HAM (band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Iceland |
| Products | Music albums |
HAM is a rock group originating from Iceland, established in 1988. Although frequently categorized under heavy metal, the band has never embraced this label themselves. They hold a significant place in the annals of Icelandic rock and enjoy a dedicated cult status among local rock enthusiasts.
History
HAM's first album, Hold, sparked controversy and was notably absent from radio playlists. Their rise to prominence began with opening performances for The Sugarcubes during five shows in 1988. The following year, they issued Buffalo Virgin through One Little Indian records and played multiple gigs in New York. The 1990 project Pleasing the Pirahna was recorded but ultimately shelved; another unreleased collection titled Pimpmobile also exists.
From 1991 to 1992, HAM participated in the production of the film Sódóma Reykjavík, with vocalist and guitarist Sigurjón Kjartansson responsible for most of the soundtrack composition. This collaboration significantly enhanced the band's profile within Iceland.
In 1993, they released Saga rokksins. Their final concert took place on 4 June 1994 at Reykjavík’s now-closed Tunglið nightclub; this performance was captured and released as Lengi lifi. Remaining studio recordings were compiled into the 1995 album Dauður hestur, which translates from Latin as "Equus mortuus".
The band reunited in 2001, coinciding with German metal act Rammstein's concert in Iceland. HAM played at the Gaukur á Stöng bar on 14 June and returned on 15 June to perform before an audience of 5,500. The latter show was issued as the live album Skert flog.
Although slated to appear at the 2006 Reykjavík Rokkar festival alongside The Darkness and Motörhead, HAM instead held a sold-out gig at NASA club after the festival was canceled due to insufficient ticket sales. On 28 October 2006, they performed at a North Atlantic music festival hosted in Copenhagen.
On 6 September 2007, HAM concluded the 'Minifestival' charity event at Iðnó, Reykjavík, with their participation kept under wraps until the night of the concert.
In July 2008, HAM headlined Iceland’s heavy metal festival "Eistnaflug", premiering a new track. They returned as the closing act in 2011 and released their first album of new material in sixteen years, titled Svik, harmur, dauði ("Betrayal, Tragedy and Death"). Their follow-up album came out in 2017 under the name Söngvar um Helvíti Mannanna.
To celebrate Reykjavík’s 237th anniversary, HAM performed at Reykjavik Culture Night on 19 August 2023.
Other work
- Jóhann, an accomplished musician, led Daisy Hill Puppy Farm prior to joining HAM. He has composed scores for theater productions and released solo records. Flosi contributed guitar parts occasionally to these endeavors. Jóhann also co-founded Lhooq with Pétur Hallgrímsson and Sara Guðmundsdóttir, as well as Dip alongside Sugarcubes drummer Sigtryggur Baldursson.
- After HAM disbanded in 1994, Sigurjón established Olympia, producing one LP and one EP.
- The funk ensemble Funkstraße was formed by Óttarr, Björn, and Jóhann, later joined by guitarist Pétur Hallgrímsson, saxophonist Óskar Guðjónsson, drummer Arnar Geir, and bassist Guðni Finnsson. Sigurjón often provided backing vocals during live performances along with Magga Stína of Reptile and Sara from Lhooq. Flosi occasionally played guitar. This group contributed tracks to the Sódóma Reykjavík soundtrack as well as various compilations.
- Óttarr, Björn, Arnar, and Flosi created the punk band Rass, which released a single album.
- The duo of Jóhann and Arnar formed Apparat Organ Quartet, releasing two albums: their self-titled debut and Polýfónía.
- Hallur Ingólfsson founded Bleeding Volcano, issuing one album before forming XIII, which has released three albums so far. He is also active as a theater composer.
- Óttarr serves as a vocalist for the band Dr Spock.
Albums
- 1988: Hold
- 1989: Buffalo Virgin
- 1993: Saga rokksins 1988 - 1993
- 1994: Lengi lifi
- 1995: Dauður hestur
- 2001: CBGB's 7. ágúst 1993
- 2001: Skert flog
- 2011: Svik, harmur og dauði
- 2017: Söngvar um Helvíti Mannanna
- 2020: Chromo Sapiens: Tónlist fyrir Shoplifter