What more can you say about Helmet that hasn’t already been said? Throughout their show at the Hi-Fi Bar, Melbourne, the seminal metallers proved to the adoring crowd that after more than two decades in the industry, they are still a relevant and respected member of the scene they helped establish. With a set-list spanning all six of their albums, few of the hits were absent. Songs such as Unsung and Milquetoast were received with particularly robust reactions, and were performed with the vigour fans have come to expect from the hard rockers.

Axe-wielding and charismatic frontman and founder Page Hamilton, the creative force and lone original member of the band, amazingly appears to have not aged a day since their breakthrough Unsung video clip (albeit minus the pink guitar). He took plenty of time in between songs to engage in some amusing banter with the crowd. He was backed superbly by his energetic revolving-door band, whose younger years are likely a contributing factor in keeping him and his songs so fresh. In fact, speaking to rhythm guitarist Dan post-gig, his excitement was evident. He revelled at how, after years of playing in a variety of unrecognised outfits, he is now jamming with one of his all-time favourite, and universally lauded, bands in the world.

The band members’ willingness and genuine desire to meet and greet every single member of the audience who cared to hang around after the set to offer their congratulations and thanks was another very impressive aspect of the Helmet show. Not surprisingly an imposing group of fans queued to shake hands with Hamilton, and have various items of merchandise autographed. The man graciously and happily complied.

Not only are Helmet an impressive musical outfit, they are also a very giving and professional one. It’s this professionalism that may well guarantee they are around to further influence the music industry for another twenty years.