Helmet (band)
Helmet is a band formed in New York by Page Hamilton (vocals/guitar) with Henry Bogdan (bass), Peter Mengede (guitar) and John Stanier (drums) in 1989.
They released their debut album Strap it On in 1991 through Amphetamine Reptile, after which they were signed to Interscope. Peter Mengede left after Betty in 1994, to be replaced by Rob Echeverria who, in turn, left to join Biohazard. He was replaced by Chris Traynor of Orange 9mm. In 1995, Helmet, with singer David Yow (ex-The Jesus Lizard), contributed the song "Custard Pie" to the Encomium tribute album to Led Zeppelin.
Helmet were cited as an influence by many bands, including Silverchair.
In late 1998 the band broke up and the members moved onto several other projects. John Stanier went on to play drums for Tomahawk, The Mark of Cain and Battles. Page Hamilton played guitar on releases by David Bowie and briefly formed the band Gandhi.
In 2003 Page Hamilton announced that he had reformed Helmet. The band does not contain original members John Stanier or Henry Bogdan; they have been replaced with John Tempesta (formerly of Testament and White Zombie) on drums and Frank Bello (formerly of Anthrax) playing the bass guitar. Chris Traynor is continuing as the second guitar player.
They recorded a new album in early 2004, titled Size Matters, to be released on October 5, 2004. A world tour is also kicking off shortly after this release date.
Discography
See also
