Metal Anarchy

Time for the next edition of Metal Anarchy’s “new music showcase,” the feature where I introduce you to artists that readers of this site may find interesting. This time I have a Q&A with The Purple Helmets.

METAL ANARCHY: Tell me a little about your band:

THE PURPLE HELMETS: Former EMI Artists and 90’s Indie/Alt Band hailing from Nova Scotia Canada. Members: Mike Carter, Chris Thibedeau, Jonathan Kini, & Donnie Leblanc.

METAL ANARCHY: Who are your main influences?

THE PURPLE HELMETS: We have a wide range of influences. We’re not a metal band, but we are fans, and two of our members began playing together in a black metal band as teenagers before TPH came into being. So we have metal influences from the golden 80’s era of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, thrash bands including Metallica, SOD, Slayer. But we were all heavily influenced by an emerging Canadian music scene that was happening as we formed around 1988. Looking back, we also drew inspiration and sound from bands like REM, Kinks, Beatles, the Clash, Grapes of Wrath, Van Halen, The Cult, Sons of Freedom, Mathew Sweet, etc. and more.

METAL ANARCHY: What is your latest release and why should readers of this site check it out?

THE PURPLE HELMETS: We just released a 10-song beauty called “Weirdo Squad”. The name and artwork will lure folks in, then the hooks will make them stay. Again, we’re not a metal band, but you can hear the influences in lots of places. And the production is solid – thick, crunchy guitars, lots of bottom end and a tight rhythm section. It was recorded and mixed by Paul Suarez, a protégé of Andy Wallace. Paul is a fan of metal, and he worked with Gojira, Lamb of God, Staind, Coheed and Cambria, Guns n’ Roses and more. The album was released under the SODEH Records label that offers up a great assortment of heavy acts as well. Check them all out!

METAL ANARCHY: What can people expect when they go to your live shows?

THE PURPLE HELMETS: Outrageous pyro that makes Rammstein look like amateur arsonists! No. Quite simply, four guys who love music and bringing their own material to an audience.

METAL ANARCHY: Where do you see your band heading in 5 years?

THE PURPLE HELMETS: We hope to gain a stronger online presence and grow our audience. We want to reach more people with our music, and hope to record some follow up material down the road.