Helix: Canada's Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Stalwarts

Helix is a Canadian hard rock and heavy metal band formed in 1974. The group achieved significant commercial success in the 1980s with a string of anthemic rock singles and high-energy live performances.

Early career

Formed in Kitchener, Ontario, Helix was founded by guitarist Brent Doerner and drummer Brian Vollmer, who remains the band's sole constant member and lead vocalist. The early lineup solidified in the late 1970s, leading to the release of their independent debut album, Breaking Loose, in 1979.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough came after signing with Capitol Records in the early 1980s. Their 1983 album No Rest for the Wicked, produced by Tom Treumuth, became a hit in Canada, achieving platinum status and spawning the popular single Heavy Metal Love.

Key tracks

Rock You - This 1984 single from the album Walkin' the Razor's Edge became the band's signature anthem and their biggest commercial hit.

Heavy Metal Love - A defining track from their breakthrough album that solidified their place in the Canadian metal scene.

Deep Cuts the Knife - A successful power ballad that demonstrated the band's range beyond straightforward rock anthems.

Gimme Gimme Good Lovin' - A popular, energetic cover of the Crazy Elephant song that became a live staple.

The band maintained a relentless touring schedule throughout the 1980s, sharing stages with major acts like Kiss, Motörhead, and Whitesnake. Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, Brian Vollmer has kept the Helix name alive, releasing new music and performing consistently, with a career spanning over fifteen studio albums.