Meantime

At the time this album was released (1992), this type of music was called "alternative metal," but this album ("Meantime"), and this band (Helmet) were, for all intensive purposes, the start of the genre that we know today as nu-metal. Its heavy riffs, stop-start rhythms, and soft-hard song structures were the motivating force behind many `90's hard rock bands. Thus, Helmet should definitely be considered one of the most influential and important rock bands of the 1990's. Even super-influential bands like Korn, Pantera and Tool have cited Helmet as an influence.Musically, it's clearly evident that frontman Page Hamilton listened to a lot of Black Sabbath while making this record. "Meantime" is full of sludgy riffs and even some Ozzy-esque vocals (which are especially apparent on the song "Unsung").Songs like "Ironhead," "Give It," "He Feels Bad," and "You Borrowed" best illustrate Helmet's famous stop-start rhythms (and "Ironhead" even has fast, almost galloping guitars), and "Unsung" and "Turned Out" have the aforementioned sludgy riffs, which lurch and almost bob. Elsewhere,"In the Meantime" has a heavy, grooving main riff, "Better" and "Role Model" should quench your cravings for a heavy song ("Better" has some heavy yells, and "Role Model" has heavy, churning riffs), and "F.B.L.A. II" has a guitar solo and some everything-but-the-kitchen sink drumming.For whatever reason, this album has aged very well (better than most nu-metal records). This may be because Helmet were such an original band, or maybe because Page isn't constantly yelling about "nookies" and hatred. Or maybe it's because "Meantime" has a few guitar solos, and guitar solos are foreign to almost all other nu-metal bands. But, whatever the reason, Helmet are not normally grouped with nu-metal bands, so they are one of the few bands whose albums sales didn't plummet when nu-metal collapsed. Thus, it's OK if your friends know you listen to Helmet--they won't laugh at you.In conclusion, this is where nu-metal began, so if you hate nu-metal, you should hate these guys; but everybody who enjoys nu or alternative metal, and those who are fans of Korn, Deftones, Tool, etc. should definitely check out "Meantime." And even if you don't listen to Helmet, you should definitely give them props for essentially being a modern day Black Sabbath and creating a whole genre--even though that genre would die off about a decade later.

I love this album, but the download version has something seriously wrong with the audio. There's a weird warbling sound on all the tracks that's not supposed to be there. I tried re-downloading it 3 times with the same result. I even tried streaming it from the Amazon site and I could still hear it. It's like the source file is corrupted or something.

Disk arrived quick and like new condition , no scratches or marks. thank you!

Best real heavy metal album released in last 20 years. Hard to believe it's been that long since this album came out. It's really timeless.Hard to the freakin core without being ridiculous "death" metal, which to me sounds like someone barfing onto the mic with speed drumbing as fast as one can sling the drumsticks. This is the last real treat released, very intense, quality second to none, and right before metal took a turn for the worse. The real deal, bees knees, etc. If you've never had the pleasure of treating your ears to this gem, by all means do it to it. If you've heard it before but wanna add it to your collection again, don't hesitate. I've listened so many times this is the 3rd copy I've bought, not counting the pirated versions. Do it.

Helmet's "Betty" gets all the attention. It's a great album, but so is "Meantime." The singer has always used two voices, one growling metal voice and his usual singing voice. For a long time I thought there were two singers. The way I judge which album is better is by percentage of good songs. For me, "Betty" was sixty percent, while "Meantime" is eighty. "In the Meantime" is the perfect opening song, heavy and loud. "Better" has the same feel. If you liked "Betty" and don't like "Meantime", your ears are playing tricks on you.

The cd is amazing! I first heard it back in the 90's when the album came out. It sounds as good to me now as it did back then. I love it. Great Hardcore!

Helmet has to be one of the most underrated bands ever! Meantime is one of those cd's, you can pop in, and listen to straight through, and never skip a song. All the songs are incredible, hard hitting, magic! Helmet uses "space" in their music. It seems to be a big part of them, and it works! Just an all around incredible band, and incredible Cd. It's a must have for people who appreciate great guitar riffs, incredible drumming, and spectacular vocals!

CD arrived in perfect condition and plays perfect as well. Completely satisfied. Most impressed by how it was packaged for shipping.

Such a great album. Arrived on time and well packaged

Seems to be overlooked but an incredible album. Not sure much of what they did lived up to it afterwards. There are some great moments on Betty, but Meantime start to finish is an unflinching statement of a band single-mindedness that set the bar high for any band that may try to follow. Excellent timeless lyrics, sound and song writing.

This album for me is worth 5 stars. Helmet's 2nd album and only 2nd best to the wonderful 3rd album betty.Never does this album at any stage fail to give the nu metal/rock listener 100% entertainment and satisfaction, start to finish.The opening track meantime really does rock and ironhead next up is a cracker.The rest of the 8 songs are up to the mark. Buy meantime, you won't be disappointed.

Takes me right back to the mid 90's when I was anticipating the release of The Crow!

Bloody love it. Awesome music if you love some heavy...Really tight playing and full of energy.Can't recommend enough