A HELMET OF GNATS

A very interesting US-based band,HELMET OF GNATS' roots can be discovered someyime at the early 80's.The band suffered from numerous line-up changes,different forms and names and they actually started as a DIXIE DREGS tribute band.Having disbanded at the end of the 80's,HELMET OF GNATS regrouped in 1990 with a more stable line-up.This would lead them to their first ever eponymous record in 1996...

''A helmet of Gnats'' is a strong release with various influences,a classic instrumental progressive rock album.Main themes are coming from jazz/fusion bands (mainly DIXIE DREGS) with a pleasant atmosphere dominated by the fusion-like guitar playing,the groovy bass lines and the strong keyboard work.There is also some nice piano parts and the tempos,moods and climates change constantly,you won't find a really boring moment in here.I honestly liked this release a lot despite the lack of originality.Fans of well- executed fusion/progressive rock in the vein of DIXIE DREGS or 4 FRONT will have a great time with this album.3.5 stars...

This obscure band definitely deserves to be more well-known. This debut album is an energetic and powerful helping of fusion- jazz/prog-funk. On some songs ("Nitefighters", "Ticks in the FIeld", "Geezus Horrendus") they can get pretty hard-rocking, verging on prog-metal. The songwriting is interesting and filled with ear-pleasing riffs, and the band is as tight as you could wish for. There's lots of bass slapping and popping, juicy and melodic guitar solos, crisp and muscular drumming, and washes of gorgeous keyboards. Happily, there are no mediocre vocals to mar the beauty of the music.

At times, they remind me of UK or Bill Bruford's solo albums. There seems to be a bit of a Kansas influence and also tinges of Mahavishnu Orchestra. But for the most part, I'd have to say that Helmet of Gnats is their own band, not pale imitators. This album sounds fresh and inspired and I can definitely recommend it to fans of prog and fusion.

One of those bands that needs a far more attention then has today

Helmet of Gnats originated from USA with 3 albums under their belt even they are formed almost 20 ears ago, but better with less albums and being very solid and intrsting, then many releases with little to offer. Their first album saw the light in 1996 selftitled and is my fav album from them, I have a soft spot for this one from the first time I've heared it. Progressive rock with jazz fusion/rock arrangements, very well excuted, rich in passages, top notch musicianship, what else can a listner ask from them. The pieces are energic, inventive, with some excellent guitar parts, the keyboards are aswell great, groovy bass and a damn good drumer. All album is instrumental , and they have enough room to show us that they mean bussines. Lots of tempo changes, jazz fusion at it best. All tracks have same level, not a weak moment here, and for that matter I can only recommend this band and album, like the next two, because they bring some fresh air in this scene. Quite unpopular among listners and reviewers, Hemet of Gnats needs a far better view in my opinion. 4 stars easy, one hell of a good album.