~ The Locust years ~
The eclectic and versatile (Gwar, Ludicra, Slough Feg, Amber Asylum, Jarboe) guitarist John Cobbett from San Francisco gave birth in the late 90s to Hammers Of Misfortune, previously known as Unholy Cadaver. Later in 2001 the band released their first full length album The Bastard, an epic tale told in three acts with three distinct characters / voices, on Tumult Records.
Critically acclaimed, the album was voted among the top 40 releases of 2001 by the writers of Terrorizer magazine. Lamentations Of The Flame Princess declared 2001 to be "the Year Of the Hammers" and named The Bastard Best Album, Best Concept Album and Best Overall Packaging.
In 2003 the band signed a deal with Cruz Del Sur Muisc, releasing their second opus The August Engine by the end of the same year. The response was again awesome. The August Engine was voted by countless writers at major metal magazines such as BW&BK, Metal Maniacs, Unrestrained and more as the greatest metal achievement in years, the best album of the year, best metal concept album ever, and so on down the line, making it one of the most important heavy releases of the time.
In 2005 HoM began the recording of their third album The Locust Years, under the supervision of Justin Weis at Trackworx Studios which is finally released, again via Cruz Del Sur in June 2006 (US) and September 2006 (Europe). The Locust Years brings the creative song-writing of The Hammers to an upper level, through the creation of a complex Rock Opera in which several different elements perfectly complete each other. Echoes of Yes, Pink Floyd and in general the legacy of 70s progressive rock are mixed with Hammers trademark of originality and love for uncommon solutions.
The dramatic, bitter sense of tragedy that surrounds the album makes it a masterpiece that goes beyond the term of Metal, to a wider meaning: The Locust Years is the perfect soundtrack for our souring times.
Interviews are highly encouraged and fully supported so bring me your requests! Tour dates are in the works as well. Stay tuned, and all hail the Hammers...
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HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE - The Locust years - cruz15
* Features Mike SCALZI of Slough Feg on vocals
* Intense live activity in support of the album release
* Wonderful cover artwork designed by NYC Artist Thomas Woodruff, digipack edition
* Top-priority release for Cruz Del Sur Music, 1000 promos
LINE-UP:
John Cobbett electric, lead and acoustic guitars
Mike Scalzi vocals, guitar
Jamie Myers vocals, bass
Sigrid Sheie acoustic and electric piano, Hammond B3, backing vocal
Chewy - drums
DISCOGRAPHY
* The Bastard (Tumult, 2001)
* The August Engine (Cruz Del Sur Music, 2003)
* The Locust Years (Cruz Del Sur Music, 2006)
