in 1989, and reformed in 2005 after an eight year absence, played a high-octane show at Eugene's WOW Hall last Wednesday. Leader Page Hamilton showed why his band has been so widely influential, and proved that he can still give a blistering performance.
Helmet is the foundation of post-hardcore, as if punk bands decided to play metal. The funny thing about Mr. Hamilton, is he has a Master's degree in jazz performance. He hadn't really listened to rock for years before he started Helmet. And even today, he says only 20% of what he listens to is rock. Given all this, it's amazing he's so good at it. But then, multiple influences are always beneficial, I think.
If Helmet has always been consistent musically, their lineup has not been. For some bands that works; I think Helmet is one of them. Page's top down management of the band's sound requires musicians who are capable of the odd rhythmic patterns in the music, and people who can project the power of the music. It doesn't really require any individual expression on the part of the musicians. Therefore, much like a symphony orchestra, you find capable, like minded players, and the leader's vision can prevail.
All this brilliance was in evidence at the WOW. Helmet tore through a set that included some new songs, from both the newest release, Monochrome, and their comeback album, Size Matters, but also plenty of old songs to please the hardcore fan. The raw energy of the music was well communicated through the sound system. The volume was perfect, and the head bangin' flowed like water.
For all the anger that comes through in his music, on stage Page was very friendly and down to earth. His hometown is Medford, and fittingly, his parents were in attendance. It was kind of odd, to see these septo/octogenatians at this kind of show, but also touching. Page attended the U of O for his undergrad, and he gave some shout-outs, including the revelation that the first gig of his career was at the Saturday Market!
As much as I enjoyed Helmet's set, the openers were less than impressive. The first slot went to Page's brother's band, Fluid, which I missed. For all I know, they were brilliant (but I kinda doubt it). The second band, a local outfit called On the First Day They Were Kittens, or some such garbage, were loud but uninteresting. Second billed were the Dub Trio, also very loud, slightly more interesting, but ultimately kind of boring. Nevertheless, well worth the price of admission for the headlining act.
If you want to see heavy rock at its finest and most pure, check out Helmet.
