Search - Helix :: Vagabond Bones

Don't call it a comeback....

Geoff Holland | Burnaby, BC, Canada | 12/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't call it a comeback, as they've never gone away. Canada's best hard rock/heavy metal band is back!



Brian Vollmer has been keeping Helix alive for many years now, through his PlanetHelix website and with various incarnations of the band. He also wrote a fantastic book about life with Helix, and it's simply one of the best rock books out there.



Now 2009 has come around, and the "classic" Helix lineup is back in action (missing only the late great Paul Hackman, may he rest in peace).



Vagabond Bones is a fantastic album, keeping true to the Helix reputation of being the best party band around. It sounds fantastic, Brian is in great voice, and the songs are definitely some of the best in their great career. Personal faves? It's hard to narrow it down, but if I had to choose I'd pick 'Vagabond Bones', 'Hungover But Still Hangin' In', and 'The Best Mistake I Never Made'.



If you loved Helix in their 80's and 90's heyday, you will love this album. And if you've never heard of them before, give it a shot. You just may find yourself with a new favorite band!"

Helix at their best!

Christopher J. Weingardt | Denver, CO | 11/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Helix has the band back together from the height of Helix and it shows. This disc is great from start to finish. Helix fans as well as lovers of 80's Hair band rock will love this CD."

Best Helix album in at least 15 years or more!

Sampson Simpson | Canada | 12/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, Brian Vollmer sure hit one out of the park with Vagabond Bones! It may be brief (9 songs) but it sure doesn't overstay its welcome. Here's a rough breakdown!



1. The Animal Inside (Won't Be Denied)

Immediately you're hit over the head by the slick production work by Vollmer, Aaron Murray, and guitar maestro Sean Kelly. Kelly, who co-wrote every song, puts his stamp all over The Animal Inside from the insanely catchy chorus to the shredding solos. Vollmer sings powerfully.



2. Go Hard or Go Home

Another powerful chorus, great catchy riff, fun lyrics! "Go hard, or go home, take your little whiny candy a** and go." Again, Kelly is a fantastic writer



3. Vagabond Bones

First video from the album, three great songs in a row.



4. Morning Morning Meltdown

Vollmer compared this one to Cheap Trick, you sure can hear it in the choruses. A very pop song that is anchored by another great Kelly riff. Very different for Helix.



5. When The Bitter's Get The Better Of You

A fast Van Halen style shuffle. Amazing song...that's five in a row now!



6. Hung Over But Still Hanging In (duet with Russ Dwarf of Killer Dwarfs)

I was a little surprised by how much Russ Dwarf's voice has changed, it's been over 15 years since I've heard him sing on an album. Either way, great party song. It has a lot of groove.



7. Best Mistake I Never Made

My personal favourite song. It has a classic rock sound, an acoustic guitar, and if I had to compare to something else, it would be Helix' 1993 hit "That Day Is Gonna Come".



8. Make 'Em Dance

A fast stomper. Just rages!



9. Jack It Up

My least favourite song. Still quite decent, but it has a funky vibe to it, and it may be a little too modern for my tastes.





It is important to note that technically this is a reunion album. Helix is now touring with Brent "The Doctor" Doerner, Daryl Gray, and Greg "Fritz" Hinz. I don't know how much they contributed to this album. Yes, they are credited but not to specific songs. I think Sean Kelly plays most of the guitars and bass, and Rob MacEachern (who was in Helix earlier in the year) most of the drums. That's my only real complaint. I love Helix and I want to know what songs the reunion lineup played on! I think most of the flashy modern sounding solos must be Kelly.



Certainly the best sounding Helix album ever, and the best in many a year. And that's saying something, because 2007's The Power Of Rock And Roll was incredible.



Good work boys! See you on the road. 5 stars."