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Helmet Information
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'Helmet' is a rock music band formed in New York City by Page Hamilton (vocals/guitar) with Henry Bogdan (bass), Peter Mengede (guitar) and John Stanier (drums) in 1989.
Before Hamilton had settled on a permanent name for the group, a friend suggested naming it after German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. While Hamilton didn't care for the idea, this is where the name Helmet originated. Another name in the running was Cry Ruth.
They released their debut album Strap it On in 1990 through Amphetamine Reptile, after which they were signed to Interscope. Peter Mengede left in 1993, to be replaced by Rob Echeverria who, in turn, left to join Biohazard. He was replaced by Chris Traynor of Orange 9mm. In 1995, Helmet, with singer David Yow (ex-The Jesus Lizard), contributed the song "Custard Pie" to the Encomium tribute album to Led Zeppelin.
Helmet was acclaimed as a thinking person's heavy metal band. However, they have been criticized by some for creating or paving the way for Nu Metal. Their music was characterized by repetitive, sludgy, and dissonant riffs often augmented by a chorus that involved guitar feedback waves. Hamilton was hailed as one of the more innovative metal guitarist of the 1990's.
In late 1998 the band broke up and the members moved on to several other projects. John Stanier went on to play drums for Tomahawk, The Mark of Cain and Battles. Page Hamilton played guitar on releases by David Bowie and briefly formed the band Gandhi.
In 2003 Page Hamilton announced that he had reformed Helmet. The band does not feature original members John Stanier or Henry Bogdan; they have been replaced with John Tempesta (formerly of Testament and White Zombie) on drums and Frank Bello (formerly of Anthrax) playing the bass guitar. Chris Traynor is continuing as the second guitar player.
The new album, titled Size Matters, was released on October 5, 2004.
Discography
* Size Matters (Interscope 2004)
* Unsung: The Best of Helmet (1991-1997) (Interscope 2003)
* Aftertaste (Interscope 1997)
* Betty (Interscope 1994)
* Born Annoying (AmRep 1993)
* Meantime (Interscope 1992)
* Strap It On (AmRep 1990, Interscope 1992)
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