Monochrome is the sixth studio album by Helmet, released in July 18, 2006 through Warcon. It is the third Helmet album in a row to be recorded as a three-piece, with new drummer Mike Jost joining veterans Page Hamilton and Chris Traynor. Bassist Jeremy Chatelain, who replaced Frank Bello on the Size Matters tour, rejoined the band for the 2006 Warped Tour in support of Monochrome. The album received a mixed reception upon release.
The track ‘Monochrome’ is featured on the soundtrack for Saw III and is played over the film’s end credits; a music video was created which featured Jigsaw’s puppet, Billy, lip-syncing the song while riding his bike. Also featured are shots of the band on TV screens and some clips from the film.
The album is said to be a “return to roots”, co-produced with Wharton Tiers, who recorded Helmet‘s first two albums Strap It On and Meantime on the same tape machine used for Monochrome.
When asked in an interview if he thought it was a return to roots, Hamilton replied that it was a “return to working with people that I like.” At least two of the tracks, “Money Shot” and “Bury Me”, are known to be from Hamilton‘s former band Gandhi, but they have been rerecorded with the new Helmet lineup.
Page Hamilton:
“Wharton was my only choice to co-produce this project with me. Apart from the sounds he can get in his studio, he was also a major influence in terms of helping me shape my guitar playing”.
A cover of the song “Requiem” by the band Killing Joke was included on the vinyl release. The CD versions included a code to download the song.
In support of Monochrome‘ release, Helmet performed at the 2006 Warped Tour. New drummer Mike Jost left Helmet in late 2006, following the completion of the Warped Tour shows, as did rhythm guitarist Chris Traynor. Aside from Hamilton, Traynor was the last remaining member to have been involved in the original run of Helmet, as he had performed on the Aftertaste tour in 1997. For the late 2006 and 2007 shows in support of Monochrome, Traynor was replaced by guitarist Jimmy Thompson (also known as Jimmy Tee), formerly of the Australian alternative metal band Full Scale, while Jost was replaced by Kyle Stevenson, who still remains with Helmet.
Tracklist:
- Swallowing Everything
- Brand New (Hamilton, Jost, Traynor)
- Bury Me
- Monochrome
- On Your Way Down (Hamilton, Jost, Traynor)
- Money Shot
- Gone
- Almost Out of Sight
- Howl (instrumental)
- 410
- Goodbye
- Requiem (Killing Joke cover)Vinyl edition bonus track
Credits
Page Hamilton: guitar, vocals
Chris Traynor: bass
Mike Jost: drums
