Helix and Kick Axe

Helix – The band was formed in 1974 in Kitchener, Ontario. Despite the early use of guitar melodies and keyboards, this group quickly developed a “rip yer face off” approach to metal. Breaking Loose was released in 1980 and included track Don’t Hide Your Love, showcasing their raw approach. The follow-up, White Lace and Black Leather was next with, Women Whiskey And Sin which became an overnight hit in England. Songs such as It’s Too Late and Breaking Loose gave the group more exposure and would help form the sophisticated yet raw approach synonymous in later years with the name Helix. Wild in the Streets and featured What Ya Bringin’ To The Party? and the remake of Nazareth’s Dream On. The group has sold over 2 million albums, had four gold albums, 2 platinum albums and had a number one record in the country of Sweden.
2010 saw the release of Helix’s 14 th studio CD entitled Vagabond Bones featuring the re-united original 80s line-up of Greg “Fritz” Hinz, Brent “The Doctor” Doerner, Daryl Gray and Brian Vollmer, along with newcomer Kaleb Duck.
Kick Axe – Kick Axe was formed in 1976 by Regina’s Larry Gillstrom and Victor Langen along with Langen’s brother Gary. By 1978, they added second guitarist Raymond Arthur Harvey and relocated to Vancouver. In 1979, the 4-piece began recording an album after finding Wisconsin vocalist George Criston. Their debut album Vices was released in 1984 with the first single On The Road To Rock. The band began touring with the likes of Judas Priest and Whitesnake. The second single, Heavy Metal Shuffle became a legit radio hit and gave Kick Axe a high profile. Welcome To The Club featuring a remake of the anthemic Joe Cocker arrangement of With A Little Help From My Friends (featuring artists Lee Aaron, Rik Emmett & Alfie Zappacosta, among others) gave the band their first cross-over radio hit. By 1986, the album was #2 in their hometown of Regina. After having a positive response to the band’s reissued albums,, the band got together and decided to record a fourth album IV. The band currently consists of Larry Gillstrom, Raymond Harvey, Brian Gillstrom, Victor Langen & Daniel Nargang.