Helmet Awes At The Galaxy

Home icon Home»Concert Reviews»Helmet Awes At The Galaxy

Written by Sara Ferrer

Tuesday, 28 September 2010 08:25

September 24th was a night of head-imploding, eardrum-thrashing entertainment at the Galaxy Theatre. Santa Ana’s premier venue was smaller and cozier but by no means less suitable, as it only seemed to concentrate the potency of the entire performance, shrinking the gap between the musicians and the audience and rendering the concert a more intimate, interactive experience.

The talented lineup included noteworthy bands such as hardcore Orange County-based performers Cheva and Killing California alongside heavy metalin’ Canadians B.C. Bison, who all paved that way for the highly anticipated appearance of headlining Helmet. As event openers, Cheva pierced the air with a screeching intensity that could unnerve the most formidable of metalheads, while Killing California beguiled the crowd with their gritty punk sound. B.C Bison unleashed with a heavy, sludgy fury that brought out the most spasmodic of moshers and headbangers.

But amid the chasm of writhing fans, flaring beacons and utter pandemonium accompanying rock concerts in general, lead singer and guitarist Page Hamilton of Helmet exuded an aura of zen-like serenity. Glowing under a kaleidoscope of multi-hued lights, Hamilton’s statuesque frame seemed imposing and otherworldly as he wielded his guitar with a dexterity that could only be second nature to a venerable virtuoso. Besides, who else can tastefully pull off a shimmering magenta guitar than the frontman of a band whose artistry is renowned as the trailblazing interface between indie-rock and metal?

“I have two,” Hamilton replied smilingly to a fan commenting on his trademark “pink” predilection.

Not to focus the limelight on Hamilton solely, Kyle Stevenson hammered away at the drums, pumping lifeblood into Helmet’s signature sound like the tenacious heartbeat of a world-class athlete. Guitarist Dan Beeman and bassist Dave Case embodied the best of auxiliaries, showcasing the band’s penchant for harmonious precision.

On tour to promote their new studio album Seeing Eye Dog, which Hamilton describes in a press release as “human and honest”, Helmet lives up to their anti “chop-shop rock” performing standard by striving to sound as authentically identical to their recordings as possible.

Exceeding expectations, Helmet’s setlist was a seismic mixture of old and new material. The crowd poured in from the tiers to the pit as the band opened fire with 1992 hit “Role Model” and more recently composed “So Long”. Among the list of newer material performed were songs “In Person” and “Seeing Eye Dog”, samples of Helmet’s ever-evolving yet darkly musical genius. Towards the end of playing “Tic”, Hamilton, being the maverick that he is, turned over his guitar and plucked at the springs nestled inside, creating a multi-layered, labyrinthine sound that reverberated throughout the theater.

As the cherry on top of a high-spirited performance, Helmet encored with songs "Driving Nowhere Fast" and "In The Meantime", afterwards taking the time for signing autographs and greeting fans.