Review - Size Matters

The band's first studio album in seven years, Size Matters takes a turn from the hardcore-rooted aggro-metal Helmet exuded on Meantime toward – gasp – a more melodic formula. Those from the School of Musical Maturity may delight in the band's colorful harmonies, but yesteryear fans may be disappointed here. Many of the tracks, including "Crashing Foreign Cars" and "Last Breath," evolve from crunchy hooks and deep bass rumblings that start off with a punch, but those ultimately lose their edge to frontman/songwriter Page Hamilton's melodic experimentations, which soften the once-welcomed blow. Even Hamilton's voice appears to have gone through a makeover, bearing little resemblance to the Ozzy-like midrange of the past. While Size Matters isn't a complete disappointment, it's not indicative of a band (okay, a guy) that has several years' worth of musical testosterone built up. Protective headgear is, unfortunately, not required here.