Monochrome

Album review

Faith No More is a band that was often sited as a prime influence by the glut of nu-metallists during the late '90s and early 2000s, but another band that definitely left their mark on the likes of Korn, the Deftones, and Limp Bizkit was Helmet. Led by singer/guitarist/songwriter Page Hamilton, the band went on hiatus for a spell during the late '90s and early 2000s, before rising from the ashes with 2004's Size Matters. But by this point, Hamilton was the only original member left in attendance, which continued on the 2006 follow-up, Monochrome. Looking to recapture the magic of their first two albums (which are considered to be Helmet's best recordings) -- 1991's Strap It On and 1992's Meantime -- Hamilton enlisted the aid of Wharton Tiers to co-produce the album (the same gentleman who engineered the two aforementioned albums). And the move has certainly helped Hamilton accomplish his goal -- tracks such as "Brand New" and "On Your Way Down" could have easily fit on Meantime -- while the title track offers some emo-esque melodicism. Monochrome proves once and for all that Hamilton is Helmet's main man.
© Greg Prato /TiVo