Helix

When thinking about Canadian heavy metal, bands such as Rush, Saga, and Triumph usually come to mind for many rock fans -- in other words, challenging prog metal. During the early '80s, however, several other Canadian metal acts attempted to break out globally -- but with a sound that reflected the party-hearty style of Van Halen. Tops on this list would be Helix. Although they started out in the late '70s, it wasn't until the early to mid-'80s that they enjoyed some moderate MTV play, and also landed some prime opening spots on the touring circuit (Kiss, Whitesnake, etc.). And this is exactly the group's "peak era" that the 1989 21-track compilation Over 60 Minutes With... focuses on. The most memorable tracks remain the ones whose videos made the rounds back in the day -- the self-explanatory anthem "Heavy Metal Love," "Rock You" (which didn't contain exactly the most sophisticated rock lyrics penned...but never mind), and also the power ballad "Deep Cuts the Knife." And for fans who already own this material, there are three previously unreleased tracks as well -- "Give It to You," "Jaws of the Tiger," and "Everybody Pays the Price." Over 60 Minutes With... is all the Helix most headbangers will require. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide