Helix – ‘Scrap Metal’

(Perris Records)

I’ve always had a soft spot for Helix, and Scrap Metal is one of those records that only makes sense if you do too. This isn’t a slick, carefully curated “best of” designed to lure in casual fans. It’s a rough-around-the-edges collection of leftovers, unreleased tracks, and deep-cut material that somehow manages to capture exactly why these Canadian rockers have always been such a blast. If you like your melodic hard rock honest, loud, and just a little unpolished, Scrap Metal is way more than its throwaway title suggests.

Scrap Metal feels like Helix opening the vault and dumping it all on the floor. This is a band that never pretended to be anything other than what they were: working-class hard rockers who loved big riffs, catchy hooks, and choruses built for sweaty club sing-alongs. There’s no gloss, no chasing trends, and absolutely no shame in being loud and melodic at the same time.

Brian Vollmer has always been one of Helix’s secret weapons, and Scrap Metal is a reminder of just how effective his voice is. He’s not the flashiest singer in the genre, but he’s got grit, attitude, and a sense of melody that fits the music perfectly. These songs sound lived-in, like they’ve been played a hundred times in smoky bars before ever hitting tape. Vollmer delivers every line with conviction, whether he’s snarling through a tougher rocker or leaning into the more hook-driven material.

Musically, this is classic Helix through and through. The guitars are chunky and unapologetic, built on riffs that owe as much to straight-ahead hard rock as they do to the melodic sensibilities of bands like Triumph or early Def Leppard. There’s a rawness here that actually works in the album’s favour. You can hear the band’s chemistry, the push and pull between tight musicianship and loose, almost reckless energy. It’s not perfect, but it’s authentic and that counts for a lot.

What really stands out on Scrap Metal is how strong the songwriting still is. That says something about Helix as a band. Lesser groups would have filler collecting dust; Helix had songs that simply didn’t fit a particular record or moment. Strip away the expectations and production budgets, and what you’re left with are solid hard rock tunes that could easily sit alongside their better-known material.

There’s also a sense of fun running through the entire album, something Helix always did better than most. This band never took themselves too seriously, and Scrap Metal thrives on that attitude. You can practically hear the grins behind the amps. It’s the sound of a band that knows exactly what it does well and leans into it without apology. In an era when a lot of hard rock was starting to disappear under waves of changing trends, Helix stick to their guns and Scrap Metal feels like a defiant middle finger to anyone who thinks this kind of music didn’t matter anymore.

Production-wise, don’t expect polish. Some tracks sound rougher than others, and the levels aren’t always pristine. But honestly? That’s part of the appeal. This isn’t an album you analyse with headphones and a notepad. It’s one you throw on while driving too fast or cracking a beer with friends who still believe rock ‘n’ roll should be loud and fun. The rough edges give the songs character, and for longtime fans, they offer a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain.

‘Stuck In The 80’s’ – If there was ever a title that perfectly summed up Helix’s mindset, this is it. Rather than sounding embarrassed by the decade, the band leans into it with a knowing grin. Big hooks, crunchy guitars, and a chorus that feels tailor-made for fist-pumping nostalgia. It’s self-aware without being self-conscious, and that’s always been Helix’s strength.

‘Fast And Furious’ – No messing around here, this one comes out swinging. Driven by a muscular riff and a relentless pace, it taps into Helix’s street-level hard rock side. It’s not flashy, but it’s tight and effective, the kind of song that would absolutely rip live. Pure barroom energy.

‘Pretty Poison’ is classic melodic hard rock Helix. Slicker than the previous track, but still packing bite. The chorus is catchy without being cheesy, and Brian Vollmer sounds completely at home selling the song’s sleazy charm. It’s the sort of track that sticks in your head long after the album ends.

Helix titles have never been subtle, and that’s half the fun. ‘Hot Heavy And Wild’ delivers exactly what it promises: stomping rhythm, beefy guitar crunch, and a no-frills attitude. It’s raw, loud, and a reminder that Helix always knew how to balance melody with grit.

‘Money Goes With Everything’ is one of the more interesting tracks here, lyrically speaking. There’s a slightly cynical edge to this one, wrapped in a strong melodic framework. The groove carries the song, while the guitars punch hard without overpowering the hook.

‘Jaws Of The Tiger’ – This one has a tougher, almost arena-ready feel. The riff is big and aggressive, and the song builds tension nicely through the verses before unleashing a solid chorus. It shows Helix’s heavier side without abandoning melody, which is exactly where they tend to shine.

‘Coming Back With Bigger Guns’ – There’s something gloriously defiant about this track. The title alone feels like a mission statement. Musically, it’s punchy and confident, with a chorus that sounds like it was designed to be shouted back at the band from the crowd. Helix at their most resilient and determined.

‘Danger Zone’ – No, not that one, but it still packs a punch. This track rides a driving rhythm and a sharp guitar line, giving it a sense of urgency. Its straightforward hard rock done right, with enough melodic polish to keep it from feeling generic.

‘Tie Me Down’ - Here’s where the album slows the pace just a touch, but not the intensity. Tie Me Down leans into a heavier groove, with a darker edge in both the riff and the vocal delivery. It adds some weight to the album and keeps things from becoming one-note.

‘Closer’ – This is Helix showing their more melodic, emotional side without drifting into power ballad territory. The song breathes a little more, letting the vocals and melody take centre stage. It’s restrained by Helix standards, but still unmistakably them.

‘The Same Room’ is another strong melodic cut that feels reflective compared to the other tracks. There’s a sense of atmosphere here, and it works well as the album starts winding down. It’s not flashy, but it’s well-crafted and adds depth to the overall listening experience.

‘The Pusher’ closes the album on a gritty note, it brings back that raw hard rock attitude. It’s dirty, bluesy, and unapologetic, ending Scrap Metal with a snarl rather than a smile. A fitting closer that reinforces the album’s rough-and-ready nature.

Scrap Metal isn’t an essential starting point for newcomers, but for fans or anyone with a weakness for melodic hard rock, it’s a rewarding listen. It fills in the gaps, adds depth to the Helix story, and proves that even their castoffs had teeth. I’ve always had a soft spot for this band, and albums like this are exactly why. Helix may never have been critics’ darlings, but they delivered the goods where it counted.

Scrap Metal lives up to its name while completely defying it. What sounds like leftovers turns out to be a surprisingly strong, entertaining collection that reinforces Helix’s legacy as one of Canada’s most dependable hard rock bands. It’s scrappy, melodic, and full of heart, just like Helix themselves. And honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

8/10

Essential Track – ‘Hot Heavy and Wild’

Review by Woody