Here I Go Again

The song "Here I Go Again" by Helix from their debut album Breaking Loose is a gem from the Canadian hard rock scene, showcasing the band's early raw energy. In a 2009 interview with lead vocalist Brian Vollmer, he shared that the track was recorded during an intense two-week period at Springfield Sound in Aylmer, Ontario, where the band "ate, slept, and lived at the studio" to capture their sound on 24-track 2-inch tape. This immersive process gave the song its gritty, authentic vibe, reflecting the band's bar-circuit roots. Independent reviewer Mike Ladano praised the album, noting that while "Here I Go Again" and other tracks lacked the polished metal edge of later Helix work, they brimmed with "class, ambition, and natural talent," making it a standout for its heartfelt simplicity.

Another piece of trivia about "Here I Go Again" ties to its place in Helix's early songwriting. Written by Vollmer and guitarists Paul Hackman and Brent Doerner, the song captures the band's youthful drive and romantic lyricism, though Ladano noted some lyrics on the album were "a little weak." Despite this, the track contributed to the album's modest success, with Breaking Loose selling around 10,000 units independently, as reported by Billboard. Fans on the r/hairmetal subreddit have reminisced about Helix's early work, with one user in a 2024 thread highlighting how Breaking Loose leaned more toward hard rock than the glam metal sound Helix later embraced, making "Here I Go Again" a snapshot of their formative style.

Helix began in 1974 in Kitchener, Ontario, when drummer Bruce Arnold formed the band for a local Battle of the Bands contest. The original lineup included Brian Vollmer on vocals, guitarists Ron Watson and Rick "Minstrel" Trembley, keyboardist Don Simmons, and bassist Keith "Bert" Zurbrigg. Vollmer, the only constant member through decades of lineup changes, recalled in interviews how the band honed their craft in Ontario's bar scene, playing covers and originals. By 1976, the addition of guitarists Brent Doerner and Paul Hackman, along with drummer Brian Doerner, solidified their sound. Under manager William Seip, Helix self-funded their debut Breaking Loose in 1979, released on their own H&S Records, marking their transition from local act to a band with national airplay.

The band's persistence paid off as they toured with major acts like Kiss and Aerosmith, building a loyal following. Tragically, guitarist Paul Hackman died in a 1992 tour van accident, a loss that deeply affected the band, as Vollmer shared in a 1999 interview about their B-Sides CD. Despite setbacks, Helix continued to evolve, with Vollmer keeping the spirit alive. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For deeper fan engagement, the Helix Fan Club on Facebook offers a space for "Zoo Freaks" to share stories and celebrate the band's legacy.