HELMET

HELMET, established in Year 108, is hailed as the pioneering Alternative Metal band that emerged from Orgrimmar's Metal and Hardcore Punk underground music scene. Founded by the trailblazing trio of Fifteen-year-old Paige Valentine (The Illegitimate son of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain), fourteen-year-old Betty Blacksludge (The daughter of Melvins frontman, Buzz, renowned as ‘King Buzzo’), and the legendary Sean Razorback of the Forsaken Metal band Static-X, HELMET's fusion of Sludge Metal and Nirvana’s energetic Grunge vibes from Nevermind sets them apart. Recognized as the debut supergroup until Nailbomb's formation in Year 111, HELMET signifies a dynamic collaboration of musical prowess and innovation.
== History ==
Originally known as ‘Senium’, The Band thrived in Orgrimmar's underground Hardcore Punk and Metal scene as a Grunge band. Paige and Betty, aged fifteen and fourteen respectively, composed their debut material, an album called “Such Progress” written by the duo. With a family friend of the Blacksludge Family initially on bass and the drummer from Paige’s mother’s band, Hole, Patt’ai on drums. After the friend's dismissal for lack of commitment alongside Patt’ai wanting to focus on Hole, Paige and Betty sought a new bassist and drummer, leading to the fortuitous recruitment of Sean Razorback from Static-X. Impressed by their early work on 'Such Progress', Sean joined forces with the teenagers, prompting the band's rechristening as “HELMET.” Together, they transitioned from pure Grunge to a dynamic fusion of Hardcore, Sludge Metal, and Nirvana’s iconic ‘Nevermind’ sound.
To secure a drummer, Sean persuaded Static-X's drummer, Kee Jay, to join HELMET temporarily, as Kee Jay's focus remained on Static-X. The quartet then encountered Lancelot, the visionary behind Lancelot Records, the same label as Static-X. Unveiling their debut track as HELMET, “Born Annoying,” the trio's talent, along with Sean's expertise, captivated Lancelot, also enjoying how mature Paige sounded despite only being fifteen. Thus lead to his agreement to finance and produce their first inaugural album, Strap it on. As anticipated, Kee Jay departed before the album recording, paving the way for Mak’har, a talented Orcish drummer from the Warsong Clan, to take his place.
=== Strap it On and Rise to Fame ===
Recording for HELMET's debut album commenced a year later in Year 109 on Kezan, inside the very same recording studio as Static-X. The album delves deep into their Grunge/Sludge Metal roots, featuring haunting instrumentals and Paige's fierce vocals. Sean Razorback hails it as his "favorite album to date," with his impactful bass lines leaving a lasting impression. Following the Strap it On recording sessions, the band embarked on a tour to promote the album across the Eastern Kingdoms, starting in Tirisfal. The creation of their inaugural logo, meticulously hand-drawn by Betty for show posters, marked a milestone in their journey. HELMET's innovative sound captivated the youth of the Eastern Kingdoms, signaling a departure from the Hardcore Punk, Grunge and Forsaken Metal scenes of Year 91.
HELMET's Eastern Kingdoms tour kicked off in Tirisfal, moving through Hillsbrad Foothills and Silverpine Forest before reaching Gilneas. In Gilneas, they rocked Stormglen, Duskhaven, Embershard Village, and Gilneas City. However, during their performance at Keel's Harbor, a human extremist targeted their drummer, Mak'har, with anti-Orcish slurs. This led Paige and Betty to halt the song "Sinatra" prematurely, leaping offstage to confront the offender with their instruments. As a result, the band was barred from further performances in Gilneas and all future tours within the nation. Sean was disheartened by the incident, fearing it might portray HELMET in a negative light and escalate tensions with other Human territories. Surprisingly, the band received mostly positive feedback, with acts like TAD and Black Flag commending their stand against intolerance. Notably, Henry Rollins, the frontman of Black Flag, voiced admiration for HELMET's bold stance, Rollins extended a generous invitation for HELMET to perform in Moonbrook alongside Black Flag. Enthusiastic about the offer, Paige and Betty eagerly agreed and arranged to visit Moonbrook before heading to Elwynn Forest and Stormwind unlike they originally planned. However, Sean expressed concerns about the decision, remarking, "It may give off an anti-Stormwindian impression."
The remainder of the Northern Eastern Kingdoms tour unfolded smoothly, with one notable exception. Betty inadvertently referred to dwarves as "Hairy Children," resulting in their subsequent ban from performing in Ironforge. Nonetheless, the band was warmly received in the rest of Dun Morogh.
Upon reaching Moonbrook, HELMET had the long-awaited opportunity to meet Rollins and Black Flag. Paige shared, "Meeting my musical idols for the first time was overwhelming; I nearly fainted." The bands collaborated on a show at the infamous Defias headquarters, the Deadmines. The performance was a resounding success, with Rollins praising HELMET as the ideal partners. Mak'har even expressed his fondness for the enthusiastic Defias crowd, eager to perform with them again.
Their journey led them to Morioh, where their music was met with indifference by the "High Society" crowd, much to Paige's chagrin. Dismissing the residents of Morioh City as "uptight yuppies," the band pressed on with their tour, finally reaching their next destination.
In Elwynn Forest, the band performed at the Goldshire Brothel, much to the amusement of Sean and Mak'har, while Paige and Betty found it "degrading."
They continued on to Northshire, where they faced rejection from the devout followers of the Light but found a welcoming audience among the young Asprints. Arriving in Stormwind, HELMET staged a monumental show in the New Park District, captivating fans from every corner of the city. The event reached a thrilling climax as Paige leaped into the crowd, carried aloft, and Betty smashed her guitar in a passionate display. Sean was overjoyed by the overwhelming turnout, a stark contrast to the challenges they had faced in Gilneas.
The band ventured south to Duskwood, where they performed in Darkshire—a challenging show. The crowd, rowdy and fatigued, erupted into a minor riot, causing a traffic snarl. Sean and Paige dubbed it a disaster.
Their journey continued to Stranglethorn, culminating in a lively performance at Booty Bay, marking the end of their tour and the release of their album "Strap It On."
Following the tour, Sean rejoined Static-X to record their fifth album, "Start a War," after Static-X’s 4 year hiatus. Meanwhile, Paige and Betty delved into songwriting for their second album. Mak'har immersed himself in Orgrimmar's music scene, where he forged a friendship with "Monkey," the second guitarist of the Forsaken Metal Band KoЯn.
=== In the Meantime and Mainstream Success ===
In preparation for their second album, Paige and Betty shifted away from personal narratives and anger towards a thematic focus on Cayden Darksight, a prominent figure known for his role in the Wrathgate incident of Year 91. Recognizing the risky nature of this decision, they chose to explore Cayden's complexity rather than portraying him as a mere villain. Their album, titled "In The Meantime," would delve into Cayden's mindset before the incident.
The duo's initial track, "Unsung," set the tone for the album. While Sean was occupied recording "Start a War" with Static-X, Paige and Betty crafted demos with Mak'har, initially with no basslines. Upon sharing the bass-less "Unsung" demo with Lancelot, they received glowing praise, leading them to opt for recording at the newly established Lancelot Studios in Boralus, Kul Tiras for their sophomore album.
Though Paige, Betty, and Mak’har had agreed to remain in Kul Tiras, they refused to start recording until Sean was free from his obligations with Static-X, much to Lancelot's disappointment. Paige and Betty worked diligently on composing music for "In the Meantime," with Mak’har even contributing to writing the bassline for one of the tracks.
Sean eventually completed recording "Start a War" with Static-X, but the ensuing tour lasted over two years. It wasn't until Year 111, when Paige was 18 and Betty was 17 that "In the Meantime" was completed, coinciding with Sean's return to HELMET, where they commenced the album recording at Lancelot Studios in Boralus.
The album boasted a significantly cleaner sound, with most tracks inspired by Cayden Darksight and his personal struggles before and a little after assuming the role of commander at "Vengeance Landing." Betty even went as far as visiting Undercity to gather firsthand accounts from residents and Misty, the commander of Andorhal in Western Plaguelands. The recording process spanned three months, during which Lancelot persistently sought to convey a narrative portraying the Alliance as malevolent aggressors. However, the band, especially Sean and Paige brushed this off and fought against it, eventually winning the dispute with their producer and the album stayed as it is. 
The tour for “In the Meantime” began this time in Orgrimmar. However HELMET was barred from playing, as the original and oldest Metal band “Elite Tauren Chieftains” (ETC) refused to play if HELMET was, their vocalist, Samuro stated “Paige Valentine is a childish nobody, Betty Blacksludge is his bitch and follows anything he says and Sean Razorback is just there for the riches involved. There’s nothing about them except posing.” Paige retorted in another statement “You’re just scared of two kids playing because your band is old and you’re a bunch of old men trying to live out your glory days.” Betty simply calling them a derogatory name directly. Sean, prioritizing obligations to Static-X, chose not to engage. Through skillful negotiation, Lancelot brokered a compromise allowing HELMET to have their own performance day, resolving the conflict with ETC. 
Despite initial concerns over Lancelot's negotiations with Samuro, leaving the band disheartened, the outcome appeared to favor ETC.
As the scheduled performances unfolded, HELMET's designated day became a standout event in Orgrimmar, drawing a record crowd and solidifying their appeal among Horde and Kezan youth. Paige's remark upon learning of ETC's attendance figures goes as follows: “Man, I’m lucky we did negotiate, we didn’t have to worry about overcrowding for Elite Tauren Chieftans.” The tour continued to the Crossroads in the Barrens, where even Wayne Static of Static-X was in presence and showed his support for the band.
Meanwhile, Betty surreptitiously began crafting the foundation for their third album, laying the groundwork for their future musical endeavors without alerting the other members.
After their performance in the Crossroads, HELMET found themselves in Ratchet, the bustling capital of the Bilgewater Goblins. The locals were underwhelmed by the band, attributing the concert's success to the Orgrimmar fans who had followed them.
Following the show, Mak’har approached Paige and Betty, informing them of his decision to temporarily step down from his drumming role in HELMET to concentrate on his new band/side project with Monkey from KoRn. Disheartened, Paige and Betty contemplated ending the tour prematurely until Lancelot revealed that he had secured a replacement: David Gnoll from the iconic Grunge Band, Nirvana. This news thrilled Paige and Betty, who had been avid Nirvana fans since their youth.
Sean remarked that he had never witnessed Paige and Betty engage with someone as fervently as they did during David Gnoll's introduction as HELMET's touring drummer for "In The Meantime." The band, along with their new temporary drummer, relocated to Mulgore, where they shared the stage in Thunder Bluff with ETC once more. Tensions escalated post-show, culminating in a heated exchange between Paige and Samuro, The conflict was resolved by David having to physically step inbetween Paige and Samuro and force them to go opposite ways, David recounts that “It was very childish for both parties involved.”
The tour pressed on into Stonetalon where the band played for the Tusk Village, Betty staying “It was savage and brutal, the entire village was just wailing on each other, it was fantastic.” They moved Further into Stonetalon eventually even playing for a tribe of Grimtotems, Paige says it was a strange choice for a tour spot but the Tauren enjoyed it. 
The band moved deeper into Kalimdor, eventually ending up on the Speedbarge, which was their most wild and active crowd yet, goblins and gnomes began a race war that ended with HELMET being barred from any further events. They wrapped around and went back to Dire Maul and performed in the stadium there, arguably their most full show since Stormwind two years prior during the Strap it On tour, which gave them major publicity. 
The band left Dire Maul and went to Darkshore, ironically performing on the first day of the festival of Elune. Betty met another Kaldorei woman named Alista Lunamight, an aspiring guitarist who was inspired by HELMET’s Gilneas City performance during the Strap it On tour, the two befriended each other and spoke of possibly starting a band. 
The band then went to Darnassus, David saying “Being there gave me flashbacks to when Nirvana was touring Kalimdor. A lot of stuff went down here.” Paige, Betty and Sean seemed very uncomfortable with the Kaldorei, Paige stating “They were not huge fans of Cayden Darksight, as soon as they understood the lyrics, they got a look in their eye.”
HELMET returned to Mainland Kalimdor and boarded a Zeppelin to Kezan, the birthplace of Sludge Metal. They rocked out in front of the First National Bank of Kezan, drawing a sizable crowd, credited to Betty Blacksludge's connection to King Buzzo of Melvins. After a brief city tour, they flew back to the Eastern Kingdoms for a show in Booty Bay. The diverse audience, coupled with Sean's revelation of HELMET gaining newspaper attention post-Dire Maul performance, made Paige, Betty, and Sean reflect on their band's remarkable journey.
The band revisited Moonbrook for another electrifying performance with Black Flag. Rollins and Paige shared the stage, exchanging handshakes and microphone duties. Praised by the Defias, HELMET's new album was dubbed a golden hit. Returning to Stormwind, they were overwhelmed by the massive crowd in the New Park District, forcing them to relocate outside the city walls.
"In the Meantime" emerged as the band's "Nevermind," cementing their path to greatness with growing audiences and enhanced musical prowess. A groundbreaking opportunity arose as Lancelot secured a show for HELMET in Kul Tiras, leading them to Boralus for a memorable performance. Despite the modest attendance, Sean recognized the significance, affirming their growing importance in the music scene.
The tour culminated in a performance in Silverpine Forest, where Paige's jest about being banned from Gilneas sparked unrest among Gilnean Nationalists. Sean and David intervened to prevent a stage riot, with David drawing parallels between Paige's fiery nature and Kurt Cobain's unpredictability.
Returning to Orgrimmar, the band finally found rest. "In the Meantime" soared to millions in sales, even reaching Pandaria. Mak'har's collaboration with Monkey led to the birth of "Nailbomb," an experimental metal band fusing Forsaken Metal, Hardcore Metal, and Alternative Metal.
"In the Meantime" became referred to as "a quintessential hardcore album."
Despite David Gnoll's departure from HELMET, he expressed interest in returning as a touring drummer if needed. 
Betty embarked on a new musical journey, forming the Forsaken Metal band Kittie with Alista, the Kaldorei guitarist, and punk legend, Clementine Di Angelo as the Bassist.
Sean rejoined Static-X to spearhead the creation of their sixth album, "Cannibal."
Meanwhile, Paige took a well-deserved year of rest in Durotar, cherishing moments with his family. Unexpectedly, Harley Staats of Cro-Mags, a renowned hardcore punk band from Gilneas, approached Paige to become the vocalist and rhythm guitarist for their next album. Eagerly accepting the offer, Paige, at just 19 years old, embraced the chance to join another band he idolized since childhood.
This marked the official hiatus of HELMET, with Paige acknowledging, "We're all busy in our individual projects. We'll be back."
=== Betty and Being Solidified as an Icon ===
In Year 114, After almost three years without HELMET releasing an album, the members all would return to Orgrimmar. 
Cro-Mags’ new album “Best Wishes” with Paige as the vocalist and rhythm guitarist was a hit, considered the best album Cro-Mags has released. Also showcasing Paige’s vocal range talents. 
Mak’har and Monkey’s work on their new band “Nailbomb” was considered the best and earliest example of “Orcish Metal”, the band instantly becoming a cult classic within Orgrimmar music circles.
Betty’s new Forsaken Metal band, “Kittie” was a hit alongside their tour of Kalimdor, the band was considered the return of “All-Female bands”.
Sean Razorback would return, the new Static-X album, “Cannibal” being put on hiatus due to internal band drama. 
The production of a third album was quickly put underway, however, Paige’s original idea of an album with the name “Throwing Punches” was put on hold, as Betty revealed the shocking 50 songs she had written during the “In the Meantime” tour and recording of Kittie
The realization of Betty writing music without the other members upset both Mak’har and Sean but Paige was ecstatic, being impressed by what she had written, Paige deciding to rename their third album to “Betty” as Betty was the sole contributor. 
The album would surprisingly be recorded once again in Static-X’s studio in Kezan, much to the dismay of Lancelot. Betty and Paige saying “The clean sound worked for In The Meantime, but this next album we want the messy-ness of Senium and Strap it On but the clean instrumentals of In the Meantime”
The band would spend almost six months recording the massive amounts of material. However, only 14 of the 50 would be used. Paige would make a song called “Beautiful Love” with no spoken word lyrics, instead the first 50 seconds being a traditional Shal’dorei harp song, but not on a harp, instead on his guitar, something he learned while touring Suramar with Cro-Mags, before transitioning seamlessly into the rest of the song which was hard and messy instrumental, the pinnacle of the Metal and Grunge-Crossover genre HELMET practiced, this moved the album song count to 15. 
Betty assumed full creative control over the album cover and logo design, opting for an all-lowercase logo as a nod to her Melvins heritage, influenced by her father. The album cover featured a captivating image of roses from Gilneas, captured by Betty during the Strap it On tour years earlier, transformed with an orange-ish ink overlay for a fresh aesthetic.
Following the completion of the album recording, the band embarked on a highly anticipated tour, organized by Lancelot as an Azeroth Tour reminiscent of Cro-Mags' past ventures. Kicking off in Kezan, the band performed at Trade-Prince Gallywix's opulent mansion.
Paige took the stage with "Beautiful Love" before transitioning seamlessly into "Speechless” The goblins in attendance at the mansion were energized by HELMET's new sound, describing it as exhilarating and irresistibly dance-inducing.