Helmet
Page Hamilton's precision-machined downstrokes — the band a generation of nu-metal quietly ripped off, still tighter than all of them.
Helmet formed in New York in 1989 around guitarist and vocalist Page Hamilton, a jazz-trained musician whose approach shaped the band's sound: rigid, staccato downstroked riffs, drop-tuned guitars, abrupt stop-start arrangements and drumming locked tightly to the guitar rather than swinging against it. Records including Meantime and Betty brought them to a wide audience in the 1990s and proved enormously influential on the alternative metal and nu-metal bands that followed.
Hamilton has led the group through several lineups since, and the material still depends on precision — the songs work because everything lands on the same beat.
Festivals Helmet is playing
Helmet at a glance
What festivals is Helmet playing in 2026?
Helmet is booked at 1 festival: Aftershock 2026.
Is Helmet playing Aftershock 2026?
Yes — Helmet is on the Aftershock 2026 lineup, October 1–4, 2026 at Discovery Park, Sacramento, CA. They play Sunday, October 4.
Where is Helmet from?
Helmet is from New York, NY.
What kind of music does Helmet play?
Helmet is tagged alt-metal and post-hardcore.
Also on these bills
Sleep TheoryMy Chemical RomanceToolPierce The VeilCirca SurviveAFIThe UsedDance Gavin DanceCoheed and CambriaSleeping with SirensChiodosNothing More
More alt-metal acts
Bring Me The HorizonSleep TheoryThe Plot In YouToolAmira ElfekySevendustAlien Ant FarmDeftonesFrom Ashes To NewNothing MoreViolent ViraEvanescence
More artists from New York, NY
FcukersFrost ChildrenSombrThe StrokesDel Water GapWooliJulia WolfLCD SoundsystemShow Me The BodyThe Pretty RecklessYHWH NailgunAmber Mark
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