Helmet delivered a crushing set at Scout Bar last night, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their seminal album, Betty. The veteran noise-rock pioneers, led by founding guitarist and vocalist Page Hamilton, gave fans exactly what they came for—raw, unfiltered power.
The night was a sonic assault from the opening chords, with Hamilton’s signature drop-tuned riffs and precise, punishing rhythms filling the intimate venue. The highlight of the show was undoubtedly the tracks from Betty, as Helmet tore through classics like “Milquetoast,” “Wilma’s Rainbow,” and “Biscuits for Smut” with the same ferocity that made the album legendary. Each song pulsed with relentless energy, causing a mosh pit that shook the intimate venue, proving that Helmet’s signature sound remains uncompromising.
While the band also mixed in material from their extensive catalog, Betty was the star of the night. Fan favorites like “Speechless” and “I Know” hit just as hard live as they did three decades ago, with the audience responding in kind—heads banging, fists pumping, and bodies moving in controlled chaos.
Hamilton, the frontman who is always the no-nonsense type, kept banter to a minimum, letting the music speak for itself. His guitar work was razor-sharp, while the rhythm section drove each track with punishing precision. Despite the years, Helmet’s sound remains as tight and ferocious as ever, a testament to their influence on modern heavy music.
As the final notes rang out, the crowd erupted in appreciation, knowing they had witnessed a band still at the peak of its powers. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this Betty anniversary show was a perfect tribute to an album that continues to inspire.
About Author
