Helmet
Aftertaste
»
Helmet
Aftertaste
Interscope, 1997
RiYL: Faith No More, Soundgarden, Tool, Nirvana |
This is the definitive Helmet album. It took Hamilton some time before he could create his perfect blend of guitars and a pounding rhythm section, since 1994's Betty was too experimental and didn't hold listeners' attention. Consequently, the album suffered from slow sales and disappointed fans who were more interested in the repetitive but enthralling Meantime.
Hamilton solves both problems on Aftertaste. The album's feel is fast-paced but lacks most of the grating vocals from earlier work. Guitarist Peter Mengede left the band to pursue other interests, leaving Hamilton to record all of the guitar tracks. His vocals are also much improved, as demonstrated on the track "Driving Nowhere."
As with Helmet's past albums, the first tracks on Aftertaste are the most moving. "Pure" and "Renovation" open the album with riff-oriented songs that stretch into full metal-hazed landscapes of sound. But unlike the other two albums, the latter songs are still strong and don't completely fizzle out.
"Exactly What You Wanted" is the dream song for every Helmet fan. The stop-and-start riffs open the song along with intricate drumming from John Stanier. Hamilton's vocals are on the edge of grating but don't topple over. The chorus erupts with guitars and bass frantically fighting for control. Hamilton's voice rises above them and sings, "I let you down again / What's another harmless lie between friends? / Now you can't be disappointed / I thought I gave you exactly what you wanted."
Indeed, Hamilton and Helmet have given many fans exactly what they want, and the innovation and originality of Aftertaste finally cements the band's sound.
DAVID THOMAS |