’90s rockers Helmet return next month with their seventh studio album Seeing Eye Dog. My good friend Derrick got me into these guys back in the day, and they were definitely among some of the heavier bands I ever listened to, although they took an almost academic approach to it all (frontman Page Hamilton studied jazz guitar). Inspiring the Drop D tuning style of bands like The Deftones, Korn and Tool, it’s safe to say that they had a big influence in the direction of music in the ’90s even if they never really hit the big time.

They re-united back in 2004 for Size Matters, but it wasn’t quite the same without John Stanier on drums or Henry Bogdan on bass. The title track of this new album doesn’t break any new ground. It’s reminiscent of their style, and yet something is definitely missing. I can’t help but feel that they should quit while they’re ahead, although it would be nice to see them at least redeem their last album Monochrome, which was a disappointment. Apparently they do a cover of The Beatles’ “And Your Bird Can Sing” on the new album, which is both intriguing and horrifying since it is one of my favourite Beatles songs.

Seeing Eye Dog hits stores on September 7th, and is available in a variety of packages including a Deluxe + Laminate edition which gives you access to every gig they play for the rest of 2010! For more info visit helmetmusic.com.