Helix - The Power of Rock 'n Roll

HinweiseGenre : Hard Rock
Country : Canada
Year : 2007

Few have stood the test of time in the music business, especially Hard
Rock/Metal bands. Canada's HELIX, led by lead vocalist/mainman Brian Vollmer,
are one of these few, and after a 30-year-plus career and several bumps in the
road along the way, they're STILL rockin' it out. Vollmer (the band's only
original member) has managed to keep the ship afloat all these years by
maintaining full control over the band's personnel/ activities, which is most
likely the main reason why they're still around today. Many bands from the
'80s died off about as fast as Britney Spears' first marriage, but not HELIX.
Speaking of the 80's - those were undoubtedly HELIX's best years. "No Rest For
The Wicked", "Walkin' The Razor's Edge", "Long Way To Heaven" and "Wild In The
Streets" were (and still are) classic Hard Rock albums that no real old-school
fan will ever stop listening to (myself included).
So how could HELIX drop an anchor for themselves in 2007? By releasing yet
another new album, of course - and that's exactly what they've done. "The
Power Of Rock And Roll" serves up a nice selection of tunes that define the
true meaning of what its title suggests, topped off with a whole lot of
old-school flavour. This isn't a Metal album per se, and no it's not a return
to the "Rock You"-style era, but it's a solid expression of what HELIX have to
offer in the now, and it's pretty damn good.
There are 11 tracks in total, six of which appeared on the band's "Get Up!" EP
(if you own it, you'll be happy to know it's now considered a collector's item
as it's no longer in production). Heavy rockers like "Get Up!", "Baby Likes To
Ride", "The Power Of Rock And Roll", "Nickels And Dimes" and "Living Life
Large" all prove Vollmer hasn't lost his edge nor his ability to hit the highs
and lows without compromise. The re-recording of the band's classic track
"Heavy Metal Love" (1983) and "Fill Your Head With Rock" both boast some hefty
chops while the groove-filled "The Past Is Back (To Kick Your Ass)" and
"Cyberspace Girl" add some variety across the board for good measure.
Not to harp on the subject of the "'80s" too much, but this is probably one of
the most "feel-good" albums since that era. The production has a very raw
"classic" sound to it rather than the shiny, polished finish that a lot of
younger bands opt for these days. This is not a band thing; it just adds a lot
of gravy to the meat. Brian Vollmer and company have created a solid album
here. If you're looking for a great kick-ass Rock N' Roll disc to play while
cruising the beach, driving on the highway or even at a big house party, "The
Power Of Rock And Roll" is a good choice. Why? It's just the kind of
no-nonsense, balls-out Rock album that makes you want to "get up", crack a
beer and have a good time.