Testing the Water of New Horizons
After testing out the sound levels, Helmet enter into a bass fuelled, chaotic whirlwind fusion of all things music. The sound of their music is a little hard to describe, because it merges several genres effortlessly. What is evident in their new lineup is the hardcore influence with punk, or even trance, welded onto the sound. It has a massive effect, hypnotic in its power, which draws in a large crowd of admirers to the Snickers Stage.
The vocals are something of a surprise too; again sitting at the crossroads of many different genres. Blending the techniques of punk, death metal and trance as well as hardcore, the result is something that is predominately melodic but has a unique twist to it, almost akin to Dave Mcpherson of InMe fame. It has the same nasal quality but it leaks into the vocal clarity far more than the latter band. Having played twice this weekend- playing yesterday on the Napster Stage- they've obviously not failed to impress as the audience's reaction is that of approval as the music moves on in its melodic, war-like protest. Raging like a Ferrari out of control, Helmet continue to blow the minds of all in the audience for their set. Their sliding guitars almost act as a gateway to some sort of paradise for those gathered in the Snickers Tent. It is evident that Helmet will continue to rise as a band, the further they explore the horizons they are beginning to touch upon now. A wild, untamed show of experimental perfection, Helmet have tested the water, found it too lukewarm for their liking and turned up the heat a notch or two.
Helmet perform as true artists and will undoubtedly be rewarded with a stronger than ever fan base thanks to their stunning performance two days in a row at Donington. Helmet really are hot stuff and worth checking out.