by Dan Skiba
— Staff Writer —
Canada’s Helix has released Old School via Perris Records, which is celebrating over 25 years in existence as (perhaps) the record label most dedicated towards the preservation and advancement of both newcomer and veteran Hair Metal bands. In the case of Helix, veteran status certainly applies since the band was formed in 1974.
For those unfamiliar with Helix, they have released 13 studio albums prior to Old School. Throughout their 35-year history, the band has leaned towards playing Melodic Metal at times, Hair Metal other times (though never fully committing to the 80’s movement), and Garage Band Hard Rock. They’ve had a laundry list of members come and go over the years, but vocalist Brian Vollmer has provided necessary stability as the only original member still on board, and the band remains active today in the Canadian circuit.
Old School contains 10 “lost tracks” that were never released but were found when Vollmer decided to clean out his closet one day and came across tapes in various stages of completion. After “baking” the tapes (which provides one final shot to salvage quality sound), Vollmer and his colleagues realized they possessed some real value in these lost gems. So, add in some studio tricks and modern mixing technology, and viola! You have a new “studio” release to offer the masses just like that.
This release is an interesting listen, but as you can guess, the songs noticeably vary in production quality, which takes away from a cohesive listening experience. To Helix’s credit, all 10 tracks are indeed “good”, but as you can also guess, the original tapes got stuffed in a closet for a reason … and that reason is because there is really no “A” material on offer within Old School. As a result, you’ll get plenty of “unpolished” Hard Rock ‘n’ Roll here, but this album is more of a nostalgia ride or collector’s item for diehard fans of the band rather than a must have inclusion for fans of the genres graced by Helix over the years. If you fall into the former, then Old School will be a welcomed addition to round out your collection.
Genres: Melodic Hard Rock, Hair Metal, Garage Band Hard Rock
Band:
Brian Vollmer – Vocals
Chris Julke – Guitar/Background Vocals
Kaleb Duck – Guitar/Background Vocals
Paul Hackman – Guitar/Background Vocals
Daryl Gray – Bass/Keyboards/Background Vocals
Greg “Fritz” Hinz – Drums/Background Vocals
Sam Reid – Piano
Tracklisting:
Coming Back With Bigger Guns
Whiskey Bent And Hell Bound
If Tears Could Talk
Your Turn To Cry
Tie Me Down
Closer
Games Mother Never Taught You
Southern Comfort
Hound Dog Howlin’ Blues
Cheers+
Label:
Perris Records
http://www.perrisrecords.com
Website:
http://www.planethelix.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(6 / 10)
