Helio

(EST. 1996) HELIO have been a constant force to be reckoned with since their emergence onto the heavy music scene in Northeast Tennessee. They are a five-piece (voice, guitar, drums, bass, and electronics) outfit known as much for their musically diverse sound as their incendiary live performances. HELIO never fails to grasp, conquer, and destroy the senses of listeners, audiences and critics alike. Although HELIO have been unfairly pigeon-holed into different musical categories, the band prefers to remain uncategorizable. Drawing influences ranging from hardcore and hip-hop to death metal and industrial, they assimilate genres together seamlessly, creating a mixture potentially more destructive than napalm. HELIO spits in the face of adversity and through combined dysfunctions remain defiantly radical in thought and fiercely independent in spirit. Their first full length recording «Perfect Mistake» (Modelcity Records, 2000) was released on the indie record label that they helped start and currently run with their personal manager Justin Page. Although, soundwise, they have matured since this recording, the energy of the music is still present in HELIO today. If anything, the group is more focused, fully capable of annihilating eardrums beyond the new millenium. Helio are constantly evolving and participating in different musical projects, opening minds and breaking down every barrier in their way. They have shared the stage with national acts such as Lollipop Lust Kill, The Pietasters, Black Acid Disco, and Jepetto as well as the notorious 2 Live Crew. Helio currently has a six song e.p. of new and live material, deemed «Useful Failure» (Modelcity Records, 2002), ready to drop as a transitional work to tide fans over until a new project can be released. They will be recording this as of now untitled album in June of 2002 at Austin Enterprise (Mass.) with producer Steve Austin of Today Is The Day fame. While this might seem like an unlikely pairing, Helio believes Mr. Austin can provide the sonic element they desire. The band hopes to truly break all sterotypes and make this effort an album, not a mere collection of songs.