Monochrome
by Helmet
  • Record Label: Warcon
  • Release Date: Jul 18, 2006
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. Alternative Press
    60
    Monochrome is marred by Hamilton's vocals. [Sep 2006, p.218]
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  2. The New York Times
    60
    It’s the sound the band became known with: big guitars playing suspended chords, crisp drums, barked verses and carefully sung choruses. [17 Jul 2006]
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  3. Drowned In Sound
    50
    With Monochrome, Hamilton seems to have realised that stepping away from the majors and their requisite studio production sludge can only be a good thing. Now, if he can find a new direction to blaze in rather than re-tread thrice-covered ground, he may be on to something.
  5. Stylus Magazine
    42
    For the most part, songs lumber along with little forward motion.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. kccputech
    Jan 12, 2011
    6
    The music in Monochrome is what you'd expect from a Helmet album, but the singing not so much. Not sure if the notes were out of his range orThe music in Monochrome is what you'd expect from a Helmet album, but the singing not so much. Not sure if the notes were out of his range or what, but it turned me off of this album.… Full Review »
  2. AlexF
    Sep 20, 2006
    7
    I'm a huge Helmet fan, so maybe I had unreasonable expectations. This is a good album, but not on the level of previous efforts. I'm a huge Helmet fan, so maybe I had unreasonable expectations. This is a good album, but not on the level of previous efforts. Page's voice has always been an acquired taste, but I used to really enjoy it. He has changed his vocal style on many of the tracks on Monochrome, sounding like any other generic metal warbler. Helmet has been an influence on countless bad metal bands over the years, but the influence seems to be bouncing back in the other direction. Not a good thing. That being said, this album shows there is still a lot of life in Page and Co. and hopefully, something in the future will give excellent albums, like Meantime or Aftertaste a run for their money.… Full Review »
  3. StevenG
    Sep 6, 2006
    6
    While I'm always excited to hear new Helmet, the last two albums (Size Matters & Monochrome) have been somewhat of a letdown. There are While I'm always excited to hear new Helmet, the last two albums (Size Matters & Monochrome) have been somewhat of a letdown. There are a few good tunes, but Page's vocals feel a little bit forced and the lyrics seem uninspired.… Full Review »
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