Helix – Scrap Metal: A High-Octane Final Bow for Canada’s Hard Rock Heavyweights
The latest record from Helix, Scrap Metal, released on January 23, 2026, doesn’t just lean into legacy—it weaponizes it. Billed as the band's final studio album, it serves as a high-octane farewell that captures the energy of a band playing like every take matters. Produced in Canada by Daryl Gray and Aaron Murray, the album favours performance over polish, reflecting an environment that prioritizes live feel and authenticity. The production keeps things focused with minimal studio trickery and maximum punch. The result is a sound that feels immediate—amps breathing, drums cracking, and vocals sitting right up front.
At the center, Brian Vollmer anchors the record with a vocal performance that’s all character and command. He leans into phrasing and grit, shaping each line with the instincts of someone who knows exactly how these songs should land. On guitars, Chris Julke and Kaleb Duck bring a powerful dual attack—Julke adding a sharper, more contemporary edge with tight, percussive riffing and layered harmonies, while Duck reinforces the band’s classic hard rock foundation.
The album even features historical contributions from former members Brent "The Doctor" Doerner and the late Paul Hackman, creating a dense, melodic wall of sound that bridges the band's past and present. On bass, Daryl Gray delivers a thick, supportive low end that locks in tightly with drummers Jamie Constant and the late Greg "Fritz" Hinz. Their chemistry gives the songs weight and momentum, forming a backbone that allows the guitars and vocals to shine while keeping everything grounded.
What makes Scrap Metal stand out is the cumulative effect of craftsmanship. It blends five brand-new tracks, like the single "Stuck in the 80's," with rare tracks that have been given new life. There’s a push-and-pull throughout—tension and release, density and space—that keeps the listening experience engaging from start to finish.
As Brian Vollmer puts it: "Scrap Metal started out as an afterthought and morphed into a full-fledged album. As the songs started to take shape, we realized we had something very special here." In the end, Scrap Metal feels both like a celebration and a definitive statement of a legendary career.
These songs are already primed for the stage, and fans can catch them live at several upcoming stops. Key dates include June 11, 2026, at the River Cree Resort & Casino in Enoch, Alberta; July 31, 2026, at the Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa festival in Manitoba; and August 14–15, 2026, at Rock the Harbour in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where Helix headlines a stacked East Coast lineup. For full tour details, ticket information, and updates, fans can head to the band’s official website at www.planethelix.com.
Between the final record and the upcoming road dates, Helix proves they’re not just honouring their past—they’re making a final, loud, and impossible-to-ignore noise in the present.
Track Listing
01. Stuck In The 80's
02. Fast & Furious
03. Pretty Poison
04. Hot Heavy & Wild
05. Money (Goes With Everything)
06. Jaws Of The Tiger
07. Coming Back With Bigger Guns
08. Danger Zone
09. Tie Me Down
10. Closer
11. The Same Room
12. The Pusher
(By Caroline Lauder,Goddess XC Radio)
