HELMET – Brisbane, Australia 27th April 2023

I discovered Helmet like a million other bands “back in the day”, by watching Rage. The song was “Unsung”, and it blew my mind. It was so unlike anything else that it was getting to my ears, and I was instantly hooked. Then to read that the guitarist was from not only Australia but from BRISBANE!!!??? And just what the hell is this “Drop D tuning” all about?? Intriguing to say the least.

Upon first walking into the near capacity Tivoli, then seeing the enormous line for merch, one thing was abundantly clear…people still LOVE this band. Hearing the first notes of the set opener “Milquetoast” I was immediately transported back to my early 90’s/Crow soundtrack/Betty loving self. Followed by the one-two hit of “Iron Head” and “Give It” from the classic album “Meantime”, I knew that we were all in for a great night. By the time they hit “Wilma’s Rainbow” mid set, I was reminded of just how strong their body of work is.

The current live incarnation of Helmet is a formidable force. There is such a power that comes with this band’s syncopations, and this band plays them with ferocity. Kudos to the soundman because it sounded heavy, clear and loud. Page’s nuances and guitar parts show a player that is so much more than just tuning. “The Silver Hawaiian” illustrates this fact perfectly. It also made me think that both Primus and Clutch owe this band a thanks. When it was time for “Unsung” later in the set, the already energetic crowd kicked it up a notch.

Helmet are a rarity in the sense that they define an era for an awful lot of people, yet manage to not sound dated today. Other music from that time may or may not have fared so well, depending on your taste. To everyone here tonight though, they are still as relevant as they ever were.

Reviewer: Rob Garry

Photographer: Davey Rintala @fastlanephoto