Meantime
Helmet · 1992
36 min · 10 tracks · alternative metal
Heavy, textured riffs intertwine with aggressive yet melodic vocals, creating a raw intensity that defines the album's character.
Top tracks — play these first
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Unsung — The album's lead single, Unsung features a powerful blend of intricate riffs and dynamic shifts that encapsulate Helmet's sound and thematic depth.
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In the Meantime — The title track serves as a sonic manifesto, with its relentless energy and rhythmic complexity showcasing the band's unique approach to songwriting.
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Ironhead — Ironhead stands out with its infectious hook and driving beat, balancing heaviness with melody, making it an anthem of resilience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Meantime combines heavy riffs with dynamic vocals, showcasing strong songwriting and production that influenced the alternative metal scene.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a heavy tone, followed by a series of songs that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
- The vocal delivery alternates between aggressive shouting and melodic singing, often within the same song, enhancing the emotional intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 mid-tempo drive
- aggressive riffs for intensity
- focused listening in order
- melodic chaos with rhythm
- short bursts of energy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, sounds
- seek lengthy immersive albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 23, 1992, Meantime was Helmet's breakthrough second album following their debut, Strap It On. This record marked a pivotal moment in the band's career as they shifted from relative obscurity to becoming key figures in the alternative metal and post-hardcore scenes.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Unsung
The chorus shifts from personal introspection to a broader commentary on recognition and obscurity within the music scene.
This transition emphasizes the tension between self-worth and external validation, adding depth to the song's exploration of identity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 In the Meantime 3:07
- 2 Ironhead 3:22
- 3 Give It 4:17
- 4 Unsung 3:57
- 5 Turned Out 4:14
- 6 He Feels Bad 4:03
- 7 Better 3:10
- 8 You Borrowed 3:45
- 9 FBLA II 3:22
- 10 Role Model 3:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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