In a recent and candid interview with Remzi "Jam Man" Yates of Rocking With Jam Man, Page Hamilton, the visionary leader of the influential alternative metal band Helmet, has unveiled a multifaceted slate of upcoming musical endeavors, signaling a potential pause in the band’s recording output while he explores diverse creative avenues. Hamilton disclosed that he is approximately 70% complete with his debut solo album, tentatively titled "Companion Peace," a project that delves into sound sculpting and abstract textures rather than the signature aggressive sound for which Helmet is renowned.
The conversation, transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET, offered a comprehensive look into Hamilton’s creative process and his evolving artistic vision. He revealed plans to re-release his earlier work, "Movie Music Vol. 1," which was originally released on a label that has since ceased operations. His preferred label, Edel/earMUSIC in Hamburg, is slated to reissue the album, with a hopeful release before the end of the current year. This re-release will pave the way for the completion and eventual release of his solo album.
"Companion Peace" is shaping up to be a significant undertaking, featuring collaborations with a roster of distinguished musicians. Hamilton has enlisted the talents of drummer John Tempesta, a long-time friend and former member of Helmet, known for his work with bands like The Cult, White Zombie, and Rob Zombie. Tempesta has contributed to five tracks on the solo record. Additionally, Matt Flynn, the current drummer for Maroon 5 and a former member of The B-52’s, will lend his formidable drumming skills to several songs. Hamilton also expressed his ambition to secure the involvement of bassist Pancho Tomaselli, a celebrated musician known for his tenure with the legendary funk-rock band War and his collaboration with Dave Lombardo in the band PHILM. Tomaselli, who previously collaborated with Hamilton on his OFFICER LUCIFER project, is described by Hamilton as a "fucking bass genius," underscoring the high caliber of musicianship expected on the solo album.
Beyond his solo aspirations, Hamilton also disclosed signing a one-album jazz deal with Edel, though this project is further down the line, with an anticipated release in 2028. This venture into jazz signifies a bold departure and a testament to Hamilton’s expansive musical curiosity. The announcement of these diverse projects has naturally led to questions about the future of Helmet. Hamilton acknowledged that new material from the band might be delayed, stating, "HELMET, I don’t know right now. I don’t know if we’ll do a new album for a while ’cause I’m kind of focusing on these other things." This statement, while not definitively closing the door on future Helmet releases, suggests a temporary prioritization of his solo work and other creative explorations.
A Deeper Dive into "Companion Peace"
Page Hamilton had previously offered insights into his solo album "Companion Peace" in an October interview with Lauren O’Neil of Q101. During that discussion, he debated the spelling of the title, considering both "P-E-A-C-E" and "P-I-E-C-E," ultimately leaning towards the former as a potential play on words. He explained that the album’s genesis is partly a reflection of his reflections on the current sociopolitical climate, particularly in the United States. At 65 years old, Hamilton expressed a profound disappointment with what he perceives as the country’s deterioration, a sentiment that influences the thematic undercurrents of his solo work. He highlighted the importance of diversity, a value he cherishes as a resident of Los Angeles, a city with a significant Hispanic population.
The musical direction of "Companion Peace" is described as a departure from Helmet’s characteristic sound. Hamilton explained that the album draws heavily from his extensive experience composing for film soundtracks over many years. His film scoring credits include notable works such as "Heat," "In Dreams," "Titus," "Across The Universe," and "Final Fantasy." He elaborated on his interest in "sound sculpting" and creating "soundscapes" using guitar feedback in ways that are "very non-guitaristic." This experimental approach is further supported by his collaboration with composer Patrick Kirst, a professor at the University of Southern California.
Hamilton’s relationship with his label, Edel/earMUSIC, appears to be a significant factor in his creative freedom. He recounted a positive experience where the president of the German label, after attending a Helmet show, expressed unwavering support for Hamilton’s artistic endeavors, encouraging him to "do whatever you wanna do. Don’t compromise." This level of artistic autonomy is a rare and valuable commodity in the music industry, and Hamilton expressed his excitement about the potential of the solo album, emphasizing that it is "not accessible" and "there’s no punk rock singalongs."
Influences and Artistic Evolution
The inspiration for "Companion Peace" is rooted in Hamilton’s experiences scoring films and his interactions with esteemed figures in the film and music world. He specifically mentioned his collaborations with film composer Elliot Goldenthal, whose wife, Julie Taymor, is the celebrated creator of Broadway’s "The Lion King." Hamilton described Goldenthal as a mentor figure, recalling a comment from the composer that "Your guitar is like an orchestra. You create these orchestral textures." This observation resonated deeply with Hamilton, shaping his vision for the solo album as a vehicle for exploring these orchestral textures through his unique guitar work.
The album is being co-produced by Jim Kaufman, who also co-produced Helmet’s 2023 album "Left." Hamilton, who has a significant track record as a producer himself, having worked on albums for artists like Gavin Rossdale, views his production work on other musicians’ projects as a source of inspiration for his own creative process. This cross-pollination of ideas and experiences is a key element in his artistic evolution.
Helmet’s Legacy and Recent Activities
The news of Hamilton’s solo ventures arrives in the wake of Helmet’s continued presence in the music scene. The band’s most recent studio album, "Left," released in 2023, was guided by Hamilton alongside co-producers Jim Kaufman and Mark Renk, and mastered by Howie Weinberg. Prior to "Left," Helmet released their first official live album, "Live And Rare," in November 2021 via earMUSIC, available on vinyl, CD, and digital formats.
Helmet, though initially disbanding in 1997, was revitalized by Hamilton in 2004 and has since continued to tour and record. Their discography includes influential albums such as "Strap It On" (1990), released on Amphetamine Reptile, and "Meantime" (1992), which garnered significant attention and led to a major-label bidding war, ultimately resulting in their signing with Interscope.
Helmet’s impact on the music landscape is undeniable. Despite periods of absence from the public eye, their innovative sound has influenced multiple generations of musicians. Numerous bands, including Chevelle, Deftones, Faith No More, Pig Destroyer, and Soulfly, have covered Helmet’s songs. A testament to their enduring legacy is the 2016 tribute album "Meantime Redux." Furthermore, bands like Godsmack, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Mastodon, Pantera, Queens of the Stone Age, Sepultura, Slipknot, Staind, System Of A Down, and Tool have cited Helmet as a significant influence. In 2021, Helmet contributed a cover of Gang of Four’s "Into The Ditch" to the tribute album "The Problem Of Leisure: A Celebration Of Andy Gill And Gang Of Four," honoring the late guitarist Andy Gill.
Hamilton’s musical journey began with avant-garde guitar icon Glenn Branca and indie stalwarts Band of Susans before he founded Helmet in 1989. This rich background in experimental and foundational rock music has undoubtedly shaped his distinctive approach to songwriting and sonic exploration, evident in both his work with Helmet and his ambitious new solo projects. The current focus on "Companion Peace" and the jazz project suggests a period of significant artistic growth and diversification for Page Hamilton, potentially redefining his sonic footprint beyond the established parameters of Helmet.
