The funky base lines and soulful horns on Variable Unit's Mayhemystics OutBreaks give the album an old-school jazz feel while the skills of spin-masters DJ Zeph and DJ Quest add a contemporary breaks flare. Azeem's deep and slightly gruff voice injects intensity on "Something Is Happening," while the underlying eerie, synthesized organ reinforces the apocalyptic sound of the song. This talented and underhyped Bay Area hip-hop outfit keep a careful balance of upbeat and mellow, political and positive. V.U.'s musicians display their talents by switching between otherworldly instrumentals and energized beats that rock with vitality; they provide a good dose of "soul injection" for their listeners. "Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice" calls love an "anti-depressant," the "cream sugar Prozac" of life. But V.U. don't want to sugarcoat the political problems that face America today. The reggae-inspired "Black Gold" is a commentary on the oil industry's monopoly on wealth around the world and international policy as well as the United States government's abolition of civil liberties in the name of supposed freedom. Variable Unit come together as artists and activists to produce this, their fourth and best album. Variable Unit play Wednesdays. through July at the MC open mic night Scout, Red Devil Lounge, S.F. (415) 921-1695. (Jana Rogers)

Brocas Helm
Defenders of the Crown (self-released)

Like woolly mammoths thawed out after centuries inside a glacier, local trio Brocas Helm are back with their first new album in 17 years. That's right, 17 years – and it's not even a reunion album, as they've never actually broken up. The album, which came out in 2004, is a DIY effort from start to finish, and while it looks the part, it doesn't sound it. There's a time-warp quality at work here, but not in a depressing, has-been way. Brocas Helm have staked out the middle ground between Iron Maiden, Spinal Tap, and Motörhead, a peculiar niche involving both subtle humor and genuine metal mastery. Bobby Wright's booming, authoritative voice is the welcome antithesis to the nuts-in-a-vice approach favored by most Maiden disciples, and while it's been known to wander off key in a live setting, it sounds great on the album. The hit here is "Skullfucker" – which includes the priceless refrain "Pain! / Torture! / Sex! / When you least expect it!" – but there are other standouts, ranging from silly ("Drink and Drive") to serious and majestic ("Children of the Nova Dawn"). Metalheads, this band is a local historical treasure. Don't miss out. (Will York)

Mail stuff for review to Sarah Han, Bay Guardian Building, 135 Mississippi St., S.F. CA 94107.