Mt. Helium

Last updated

Mt. Helium
Also known asThe Apex Theory (1999–2004)
Origin Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
Years active1999–2008
Labels
Past membersDavid Hakopyan
Art Karamian
Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian
Sammy J. Watson

Mt. Helium, formerly known as the Apex Theory, was an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, that was known for playing Mediterranean music [1] [2] [3] mixed with progressive rock. [3] [4] The band has released three studio albums and three extended plays to date.

Contents

History

The Apex Theory was formed in 1999 by Armenian-American musicians Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian, Art Karamian and David Hakopyan (first drummer and bass player of Soil / System of a Down respectively), following Khachaturian's injury and subsequent departure from System of a Down. Sammy J. Watson joined the band after they were unable to find a committed drummer. [1] The band released its first extended play, Extendemo, in 2000. The following year, they signed with DreamWorks Records, [5] releasing their second EP The Apex Theory on October 9, 2001. [1] The band performed at the main stage during the 2001 Warped Tour, [6] [7] and as co-headliners at the 2002 MTV2 tour. [1]

On April 2, 2002, the band released its first album, Topsy-Turvy . It peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and No. 157 on the Billboard 200. [8] Months after the album's release, Khachaturian left the band, [5] and they began to audition new vocalists before deciding that Karamian would take over as the band's vocalist, shifting the band from a quartet to a power trio. [9] [10] The band released an EP in 2004 entitled inthatskyissomethingwatching. After changing the name to Mt. Helium, the band released its second album, Faces, as a digital download on June 3, 2008. [11]

Musical style

Former vocalist Ontronik Khachaturian described the band's sound as a "heavy Mediterranean groove". [1] [2] The Michigan Daily writer Sonya Sutherland wrote, "The Apex Theory combines a heavy drum support, melodic guitars and honey sweet vocals to provide an entertaining and emotional message." [2] The band's musical style was influenced by Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Near Eastern music. [2] PopMatters described Topsy-Turvy as "an energy-filled fusion of progressive and modern rock." [4]

The MTV News writer Jon Wiederhorn wrote that "the Apex Theory's multi-textured music [...] combines metal, prog-rock, Mediterranean music and even jazz. And the off-kilter rhythm, skittering drums, whirlpool guitars and aggressive vocals of 'Shhh ... (Hope Diggy)' are a perfect taster for the band's debut album". [3] Deseret News said that "Apex Theory's progressive punk mixed exotic music signatures with psychedelic rock". [12] Mt. Helium's style has also been described as nu metal, [5] [13] [14] [15] alternative metal [1] and post-grunge. [1]

Band members

Discography

Albums

Extended plays

Promotional releases

Related Research Articles

Nu metal is a subgenre of alternative metal that combines elements of heavy metal music with elements of other music genres such as hip hop, funk, industrial, and grunge. Nu metal rarely features guitar solos or other displays of musical technique, and emphasizes rhythm with instrumentation that is heavily syncopated. Nu metal guitarists typically use seven-string guitars that are down-tuned to produce a heavier sound. Vocal styles are often rhythmic and influenced by hip hop, and include singing, rapping, screaming and sometimes growling. DJs are occasionally featured to provide instrumentation such as sampling, turntable scratching and electronic background music. Nu metal is one of the key genres of the new wave of American heavy metal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">System of a Down</span> American metal band

System of a Down is an American heavy metal band formed in Glendale, California, in 1994. Since 1997, the band has consisted of founding members Serj Tankian ; Daron Malakian ; Shavo Odadjian ; along with John Dolmayan (drums), who replaced original drummer Andy Khachaturian in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serj Tankian</span> American-Armenian singer (born 1967)

Serj Tankian is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist, keyboardist, rhythm guitarist and primary lyricist of System of a Down, which was formed in 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ministry (band)</span> American industrial metal band

Ministry is an American industrial metal band founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1981 by producer, singer, and instrumentalist Al Jourgensen. Originally a synth-pop outfit, Ministry evolved into one of the pioneers of industrial rock and industrial metal in the late 1980s. The band's lineup has changed frequently, leaving Jourgensen as the sole remaining original member. Musicians who have contributed to the band's studio or live activities include vocalists Nivek Ogre, Chris Connelly, Gibby Haynes, Burton C. Bell and Jello Biafra, guitarists Mike Scaccia and Tommy Victor, guitarist Cesar Soto, bassists Paul Barker, Paul Raven, Jason Christopher, Tony Campos and Paul D'Amour, drummers Jimmy DeGrasso, Bill Rieflin, Martin Atkins, Rey Washam, Max Brody, Joey Jordison and Roy Mayorga, keyboardist John Bechdel, and rappers and producers DJ Swamp and Arabian Prince.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crazy Town</span> American rap rock band

Crazy Town is an American rap rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1995 by Bret "Epic" Mazur and Shifty Shellshock. Their 2000 single "Butterfly", reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and helped their debut album, The Gift of Game (1999), sell over 1.6 million units. Their follow-up album, Darkhorse (2002), failed to achieve the same level of success, contributing to the band's breakup in 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daron Malakian</span> Armenian-American rock musician

Daron Malakian is an Armenian-American musician. He is the guitarist, songwriter, and second vocalist of the metal band System of a Down, and the lead vocalist, lead guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter of Scars on Broadway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chuck Schuldiner</span> American musician (1967–2001)

Charles Michael Schuldiner was an American musician. He founded the pioneering death metal band Death in 1983, in which he was the lead vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter and only continuous member until his death in 2001. His obituary in the January 5, 2002, issue of Kerrang! described him as "one of the most significant figures in the history of metal." Schuldiner was ranked No. 10 in Joel McIver's book The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists in 2009 and No. 20 in March 2004 Guitar World's "The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists". In 1987, Schuldiner founded the publishing company Mutilation Music, affiliated with performance rights organization BMI. Schuldiner died in 2001 of a brain tumor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mudvayne</span> American metal band

Mudvayne is an American heavy metal band formed in Peoria, Illinois, in 1996. Known for their sonic experimentation, face and body paint, masks and uniforms, the band has sold over six million records worldwide, including nearly three million in the United States. The group consists of guitarist Greg Tribbett, drummer Matthew McDonough, lead vocalist Chad Gray, and bassist Ryan Martinie. The band became popular in the late-1990s Peoria underground music scene, and they found success with the single "Dig" from their debut album L.D. 50 (2000). After releasing four more albums and touring relentlessly for nearly a decade, Mudvayne went on hiatus in 2010. They reunited in 2021 and continue to perform live.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mushroomhead</span> American metal band

Mushroomhead is an American heavy metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1993 in the Cleveland Warehouse District, the band is known for their avant-garde sound and horror film-inspired imagery which features masks and costumes as well as their unique live shows usually performed at smaller venues.

Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian is an American musician, producer and DJ of Armenian descent. He is known for being the original drummer (1994–1997) of the metal band System of a Down and founder/lead vocalist (1999–2002) of the alt-progressive rock band The Apex Theory, as well as the member of his band VoKee. He was also the founder/drummer/keyboardist and backing vocalist of KillMatriarch (2010–2012) and currently is working on his solo project, OnTronik.

Groove metal, sometimes also called neo-thrash or post-thrash, is a subgenre of heavy metal music that began in the early 1990s. Heavily influenced by thrash metal, groove metal features raspy singing and screaming, down-tuned guitars, heavy guitar riffs, and syncopated rhythms. Groove metal is usually slower than thrash. Pantera are often considered the pioneers of groove metal, and the genre expanded in the 1990s with bands including White Zombie, Machine Head, and Sepultura. Successful groove metal acts of the 2000s include Lamb of God, DevilDriver, and Five Finger Death Punch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">To My Surprise</span> American experimental rock band

To My Surprise was an American experimental rock band formed in 2002 in Des Moines, Iowa. They are referred to as a side project of Shawn Crahan, a member/founder of heavy metal band Slipknot. In 2003 they released their debut album To My Surprise, however after losing frontman Brandon Darner in 2004 they parted ways with their record label. 2005 saw four new members join the band to begin work on a second album and in 2006 they began performing shows in the US. However, shortly after To My Surprise canceled several upcoming appearances and disbanded without releasing a second album.

<i>Topsy-Turvy</i> (album) 2002 studio album by The Apex Theory

Topsy-Turvy is the debut studio album by the American rock band The Apex Theory, now Mt. Helium. Released on April 2, 2002, it was the band's only release as a quartet, with the vocalist Ontronik Khachaturian leaving the band shortly after the album's release. After attempting to audition for a new vocalist, it was decided that the guitarist Art Karamian would take over as the band's vocalist. For its 18 year anniversary, in 2020 it was announced on The Apex Theory Instagram account the limited pressing of Topsy-Turvy on 180g Vinyl for the very first time. Serj Tankian repos it. To bring awareness and raise funds for the crisis in Armenia, all proceeds after costs will be donated to Armenia Fund.

<i>The Apex Theory</i> (EP) 2001 EP by The Apex Theory

The Apex Theory is the second extended play by the American rock band Mt. Helium, formerly The Apex Theory. Released on October 9, 2001, it was the band's first release on a major label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bullets (Creed song)</span> 2002 single by Creed

"Bullets" is the second single from Creed's third album, Weathered. The song serves as the opening track to the album and is considered to be one of the band's heaviest songs.

Serjical Strike Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates under Republic Records.

<i>Darkhorse</i> 2002 studio album by Crazy Town

Darkhorse is the second studio album by American rap rock band Crazy Town, released on November 12, 2002. The album peaked at No. 120 on the Billboard 200 and No. 164 in the UK. It sold less than 13,000 units in its first week.

Kush was an American rap metal band formed in 2000 by rapper B-Real, Deftones guitarist Stephen Carpenter, and former Fear Factory members Raymond Herrera and Christian Olde Wolbers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poem (song)</span> 2002 single by Taproot

"Poem" is a song by American alternative metal band Taproot and the lead single from their second major label album, Welcome. It was released in 2002 and met with the highest success of any Taproot single, reaching #5 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks. The track, as well as its music video, were heavily played throughout the several months following its release.

<i>Lightpost</i> (EP) 2007 EP by The Apex Theory

Lightpost is the third extended play by American rock band Mt. Helium, formerly The Apex Theory. Released as a digital download on January 16, 2007, it is the band's first release as a power trio.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Wilson, MacKenzie. "Biography of The Apex Theory". Allmusic . Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Sutherland, Sonya (November 12, 2001). "World music collides in Apex Theory". Michigan Daily . Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  3. 1 2 3 Wiederhorn, Jon (March 1, 2002). "Apex Theory Offer 'Hope' To Metal — Diggy-Da". MTV News . Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  4. 1 2 "The Apex Theory: Topsy Turvy". PopMatters.com. January 14, 2003. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  5. 1 2 3 Iannini, Tommaso (2003). "The Apex Theory". Nu metal (in Italian). Giunti. pp. 22–23. ISBN   88-09-03051-6.
  6. ↑ MacDonald, Patrick (June 29, 2001). "Punk rock and extreme sports collide at Vans Warped Tour". The Seattle Times . Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  7. ↑ Burr, Ramiro (September 7, 2002). "Apex Theory set for Ozzfest Quartet mixes hard rock, funk". San Antonio Express-News . Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  8. ↑ "Charts and awards for Topsy Turvy". Allmusic . Retrieved December 13, 2008.
  9. 1 2 "For The Record: Quick News On Limp Bizkit, Wes Borland, Apex Theory, Coal Chamber, Rival Schools, Kiss & More". MTV News. November 19, 2002. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  10. 1 2 "For The Record: Quick News On Mary J. Blige, Guided By Voices, Kid Rock, Elephant Man, Metallica, Billy Joel & More". MTV News. April 26, 2004. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  11. ↑ "ASIN: B001A660KW". Amazon. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  12. ↑ Iwasaki, Scott (March 18, 2002). "Adema emerges as Sno-Core favorite". Deseret.com. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  13. ↑ Massey, Bob (July 2002). "Noise live". Spin . Vol. 18, no. 7. p. 44. ISSN   0886-3032.
  14. ↑ Roth, Kaj (March 13, 2006). "New Ep Available With The Apex Theory". Melodic . Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  15. ↑ Jenkins, Mark (April 4, 2002). "THE APEX Theory "Topsy-Turvy"". The Washington Post . Retrieved May 18, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.