Power Of Rock 'n' Roll, The

When it comes to rock music, Canada will probably forever be known first and foremost for spawning prog rockers (Rush), roots rocker-singer/songwriters (Neil Young), and mainstream rockers (Bryan Adams), but not so much for good old-fashioned, straight-ahead heavy metal. But in the early '80s, several metal acts appeared from the great white north, including Thor, Anvil, and Helix. None ever truly broke out worldwide (although Anvil did manage to get back into the spotlight with their 2009 film, Anvil! The Story of Anvil), but all have continued rocking & rolling -- especially Helix, who in 2007, issued The Power of Rock N Roll. Comprised of an EP released a year before (2006's Get Up!) as well as tracks recorded specifically for this release, the album certainly sounds like vintage Helix -- metallic riffs, anthem-like choruses, party-hearty/long-live-rock-type lyrics, etc. Take your pick of just about any of the tracks -- "Fill Your Head with Rock!," "Get Up!," and "Eat My Dust" (as well as a re-recording of their lunkheaded but lovable "Heavy Metal Love") -- and you're sure to experience some heavy duty deja vu from the days of No Rest for the Wicked and Walkin' the Razor's Edge. ~ Greg Prato|