Helios Creed

The liner notes to On Tour 1999 proudly point out "this recording is complete and unedited," which is really how things should be. Creed improvises his feedback-laden guitar skronk constantly while in concert, and a mix job would only take the life and spontaneity out of the event, even if represented in audio form only. This release, recorded in California in May 1999, lacks a lot of the more overt psychedelia that the man has done, and instead concentrates on the grittier, more raw material he released most immediately after departing Chrome. The formula is that of a solid post-punk apocalyptic rhythm section (courtesy of Rodney Horihata on bass and Paul Della Pelle on drums this time out) underneath a warped wall of guitar wizardry, effects-charged anti-vocals, and Z Sylver's synth smatterings. Ultimately, On Tour 1999 shows how much Creed has to offer punk and metal fans, and even with the restrictions common in live releases, serves as an excellent primer to the more primal side of this often unheralded innovative genius. ~ Brian O'Neill, All Music Guide