| Mt. Helium | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | The Apex Theory |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Genres | Alternative rock |
| Years active | 1999 — present |
| Labels | Dreamworks Records, TOYS.of.the.MASSES. |
| Associated acts | System of a Down, VoKee |
| Members | |
| Art Karamian David Hakopyan Sammy J. Watson |
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| Past members | |
| Ontronik Khachaturian | |
Mt. Helium is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California, formerly known as The Apex Theory. The band has released two studio albums and three extended plays to date.
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The Apex Theory was formed in 1999 by Armenian-American Los Angeles musicians Ontronik Khachaturian, Art Karamian and David Hakopyan. Drummer Sammy J. Watson joined the band after they were unable to find a committed drummer.[1] The band released their first extended play, Extendemo, in 2000. The following year, they signed with DreamWorks Records,[2] releasing their second EP, The Apex Theory on October 9, 2001.[1] The band performed at the main stage during the 2001 Warped Tour,[3][4] and as co-headliners at the 2002 MTV2 tour.[1]
On April 2, 2002, the band released their debut album, Topsy-Turvy. It peaked at #6 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and #157 on the Billboard 200.[5] Months after the album's release, Khachaturian left the band,[2] and they began to audition new vocalists before deciding that Karamian would take over as the band's vocalist.[6][7] The band released an EP in 2004 entitled inthatskyissomethingwatching. After changing their name to Mt. Helium, the band released their second album, Faces as a digital download on June 3, 2008.[8]
Mt. Helium's style has been predominately described as alternative rock. Former vocalist Ontronik Khachaturian described the band's sound as a "heavy Mediterranean groove".[1][9] Michigan Daily writer Sonya Sutherland wrote that "The Apex Theory combines a heavy drum support, melodic guitars and honey sweet vocals to provide an entertaining and emotional message."[9] The band's musical style was influenced by Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Near Eastern music.[9]
MTV News writer Jon Wiederhorn wrote that "the Apex Theory's multi-textured music [...] combines metal, prog-rock, Mediterranean music and even jazz. And the off-kilter rhythm, skittering drums, whirlpool guitars and aggressive vocals of 'Shhh ... (Hope Diggy)' are a perfect taster for the band's debut album".[10]
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