Such a great choice for a favorite! This album is absolutely killer, so much punchiness and like you pointed out I love the industrial tones that they lean into.
I think the first time I heard of Helmet was on the original Jon Stewart show. Unsung is definitely my favorite off Meantime. I'm looking forward to hearing your reaction to the album Betty, as well. That album is so heavy.
Helmet -- Strap it On is a great album, too. A bit rawer. I don't think they've made a "bad" album, just different ones. John Stanier, drummer, is a god tier for me. This album was HUUUUGE back in the days of its release.
I'd agree, Strap It On definitely has a less polished quality to it, although Meantime still maintains that awesome rawness that I love from their music. And yes the drums are amazing on this record!!
On my way to work i listened to the full album called Group Therapy by Dope. Such a good album imo. I had not dove deep into them before this. Always assumed they were a 1 or 2 "hit" wonder rock band. If you have ever watched OG fast and the furious, their best song plays during a FBi bust into a house scene. It is not on this album however.
@@mollyesanborn I know, but several years in, while I don't like it, I feel like the algorithm prefers that I ask for it. So I'm probably going to comment something similar on every video going forward. Feel free to ignore it. But also, I do really want it, so please don't! Take the dive
Yes Helmet is an incredible band, I wouldn't have ever heard of them without some people in the comments suggesting I give them a listen. I'm so thankful to have finally heard some of their music, because I'm hooked!
Saw them with Melvins back in the late 90s. Small venue in Dallas that doesn't exist anymore, probably around 20 feet from band, ears rang for three days afterwards. They played In The Meantime as the last song of encore.
Wow, that must've been a wild experience! I'm not at all surprised you said your ears were ringing for days after. They certainly know how to pack a punch with their music.
@@mollyesanborn The Pixies First 5 albums, but especially "Surfer Rosa" "Doolittle" Those with Jane's Addiction's "Nothing's Shocking" "Ritual de lo Habitual" Are four of the most important albums of the 80's (Ritual 1990) that gave birth to the Alternative/Indie scene in the early 90's. Oh and Sonic Youth's "Sister" "Daydream Nation" "Goo". Gotta Gotta Gotta. Please and Thank You Molly.
90's era Helmet is outstanding! Definitely recommend digging into the follow up to this record, Betty. Wilma's Rainbow, I Know, Milquetoast, Tic and Speechless are some all time great Helmet tracks. Also if you're a Helmet fan and digging around this era of alt metal and hardcore, Quicksand is a must listen. Their first two records Slip and Manic Compression are undeniable classics that I feel like never really received the love and attention they deserved.
I'll definitely plan on getting to a Betty reaction as well, can't wait to hear it! And Quicksand has been suggested a couple of times now, I'll have to look into them.
I knew Helmet long before GTA SA came out therefore was very glad to hear Unsung regularly on "Radio X" while speeding through the areas like a maniac. 😄
Helmet are insurpassable. I have listened to literally thousands of albums across dozens of genres, but I think they might be my favourite band of all time. The drums are unique, the bass is unique, the guitars are unique. No one else sounds like them. Then on top of that they have that raw underproduced live sound to their albums. The moment you hear them you know it can only be Helmet. Most importantly, as well as their technical abilities, they are absolutely unreal songwriters.
Such a fantastic comment, I completely agree about their uniqueness. I really can't peg Helmet's sound down, they certainly utilize elements of nu metal, industrial, punk, but they push so far beyond falling into just one of those categories. They're such a unique band and I'm so glad to finally be discovering their music!
@@mollyesanborn I agree on this. I've told friends Helmet are awesome, but when they asked what genre they are, I just kinda sat there confused at what to say. I kinda concluded that they're kinda doing their own thing 😄Someone said "that's weird", but weird can sometimes be good because it can mean unique and unusual.
I'll have to consider doing some newer album reactions in the future, for some reason I'm always drawn to the earlier stuff. It's also generally more suggested because its been out for longer so more people recommend the older stuff in the comments. I haven't heard that much released this year so far, I usually dive deeper into this year's releases when I make my year-end favorites video in December. I always have a lot of catching up to do at the end of the year, haha!
You should listen to one of Helmet's later albums after after Page Hamilton revives the project (he's the only original member.) "Seeing Eye Dog" is one of my favorite albums ever.
Absolute classic album...these guys and Prong definitely paved the way for Deftones and their ilk...Page Hamilton's solos sound like a horse getting slapped on its ass and running wild n out of control. Prong's 'Beg To Differ' album you def need to check out as well.
@@themetalpig7613 I say the biggest inspirations for the genre were: FNM, Primus, Mr. Bungle, Ministry, Pantera, Helmet & RATM. Several other artists also might have been influential to it but in my opinion these are the main inspirations for the style.
This is such a good album! Been waiting for more Helmet reactions and this didn't disappoint. I can't wait for you to hear Betty. It's my favorite Helmet album and it's their most experimental but strongest release imo. You should definitely check out the 2010 expanded edition which features 3 bonus tracks! i can send you that version if you can't find it!
Yay! One of my fave albums back in the day. Such a super tight rhythm section as you did well to pick up on with the punchiness especially with the odd time signature. The improvement from Strap it On is like light & day. Betty & Aftertaste are also amazing albums. After that...mehh..due to line up changes..lol
Yeah I thought Strap It On was a great debut for them, loved their sound, but boy did they absolutely bring it with Meantime! They polished up everything perfectly without losing any of that rawness from their first record. I'll definitely have to do more of their albums and see what I'll think of their progression as a band.
The band that is entirely power riffs, Page Hamilton is a legendary writer. Chevelle is a prime example of this as they noted Helmet as direct influencers. Page said in an interview some time ago that “In The Meantime” is one of the hardest songs to perform because of the timing of the guitars and singing he does at the same time. But look up any live performance and you’ll see him handling it like a boss.
The first real concert I went to was Ministry, Sepultura and Helmet at MLG. I had never heard of Helmet at the time. after the first song, I looked at my friend and said "I need this album". I found the album the next day and it is still in my rotation to this day. 🤘🤘
Check out Soulfly giving Helmet props by recording their own version of “In The Meantime” 🤘 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-y9QuKNZLae4.htmlsi=E32A1hN3WsxJzBHX
This is a great album, but their 3rd record "Betty" is my favorite of theirs. And I know it's an unpopular opinion, but "Aftertaste" (their 4th album) is excellent as well. I played Aftertaste in my car for years in the late 90s/early 00's.
I want you to react on 311's discography one of my favorite bands, their music could be very interesting to see your reaction with all the styles they blend. I suggest you the self titled also called the "blue album" from 1995 because it's their most successful one but at least any of the first 4 albums (Music, Grassroots, self-titled and Transistor) could be great to see you react as well! Great video reaction, classic album!
That's funny. 311 and Helmet were my two favorite bands all through my late teens and early 20's. 311 just released a new song the other day. It's pretty good.
Their next album "Betty" is a masterpiece. The following album "Aftertaste" is the most accessible and commercial sounding. One of my favorite bands. Thanks!
I can see why Helmet is one of your favorite bands, I am absolutely loving their music so far. I'm looking forward to hearing Betty and Aftertaste as well!
Fantastic album. Glad to see you reviewed it. I have two album recommendations, both of which are by Melvins: Houdini and Stoner Witch. The first is more heavy on the "sludge" side. I think you'd really enjoy both of them and would love to know your thoughts.
This album is great and a personal favorite, but any guitar riff on it could have been shoved into any other song on the album without blinking. Their next album, Betty, was the first in which each song had its own character. Looking forward to your reaction (assuming you have one).
This is considered their MO, though Betty (their next album) is their highest charting. Also, random question: How do you decide which album on your list you want to react to? Is it a matter of mood or just mixing it up?
I'll definitely have to get to a Betty reaction as well! And it's mostly a combo of the ones that seem to be the most suggested, or just the bands that seem the most intriguing to me. It's kind of random to be honest 😆
For anyone reading the comments here that loves this album I recommend you check out an album titled "Gold" by Whores. The Helmet influence is strong with that band.
Strap it On was relatively unknown but a decent debut for them. This album really broke them, particularly the single and video for Unsung (back when MTV played music). It's a great album that still doesn't get old. Betty is good and so is Aftertaste. After that, they kind of change their sound and that's where their fanbase really divides.
you still gotta do far beyond driven , great southern trendkill and reinventing the steel by pantera. fun fact, far beyond driven is the heaviest album still to this day that was number one on the billboard charts. my guess it was because vulgar display of power was so good it turned many people on to the band
YESSSS I've got some more Pantera coming your way! My Far Beyond Driven reaction is filmed, should be up on the channel soon. Spoiler alert I loved every second, I didn't think Pantera could go heavier than Vulgar Display Of Power but they proved me wrong 🤯
I can attest to the addictiveness... I loved this album with one listen but it has continued to grow on me even more since filming the video. And I'll have to keep more Sepultura in mind for the future :)
This album and Betty are easily Helmet's best albums. Page Hamilton has a way with hard-hitting, yet catchy staccato riffs. I've listened to this album as well as Betty so many times and never get tired of them.
Thanks for sharing! I'll give it a listen :) Edit: I love this song, it's the perfect fusion of metal and hip-hop. I love that sharpness of the percussion as well, and the sound effects of the screaming and bell being rung. Such an amazing delivery, I'm so glad you shared this, thanks!
@@mollyesanborn The reason you'll like the percussion is that Helmet had such absolutely raw production and used a practically live sound on their albums -especially the drums. You should listen to the whole 'Judgement Night' soundtrack. At the time it was reviewed as 'metal fans don't like the rap, rap fans don't like the metal so 4 out of 10'. However, everyone I've met whose listened to the album thinks it's a historic masterpiece. Therapy and Fatal did a beast of a metal tune on it, but my personal favourite alongside Helmet/House of Pain was actually a super mellow tune by De La Soul with Teenage Fanclub. It's one of the single most chill sounds ever: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HSaGPEIHxyY.html
Haven't listened to this in quite awhile, and never caught it before, but the beginning of "in the meantime" really sounds like Korn's "clown". I know they are a huge influence on them....but man oh man 😅
Ooh I can totally hear that similarity now that you point it out! It's very clear listening to this record that Helmet was such an influential band on the wave of rock/metal bands that would follow them.
loving that raw, unpolished sound helmet's. Love it watching you commenting all these great records. I really recommand you The downward spiral by Nine inch nails. A groundbreaking Industrial music.
Yes, I absolutely love their raw sound as well! Such a great band, I'm glad to finally be getting into more of Helmet's music. And I've actually already heard The Downward Spiral, I did a Nine Inch Nails album ranking video a few years back on the channel (I will say that it has grown on me much more since making this ranking and I'd now put it much higher in their discography). ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QtCtn_IZDy0.htmlsi=QBQgMdwOcG06Ej8X
YES, I only heard of Helmet because they had been suggested in the comments on some of my other videos. I'm so glad to have discovered their music, they're such a talented band!
I don't think I'll be doing any Nirvana reactions as I've heard a fair amount of their music already. I do enjoy a lot of their songs though! Maybe I'll have to do a video in the future reviewing their albums or something along those lines.
@@mollyesanbornahhh so you already listened to them a lot I don't know why i thought you didn't like them😂 tho you could do a review of any of their albums, would be awesome.
I vote you react to Breaking Benjamin - We are not alone. There are so many styles in that album you will appreciate and enjoy, especially since you enjoy tool / other rock bands. Breaking Benjamin is an absolutely fantastic band and they deserve love! Maybe saturate also, Saturate is a very unique album in BB's discography.
The East coast’s answer to grunge of the early 90’s. Can’t wait to see a Betty reaction, their best work. Favorite song from them and very underrated as well, “Like I Care”
Okay so next, you really need to check out Poison the Well. Another superb 90's early 2000's band that often gets overlooked. Their album "Tear from the Red" is legendary!
Milqetoast is my favorite song by Helmet. I love this channel, and your knowledge and intelligence is admirable. Would love to see your review of Betty. And more FNM/Bungle too. I feel like they inspired bands like Helmet.
Prong is another underrated band in the same vein and style, "Cleansing" is their strongest album in my opinion. They were very influential but still never got the success they deserved. And they still put out great albums today.
@@mollyesanborn No prob! They were one of the main influences for Pantera to get more heavy after their glam phase and the frontman Tommy Victor also played with Ministry for a while. Their debut "Force Fed" was a mix between thrash and hardcore but they quickly moved to a slower, more groove oriented sound. Beg to Differ was played on MTV but the fourth album "Cleansing" introduced some industrial vibes to the mix and for me it's just a perfect album that I listen to again and again.
This record was incredibly influential to much of the Alternative Rock and Alternative Metal that came out in the mid- to late-90s and even early-00s. Few if any bands were playing in Dropped D before Helmet, and tons were playing in Dropped D after. Unfortunately not many had the intelligence and none had the precision of Helmet, so most of the music that bore the influence of this album, which is great, tended to suck.
I can completely hear that influence, it makes sense this record came out in 1992 because the mid-to-late 90's albums that followed its release have so many tonal similarities. Helmet is one of the few bands that perplexingly sounds like so many genres at once without fitting into a single one. It's part of what I love about their music, just so unique.
reminder for you to check out love and death (korn guitarist project) and scars on broadway (soad guitarist second vocalist project) theyre both amazing, nearly as good as their main bands
This is a classic, more alt metal than the noise rock of the debut but probably more influential, Betty takes the two and throws in a few more genre's; it gets weird but is still a classic. I think you'd enjoy Quicksand's two 90's albums too, sort of similar but they approach alt metal from the post hardcore side rather than the metal/noise side.
I'm really looking forward to hearing Betty as well! Sounds like it'll be an interesting listen. And I'll make sure that I have Quicksand on my list, thanks for the suggestion :)
Whoop! Patiently waited months for you to get round to this one, there's another shift in style for their following album (without losing the key Helmet sound) so it'll be interesting to have your comparison after that. I often feel like there's a freeform Jazz element to parts of Meantime, strange as it may sound. Jazz often requires that super tight nature between the musicians but also gives massive freedoms for each instrument to wander off during a song together. The guitars on this album frequently do this. It's possible I mentioned this on a few of your other comments section, may I recommend adding Gallows - Grey Britain to your ever growing list. It is an album with a dark soul & raw anger yet utterly compelling as a complete album piece. I also don't think you have fully taken a dive into Hardcore Punk as a genre yet either so it could be a new lane to explore.
Thanks so much for waiting, I know it took me way too long to get to this album. I'm so glad that I've heard it now, Helmet really poured soooooo much energy into this thing, it's incredible. I'm excited to hear Betty along with the rest of their albums and see what I'll think of their progression as a band. And I will make sure that Gallows is on my list, thanks :)
Page Hamilton is riff producing machine. Helmet is one of the most underrated contributors of what would become Nu metal. Can't wait for your reaction to Betty (my personal favorite Helmet album).
Absolutely, their drummer is such a powerhouse! This whole record is so dang catchy but intensely aggressive at the same time. I don't know how they do it but Helmet bridges the gap between smooth rhythm and sharp intensity so well. I bet they were amazing to see live!
Molly! My hero! You did Meantime! One of the seminal albums of my teenage years. This band seemed to be exasperated with Generation X in this album, and I ate it up. I saw them live at a tiny venue with Faith No More in late 1992/early 1993 (the Angel Dust era). I had never heard them before, and I was sold. Turned Out is my favorite song by them. “High Times/hard times/Downtown Julie Brown” is the chorus, and it refers to a magazine, High Times, which is about cannabis culture, and Downtown Julie Brown was an MTV Video Jockey. In other words, the kids were getting high and watching the tube. This album seems to me to say, for the forty or fifty minutes that it runs for, that SOMETHING is wrong, whatever it may be. It made me angry. It tapped into my anger. But it tapped into an anger about the complacency of my peers, and it made me want to do better. I have them to thank for that. That show btw might have been the best show I’ve ever seen given it was the Angel Dust tour which is a top 3 ever album for me. And to top it off, I got blown away by Helmet who opened the show. Those were the days. The early 90’s were a great time for me. Oh to be 16 again and to have your whole life in front of you. Definitely check out Betty. It’s another classic. Helmet recently released an album called Left which is really good too. It’s political somewhat though, so I don’t know if you would want to go there. Thanks again, Molly! Another wonderful surprise reaction in the morning for me to discover!
I loved reading your comment, thank you so much for taking the time to share. That concert you were at sounds amazing! Faith No More AND Helmet?! What a lineup, the early 90's must have been an incredible time to be a young adult going to all of the shows of these bands that were just getting started in their careers. I'm glad you pointed out Turned Out in particular, that is I think my favorite off of this record as well! Such a punchy track but that amazing rhythm makes it so incredibly catchy. I'll definitely plan on doing a Betty reaction in the future as well (I will try not to make y'all wait another year before another Helmet reaction, haha!)
I saw that one in Columbus Ohio, and to date it is still one of my favorite shows. It was my first day of college in Aug. or Sep. 92. Helmet was so raw it set a great tone that Faith No More finished out with their broad sound base.
