This is great stuff!!!!.... To me, it has shades of Tool mixed with Helmet, but doesn't sound exactly like either one.... Just what the Metal Doctor ordered !

Helen 55 fuse melody with early 90's reminiscent NY hardcore, topping it all off with a bit of a modern nu-metal riffage... The bands two vocalists trade off parts tightly between each other, with gripping hard edged chants and screamed out verses very similar to Page Hamilton of Helmet coloring the more heated side of this CD, while lulling emocore styled choruses and verses on the other hand can cradle the listener into a dazed state, all before dropping them flat on their ass to a song structure that gives out plunging the listener into a fiery auditory fury... But don't be fooled the band isn't a one trick pony at all, they can even reverse this process starting out with heavy riffage and snarling vocal releases that can fade into lush environments putting the listener trough the motions... The band itself is very good at what they do, some highlights of their music include their ability too not fall victim to typical song patterns such as verse/chorus/verse or verse/chorus/breakdown instead they mix it all up and surprise with differing parts and unexpected changes... Another good quality to the bands music is they don't muddle their vibe by having to make every song contain heavy or drastically changing parts, they use dynamics, but not in the conventional way instead relying on the music to channel the progression, where most bands mainly rely on the vocals, plus they separate straight emo/pop songs from the more vicious ones giving a more purified vision of the music they make... Perhaps the most standout track on this album is "Hey Mom", although it doesn't give a clear representation of the bands sound, it's catchy emo sensibilities grip tightly. For a more aggravated approach to the bands sound a recommendation would be the track "Spinner" which gives a peek into the more virulent side of the band, blending swaying melody and aggression back and forth without the predictability of most who try to accomplish such a feat... Helen 55 are a well crafted band with a vibrant soundscape and excellent melody in their arsenal, perhaps a bit cleaner focus of aggression is all this band needs to make it to the top, if you want some solid resonant emotional melodies combined with malicious hardcore like chants than look no further, because there's more than 55 reasons to pick up Helen 55!

I recently received a copy of 'Amped', the newest, full-length, indie release. During the first listen, my ears were in a bit of shock due to the sheer production and polish of hearing the band on a level other than hearing them live. I didn't quite know what to think or how to react. But after my third and fourth round, and a pleasant listen of the same CD on the Troubadour's killer, overhead, sound system last night in between bands on 'Free Mondays', I got that push I needed. I like it. In fact, I like it a lot. First, you'll want to hear this one loud. Second, make sure your system is worthy of what Helen 55 is putting out. Take 'Spinner ' for example. This is the first track on the CD. It's like having smooth and crunchy peanut butter at the same time. It crunches, it flows, and it totally sticks. The underlying guitar and bass lines (expertly executed by none other than band spokesperson and main lyricist, Shon Kornfeld, and by bass player, D. Valles) are so familar that you will drive yourself nuts trying to figure out where you've heard it before if you're not entirely 'at one' with the CD yet. Once you are, however, you won't forget again. Continue your listening experience and you will arrive at a track called 'Music'. The chorus on this one is what will grab you by the ears and spin your head around. How can you miss with a song that has a chorus as passionate as this? "Music, that's the only thing that's been true to me." Someone has perfectly described true adoration of his craft. Helen 55 is one of those bands that people will really get behind and support. I feel that already. At a club one night, I asked the sound guy what he was playing, before I knew the band very well. And he said to me, with this proud, "I stand behind this band 1000%" look on his face - "It's Helen 55." Period. No embellishment. No elaboration. Just ...bam! The music speaks for itself. So, enough already; I'm not giving you anything more for free. Go get this CD. Beg, borrow, or steal; just do what you need to do. Trust me on this one and just get it.

The March band of the month, Helen 55, truly delivers with their latest release "Amped." For those of you who haven't heard, Helen 55 is beautiful ensamble of soothing vocals to harsh growls, backed by creative guitar riffs and a stong rythem section. With their ability to switch gears within seconds their sound is amazing! Tracks such as "Music," "California," and "The Taste of Sick" brilliantly represents this. Helen 55 is uncomparable in the scene, bring a beautifully chaotic sound, at times filling you with happiness and posativety and the next turn around to pummel you, this is absolutely perfect. The vocals of Helen 55 has the most pleaseing of singing abilities, with so much range and diversity it is something to behold, you can actually feel the emotion that he has running through him, pouring out through the music and taking you in. About two years ago I recieved the first Helen 55 demo which contained "Dumb Summer" and "The Taste of Sick" on it, which are also tracks 9 and 10 on the new disc, these two tracks alone drew me in and made me anticipate this album in the worst of ways. Helen 55 is an amazing group with a bright future, so get your ass up, check out the website, order the CD and don't let Helen 55 pass you by!