Deep Cuts the Knife

The Zoo Crew is spinning Deep Cuts the Knife by Helix from their 1985 album Long Way to Heaven, a track that’s a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks for its raw emotional power. This mid-tempo power ballad, written by Paul Hackman and Bob Halligan Jr., captures the anguish of heartbreak with lyrics like “Better run for my life, hide from the light, dark is the night, deep cuts the knife.” According to lead vocalist Brian Vollmer in a 2010 interview with Metal Odyssey, the song resonated deeply with fans because of its universal theme of lingering pain from lost love, making it a staple in their live sets during the 1985 tour. The music video, directed by Allen Kool, adds a narrative layer, showing a man tormented by sleepless nights and memories of a past lover, intercut with the band performing on a darkened stage, amplifying the song’s moody vibe.

Another tidbit comes from a 2016 Sleaze Roxx post, which shared vintage Much Music footage from Helix’s Long Way to Heaven tour stop in Edmonton, Alberta, where Deep Cuts the Knife was a highlight of their setlist. Fans on the Helix Rocks (Official Fan Page) Facebook group often cite this performance as a defining moment, with one fan recalling how the song’s soaring guitar riffs and Vollmer’s emotive vocals electrified the crowd. The track also appeared on the 2013 compilation R-O-C-K! Best of 1983-2012, cementing its enduring appeal. Vollmer once noted in a Planet Helix blog post that the song’s raw honesty came from Hackman’s personal experiences, giving it an authenticity that still connects with listeners today.

Helix began in 1974 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, founded by drummer Bruce Arnold and frontman Brian Vollmer. The original lineup included guitarists Ron Watson and Rick Trembley, keyboardist Don Simmons, and bassist Keith Zurbrigg. Starting as The Helix Field Band, they played local bars and high schools, building a grassroots following with their high-energy performances. By the late 1970s, they’d adopted a harder-edged sound, influenced by bands like Aerosmith and AC/DC, and dropped “Field Band” from their name. Their big break came with the 1983 album No Rest for the Wicked, featuring the hit “Heavy Metal Love,” which caught the attention of Capitol Records. The 1984 single “Rock You” from Walkin’ the Razor’s Edge became their signature anthem, with its iconic “Gimme an R-O-C-K” chant, propelling them to international fame.

The band’s classic 1980s lineup—Vollmer, guitarists Brent “The Doctor” Doerner and Paul Hackman, bassist Daryl Gray, and drummer Greg “Fritz” Hinz—defined their peak, delivering albums like Long Way to Heaven that blended hard rock grit with melodic hooks. Despite lineup changes and the tragic loss of Hackman in 1992, Vollmer has kept Helix active, releasing new music and touring relentlessly. Their 2004 30th-anniversary show in Brantford, Ontario, featured both current and former members, a testament to their enduring legacy. Fans can connect with Helix on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For deeper fan engagement, check out the Helix Rocks (Official Fan Page) on Facebook or the fan-run Planet Helix site, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for tracks like Deep Cuts the Knife.