The second half of Canadian classic metal band Helix’s set at Average Joes, April 9 blew me away and took me back to my ’80s headbanging days of yore
Seeing all of the original members together again was an amazing experience as they sound great.
Singer Brian Vollmer still hits those high notes like nobody else and original guitarist Brent Doerner still has a knife edge sharp solos.
I arrived in the middle of “Here Comes the Night,” one of Helix’s beloved lower tempo numbers. They played songs from throughout their career right from the early days right up to today and their latest CD, “Va
gabond Bones”.
Vollmer took a break while guitarist Doerner took lead vocals and spoke about almost getting fired from playing the Alec Arms Hotel for not knowing any covers. He also spoke about releasing their first album independently in 1977, then sang their big hit from it ‘ Billy Oxygen.’
‘Heavy Metal Cowboys’ was another upbeat highlight as Vollmer donned a cowboy hat for it.
Throughout Doerner and new lead guitarist Kaleb Duck trades solos and played some wicked harmonies including quite a bit of Eddie Van Halen style fretboard tapping.
But the hands down highlight was when they played a harmonized version of the fanfare you usually at horse races, as bassist Daryl Gray cried “Gentlemen start your engines.”
The guitarists took centre stage and blew the headbanging crowd away who shouted along as they launched into their big hit ’Rock You.’
They were called back for an encore of ‘Monday Morning Meltdown’ from the new CD.
— By Richard Amery L.A. Beat Editor
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