HELIX “Long Way To Heaven” /LP/

American release of the twelfth full-length studio album by Canadian Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band.
Five years have passed since we heard anything from the Ontario legends, five years later they come back with a monster of an album, “Bastard Of The Blues”!
The album starts with the title track “Bastard of the Blues”, a very energetic opening accompanied by the smooth vocal stylings of lead singer Brian Vollmer. The way he sings sounds as if he is preaching the song as an anthem to the newer generation of music lovers. The sound and quality of the song sounds as if the entire track is an anthem for those who are either being denied what they want or giving the new generation a taste of what this band has always been about. Without any doubt though it does the job and certainly it is indeed an anthem for those who want to punch the sky hard and scream with might. This is truly a song for the new ages and will surely be one of the band’s more anticipated songs for many a new crowd to chant along with.
The second track to follow, “Even Jesus (Wasn’t Loved In His Home Town)", compared to the first track is an old school credibility which reminds even the oldest Metal fan of strong bold riffs, that made you stand on your toes in anticipation. Now we can feel as the band are going back to their original formula, both in the quality of the lead vocals, and the originality of the guitar...
Helix have really created an astounding piece of musical art, not only is it original but it keeps to what Helix have been doing since they first started. Their songs always had that quality about them and this album is no exception. Helix represents a time when Rock music was fun. It's great to see some of the 80's acts still around and putting out solid material!
Helix have made the most comprehensive album in their career. An album that flies past all too quickly simply because there isn't a single dud on here. Helix can still most certainly Rock You!!
Perris Records, 2014 (PER4912). Made in USA. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Bastard Of The Blues 
2. Even Jesus (Wasn't Loved In His Hometown) 
3. Winning Is The Best Revenge 
4. Screaming At The Moon 
5. Metal At Midnight 
6. Hellbound For A Heartbreak 
7. When All The Love Is Gone 
8. Axe To Grind 
9. Skin In The Game 
10. The Bitch Is A Bullet 
11. Sticks & Stones
Total playing time: 44:24

American release of the tenth full-length studio album by Canadian Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band.
Helix has been a staple of the Canadian Hard Rock scene for over thirty years, playing every bar, tavern and drinking establishment in every corner of the Great White North. They really hit it big in the 80's with a string of hit singles from the trio of hit albums including "No Rest For The Wicked", "Walkin' The Razor's Edge" and "Long Way To Heaven". Widespread exposure on MTV and Canada's MuchMusic with videos for songs like "Rock You", "Heavy Metal Love", "Make Me Do Anything You Want" and "Deep Cuts The Knife" saw them landing opening slots on major North American tours as well as eventually headlining themselves.
Helix was dealt a crushing blow when long-time guitarist Paul Hackman was killed in a bus accident while the band was on tour in 1992. Not only had they lost a great musician, but also a key songwriter who collaborated with Brian Vollmer to write most of the band's material. The band soldiered on with a virtual revolving door of musicians coming, going and even coming back again. Sole remaining original member Brian Vollmer seems bound and determined to keep this band going and even handles all aspects of the band's career himself.
Album features all seven tracks from their EP “Get Up!” and four new songs. Also, the album includes a re-recorded version of the heavyweight hit single, "Heavy Metal Love", which was featured in the Trailer Park Boy's movie "The Big Dirty". There's some great crunching guitar riffs throughout this album with even a little Saxon influences on tracks like "Eat My Dust" and "Nickels and Dimes". "Cyberspace Girl" sees a little more modern influences with the guitar tone and the vocals and Brian Vollmer still has that dry wit not only with his lyrics but with his vocal delivery. He has a great, strong Rock 'n' Roll voice that's not only powerful and loud but has just enough rasp to give every one of their songs a little "rough around the edges" feel. Truthfully, his voice has never sounded better than it does on this album.
Party-time Rock And Roll is just about the best short and concise description of Helix's music that you can give. Their songs really bring back a lot of memories from the 80's. With any Helix live performance, you just know that you're in for a great high-energy rock show. The songs from "The Power Of Rock And Roll" still have that "let's party" quality to them and it's great to hear some new material from these guys that still holds up against their classic era of the 80's. Their songs are Hard Rock anthems with catchy guitar riffs and driving tempos that grab any audience immediately with their very catchy choruses!
A must for practitioners of cruisin', party-favour, good time Rock 'n' Roll!!
Perris Records/Select-O-Hits, 2007. Made in USA. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Fill Your Head With Rock 2:26 
2. Get Up! 2:50 
3. Nickels & Dimes 3:20 
4. The Past Is Back (To Kick Your Ass) 2:32 
5. Eat My Dust 2:28 
6. Baby Likes To Ride 3:32 
7. Boomerang Lover 2:56 
8. Cyberspace Girl 3:14 
9. Living Life Large 3:05 
10. The Power Of Rock And Roll 3:45 
11. Heavy Metal Love (New Version) 3:00
Total playing time: 33:08


Samples: https://helixrockband.bandcamp.com