HELIX “Bastard Of The Blues” /CD/

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

The fifth full-length studio album by legendary Canadian heavy metal band.
Capitol Records, Inc./EMI Services Benelux B.V. Uden, 1985 (064 2403481). Made in Holland. First press. Used (cover/disc): VG+/VG+.


Tracklist:

SIDE ONE
1. The Kids Are All Shakin' 3:35
2. Deep Cuts The Knife 3:52
3. Ride The Rocket 3:12
4. Long Way To Heaven 3:25
5. House On Fire 3:24

SIDE TWO
6. Christine 3:33    
7. Without You (Jasmine's Song)    3:39
8. School Of Hard Knocks 4:05
9. Don't Touch The Merchandise 2:47
10. Bangin' Off The Bricks 3:12

Total playing time: 35:49 min.