Helmet – Varsity Theatre – Minneapolis, MN – March 10th, 2025

Helmet with Slomosa and War on Women – Varsity Theatre – Minneapolis, MN – March 10th, 2025

Review and photos by Kate Klaus

The Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis, MN welcomed Helmet’s 30th anniversary tour of “Betty” alongside Norwegian rockers Slomosa and Baltimore’s War on Women on March 10th.  War on Women opened the night with a powerhouse performance punctuated with screaming vocals and pointed lyrics from frontwoman Shawna Potter.  Backed by energetic guitar riffs and a booming rhythm section, her captivating performance, full of animated hair thrashing and vocal prowess opened the night with a bang and had the crowd energized and excited for the rest of the show.  

Norwegian rockers Slomosa were up next, and they immediately transfixed the crowd with their creative “tundra rock” style of music, which blended elements of grunge, punk rock, and ethereal fuzzy melodies.  With a humble and unassuming stage presence, their music took center stage, and its uniqueness and energy was an instant hit with the crowd.  They opened with “Cabin Fever” and after an animated response from the crowd, joked about feeling at home with so many Norwegians in Minnesota.  Guitarist Tor Erik Bye delivered some great intricate riffs, and bassist Marie Moe supplied fervent energy and head banging along with her playing.  Slomosa is definitely forging their own way with their unique style, and it was a great set to attract many new fans to their following.  

90’s rockers Helmet closed the night with a loud and powerful playthrough of their 1994 hit record “Betty”.  Founding member and vocalist Page Hamilton was commanding as they started with “Wilma’s Rainbow” and continued through the album, following the track list and increasing in energy as they progressed through the set. The crowd, filled with fans both young and old, were engaged and cheering and banging their heads along to hit after heavy hit.  Kyle Stevenson’s booming drums filled the theater, and matched by bassist Dave Case’s deep tones, the music pulsed off the walls and invigorated the crowd, which was full of life for a cool Monday night.  After finishing the playthrough of “Betty” in it’s entirety, they followed with some of their favorite hits including “Exactly What You Wanted” and “Birth Defect” off of “Aftertaste” and they closed the night with an encore including “Unsung”  and “In the Meantime” from 1992 album “Meantime”, ending the night of heavy and powerful rock with a blast of 90s hardcore that was a treat for the packed theater.