Aftertaste
Helmet · 1997
40 min · 13 tracks · alternative metal
A jagged blend of heavy riffs and intricate rhythms encapsulating the angst of the late '90s alternative scene.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pure — The opening track sets an aggressive tone with its relentless tempo and sharp guitar work, exemplifying Helmet's signature sound while addressing themes of frustration.
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Driving Nowhere — This track features a compelling mix of melodic hooks and heavy instrumentation, showcasing the band's ability to balance aggression with melody effectively.
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(High) Visibility — With its introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts, this song highlights the band's exploration of personal themes against a backdrop of powerful instrumentals.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends heavy riffs with intricate rhythms, reflecting late '90s angst while maintaining a distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more introspective and melodic elements.
- The album closes with a track that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of unresolved tension.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- short, impactful listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- reflective mood exploration
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1997, Aftertaste was Helmet's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed Betty. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a shifting landscape in alternative metal while attempting to maintain their distinct sound amidst changing musical trends.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Pure 3:32
- 2 Renovation 2:55
- 3 Exactly What You Wanted 2:36
- 4 Like I Care 3:19
- 5 Driving Nowhere 4:19
- 6 Birth Defect 2:31
- 7 Broadcast Emotion 2:44
- 8 It’s Easy to Get Bored 3:26
- 9 Diet Aftertaste 3:16
- 10 Harmless 2:58
- 11 (High) Visibility 2:41
- 12 Insatiable 2:34
- 13 Crisis King 3:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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