Helms Alee

Lore & Background

Helms Alee formed in 2007 in Seattle, with a lineup that has remained consistent: Dana James, Hozoji Matheson-Margullis, and Ben Verellen. Verellen had previously been a member of the bands Harkonen and Roy. The band's name derives from a nautical term used in sailboat tacking commands.

The band released its debut album, Night Terror, in 2008 on Hydra Head Records, followed by Weatherhead in 2011 on the same label. In 2013, Helms Alee signed with Sargent House, which subsequently released their albums Sleepwalking Sailors (2014), Stillicide (2016), Noctiluca (2019), and Keep This Be the Way (2022). The band also issued several EPs, splits, and a single during this period.

Reader's Guide

Helms Alee has maintained a steady output of six studio albums since 2008, with a consistent trio of musicians. Their move from Hydra Head Records to Sargent House in 2013 marked a shift in their distribution and label support. The band's discography includes a range of releases beyond full-length albums, including EPs, split recordings, and a single. Their longevity and stable lineup contribute to their place in the Seattle rock scene. The band's name, drawn from sailing terminology, reflects a thematic interest that may be present in their work, though the source article does not elaborate on lyrical content. Their significance lies in their sustained activity over more than a decade, producing a body of work across multiple labels.

Did You Know?

• Helms Alee's name is a nautical term used in commands for tacking a sailboat.
• Ben Verellen was a former member of the bands Harkonen and Roy.
• The band signed to Sargent House in 2013.
• Helms Alee has released six studio albums between 2008 and 2022.