mt. helium 

Mt. Helium is the new moniker for the Los Angeles-area band formerly known as The Apex Theory, effective with their 2007 album Faces.

Formed in 1999, Mt. Helium began as a local act not interested in being signed, only to have numerous labels contact them due to word of mouth. Three of the original band members (former vocalist Ontronik “Andy” Khatchaturian, bassist David Hakopyan and guitarist and current vocalist Art Karamian) are Armenian by heritage, which can be distinctly heard from their Mediterranean time signature.

In 2000 the band released an independent EP entitled Extendemo, which resulted in their signing to Dreamworks Records in early 2001. Shortly thereafter, the band entered the studio with Don Gilmore (whose credits include the likes of Linkin Park, Velvet Revolver and Avril Lavigne), who produced their self-titled major-label debut EP, and their full-length debut, Topsy-Turvy, which were released on October 9, 2001 and April 2, 2002, respectively. The band’s first (and only) singles, “Shhh… (Hope Diggy)” and “Apossibly” garnered the band mainstream success as both were featured extensively in MTV2’s rotation. “Apossibly” was also used in promotion of the videogame Minority Report: Everybody Runs.

The band toured for a good portion of the next few years in support of their major-label albums, first playing Vans Warped Tour and co-headlining MTV2’s Tour with Lostprophets in 2001. In the summer of 2002, the band played on the second stage of Ozzfest.

Later in 2002, vocalist Ontronik “Andy” Khachaturian (who previously played drums for System of a Down before founding The Apex Theory) left the band due to differences in musical opinions. Khachaturian is currently involved in a solo project and a band dubbed VoKEE. After searching for a replacement, the remaining members decided to continue as a three-piece outfit, with guitarist Art Karamian taking responsibility for vocal duties as well.

The Apex Theory officially resurfaced in 2004, self-releasing their latest EP, inthatskyissomethingwatching. Though the band has not embarked on a national tour as of yet, they have successfully played countless shows in their home state of California.

On June 30, 2006, the band announced the completion of their first full-length album without their former vocalist, Ontronik. The album was titled Faces, and was released under the band name Mt. Helium.
The album can be bought from their myspace for only 7$.
Band members

Current lineup (2002 to Present)

* Art Karamian (Vocals, Guitar)
* David Hakopyan (Bass)
* Sammy J. Watson (Drums)

Previous lineup (1999 to 2002)

* Ontronik “Andy” Khatchaturian (Vocals)
* Art Karamian (Guitar)
* David Hakopyan (Bass)
* Sammy J. Watson (Drums)

Discography

* Extendemo (2000)
* The Apex Theory (2001)
* Topsy-Turvy (2002)
* inthatskyissomethingwatching (2004)
* Lightpost EP (2007)
* Faces (2007)

I just saw Mt. Helium live and they kicked some major ass!

mt. helium by dskjghaskjgal June 30, 2008