Aftertaste

[markofcain]

i have no problem with this record and i go through aftertaste phases every once in a while, but i would have to say that there is something missing in this album....im not sure, its almost souless...it could be just me but this album says to me (this is what a band sounds like when its going through a break up but they have to get an album out) i got that same feeling with soundgarden on "down on the upside"

[street_crab05]

"Pure" is a monster. Just love listening to the guitars on the sides while Stanier cracks the snare. And then the chords during the choruses and the outro... amazing.

[eht13]

i have no problem with this record and i go through aftertaste phases every once in a while, but i would have to say that there is something missing in this album....im not sure, its almost souless...it could be just me but this album says to me (this is what a band sounds like when its going through a break up but they have to get an album out) i got that same feeling with soundgarden on "down on the upside"

Well said.

[CrashingFCars777]

Crisis King is the best song on Aftertaste

[blinddogx]

this is actually my favorite helmet album. i love the guitar tones. they have a warmth to them yet they're gritty. i think all around this album has the best of the best tone wise for everything to me. and it was pretty much un-matched at the time.

Definitely agree. The demos feel much stronger and hit a bit harder.

With that said, I constantly find myself coming back to Aftertaste and I actually find it to be my favorite release. Everything else is also incredible but Aftertaste just clicks with me 100 percent.

[fnm]

First impressions....

Really happy!! Lots of songs I really like and overall I think this is definitely another strong album....I wouldn't say it's weak. In fact I'd say it could be up there with MT in terms of consistency...some lovely riffs and kick ass drumming continues. I seems more up beat and up tempo compared to Betty. And maybe a bit more easy listening? Many of the songs seem to have a similar fast heavy rock vibe.

So glad to get home and put this on, feels great. Apart from the fact it's not 1997 now

I'll continue to let it sink in!

edit: pure, renovation, driving nowhere, it's easy to get bored stand out a lot at the moment. i love like i care and ewyw and have heard these months ago! very strong, great first few listens.

EDIT: bit random, but was googling and found....page and winona ryder? they used to go out?! that's pretty cool

[eht13]

Glad to hear you're enjoying it. It is a very good album, but I just feel like as a Helmet album it's not quite up to par and has less staying power or long term life to it. It's somehow missing something and just feels like the kind of album that a band on the verge of a breakup might put out.

Yeah, Page and Winona Ryder used to date. I think her bizarre shoplifting situation occurred at that time, and I think I remember hearing that Page went to the trial with her as a supportive boyfriend... haha.

[fnm]

Glad to hear you're enjoying it. It is a very good album, but I just feel like as a Helmet album it's not quite up to par and has less staying power or long term life to it. It's somehow missing something and just feels like the kind of album that a band on the verge of a breakup might put out.

Yeah, Page and Winona Ryder used to date. I think her bizarre shoplifting situation occurred at that time, and I think I remember hearing that Page went to the trial with her as a supportive boyfriend... haha.

Yeah I had that in mind when I was listening, which is why I was so surprised I enjoyed/am enjoying it so much. I think it feels like the band know they're finishing soon, so they're putting out a last kickass hurrah. I know Page recommended this album (w/ strap it on) to new Helmet fans on a Bowie fan interview. To me I agree it feels there's something missing but I don't think that's maybe a bad thing-I think it's distinctly different to Betty/MT musically and maybe that's it. I think there are many strong songs on the album, and few weak spots. I think there's less obvious hits on there though....the songs are more raw, but more subtle imo...But to be contradictory, the 3 Betty and MT singles are kickass and are some of the best and most memorable songs, and while exactly what you wanted is a great song, it's not up there with those singles. Hmmmm...I've confused myself now. Betty/MT are wonderful and I feel that I'll always now have a special place for them...AT is a bit more subtle but still rocks...

Ahaha, seriously confused now what I think. Great album, without a doubt.

And that's quite cool! Hanging with the stars....

[btizubayer]

....appropriated

*ahem

more HELMET

[btizubayer]

and while exactly what you wanted is a great song, it's not up there with those singles

Aftertaste was the first album I was able to get my hands on. Looking on that, after all the effort it took to get the rest of my commercially available HELMET albums, if I were to recommend an album as a sampler, Aftertaste would be it.

Not knowing of the albums popularity...and well after I had obtained my HELMET albums... I was out and about about 6 years ago trying to find stuff at a local mall. While there, stopped into Hot Topics for a little... and a few minutes into being in the store, Exactly What You Wanted came out through the stores system. I was flattered.I didn't know it was a hit. Had to ask my buddy if he knew of it.....and he assured me that it was popular, when I thought that HELMET lost most of it's airtime after Betty was released. He listened to radio alot but man that sounded fantastic coming in almost all directions.

[fnm]

....appropriated

*ahem

more HELMET

urr sorry, not quite sure what this means?

and while exactly what you wanted is a great song, it's not up there with those singles

Aftertaste was the first album I was able to get my hands on. Looking on that, after all the effort it took to get the rest of my commercially available HELMET albums, if I were to recommend an album as a sampler, Aftertaste would be it.

Not knowing of the albums popularity...and well after I had obtained my HELMET albums... I was out and about about 6 years ago trying to find stuff at a local mall. While there, stopped into Hot Topics for a little... and a few minutes into being in the store, Exactly What You Wanted came out through the stores system. I was flattered.I didn't know it was a hit. Had to ask my buddy if he knew of it.....and he assured me that it was popular, when I thought that HELMET lost most of it's airtime after Betty was released. He listened to radio alot but man that sounded fantastic coming in almost all directions.

Wow, that's really cool! I'm a bit unfamiliar on airtime/popularity relation over in the US, but that's pretty impressive. I read it charted in late 20s on a rock chart but didn't realise that meant it'd be that well known. Would love to hear Helmet shopping over here....never gonna happen though
....unless I somehow start working in a store again and have the balls to put some on instead of standard pop....

Oh, I was reading the other day (I'm not a fan of Muse, but tis quite cool) Chris Wolstenholme's (the bassist from Muse) favourite band is Helmet, and he said once that Aftertaste is his favourite album ever. And his fav gig was in 97 when they supported Korn. As I said, not really a fan of Muse's stuff (it's ok but doesn't really do it for me) but I think he's a great bassist and seems like a guy who knows his stuff. (He was at a Primus gig I was at too... )
http://www.musewiki.org/Helmet
http://www.microcuts.net/uk/news/archives/1999/07/



EDIT: 14/04
While initially I really enjoyed this album, I definitely feel it has less lasting appeal than Betty, and a lot less than Meantime, which is one of the few albums which still feels fresh.