Eight Gigs: Helmet

Back in the '90s, Helmet was a tough band for folks to pigeonhole. In an era when alternative was starting to nudge past metal, the band was as heavy as the hand of death, but also catchy and full of nuance. With short hair? Led by guitarist/vocalist Page Hamilton, the group had a breakthrough with Meantime and “Unsung” in 1992. But it was '94's Betty that defined Helmet. Filled with staccato guitar riffs, odd time signatures and Hamilton viscerally biting off thinking-man lyrics, the record is a testimony to uniqueness. Lately, they've been celebrating Betty's 20th anniversary by playing it all the way through—plus another set of favorites. 2708 J Street, www.helmetmusic.com.