Album Review: Helm - Vol 3... Panthalassa

Gold Coast progressive chuggers Helm have smoothed out their rough-around-the-edges sound over the past five years, resulting in their multi-faceted and well-constructed third opus, Vol 3... Panthalassa. The polished vocals and garish growls are still there for an equally emotive and sonic assault, only this time there's a keenly felt consideration given to the cinematic. Bermuda and Endless Storm offer this in spades, the latter instantly addictive with its arcing motif. The Taxidermist again throws up something different, with a more subdued acoustic introduction that soon rips into blistering guitar chops. Another bit of rebellion from the glitter strip.