Helmet's thinking-man metal enlightens Belly Up

Entering the Belly Up while Helmet performed their classic album Betty was like walking into a ’90s time warp. Front man Page Hamilton, the only original member of the band, has changed very little in the 20 years since the album's release, and the songs sounded as fresh and energetic as they did in 1994.

Standing stage left under the neon-blue Belly Up sign, Hamilton led his new lineup through the entire album in honor of the 20th anniversary of its release. From the beginning track, "Wilma's Rainbow," to the album's final track, "Sam Hell," Helmet immaculately reproduced the acclaimed album's sound and energy onstage. Betty is chock-full of Helmet's signature "thinking man's metal," with elements of jazz in its time shifts and a bluesy final track, which made for an impressive collection and performance.

At the conclusion of Betty, Hamilton finally got to swig his beer, stating, "This is my first beer since lunch." The band then went into a second set of songs that spanned the Helmet catalog, including some new compositions, an Aerosmith cover, and of course, their biggest hit, "Unsung."

After an extensive encore, the lights went up but the band did not disappear backstage. Hamilton and his team hung around stage-front for a laid back meet and greet, taking pictures and signing autographs for the remaining fans.

• Concert: Helmet
• Seats: Floor
• Date: April 29
• Venue: Belly Up