Helix 50 – The Best Of is a thunderous, heartfelt celebration of a band that has never let up, even after 50 years on the road, on the charts, and in the hearts of hard rock fans across the globe. This isn’t just a “greatest hits” cash-in—it’s a remastered, recharged, and often reimagined anthology that captures both the chaos and charm of Helix’s rise from Kitchener clubs to international stages.
From the opening punch of “Heavy Metal Love” to the final unplugged notes of “The Kids Are All Shakin’,” the remastering work here breathes new life into classic tracks without losing their original grit. Iguana Recording Studios has done a stellar job polishing up the band’s catalog for modern ears—these songs feel louder, tighter, and more alive than ever. But what elevates this release from retrospective to revelatory are the additions. The all-star re-recording of “Rock You,” led once again by longtime frontman Brian Vollmer, is a stadium-sized update that still pays homage to its roots, thanks to guest spots from Phil X, Brent Fitz, and Todd Kerns. It might not top the rawness of the original for every purist, but it absolutely slaps as a modern tribute.
The brand-new track “Stand Up” fits seamlessly alongside the classics, delivering a tight, no-frills anthem that proves Helix still has something to say—and the guts to say it loud. With lines like “Do you believe in freedom? / Do you believe that it’s worth fighting for?” the band taps into timeless themes of resilience and rebellion. The chorus—“We gotta stand up / Fight to belong / Roll with the punches / Gotta be strong”—is pure Helix: direct, defiant, and built to be screamed back from the front row.
Even the acoustic takes are done with care, offering fresh perspectives rather than filler. “(Make Me Do) Anything You Want” and “The Kids Are All Shakin’” shed their leather for denim and still rock like hell. Bonus tracks like “Look Me Straight In The Heart” with Lee Aaron and the Kim Mitchell-assisted “Sleepin’ in the Dog House Again” only add to the sense that this is a true gift for fans, not a repackaged product.
If you’re lucky enough to snag the Deluxe Signed Bundle, complete with 180g splatter vinyl, a Helix 50 slip mat, guitar pick, and can koozie, then you’ve got yourself a collector’s gem that hits just as hard on the shelf as it does through your speakers. And for those who made it to the McBowl charity concert, the unplugged performance and live-streamed retrospective only deepened the band’s connection to its fans—and its legacy.
Is Helix 50 – The Best Of perfect? No. Some longtime listeners might find the new “Rock You” a bit too polished, and others may wish for deeper cuts beyond the big hits. But in truth, those are minor notes in a roaring chorus of triumph. This is how you honor a legacy: with fresh blood, louder amps, and zero apologies.
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
