Hail of Bullets
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Stephan Gebédi |
| Headquarters | Rotterdam , Netherlands |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Martin van Drunen (vocals, 2006–2015), Dave Ingram (vocals, 2016–2017), Paul Baayens (guitar), Stephan Gebédi (guitar), Theo Van Eekelen (bass), Ed Warby (drums) |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, demos |
Number of employees | 5 (final lineup) |
| Parent | Metal Blade Records |
Hail of Bullets was a Dutch old-school death metal supergroup originating from Rotterdam. Their lyrical themes were predominantly inspired by World War II, drawing upon extensive research conducted by vocalist Martin van Drunen, who was regarded as the band's "resident historian." The group issued three albums through Metal Blade Records.
History
The band was established in late 2006 when guitarist Stephan Gebédi brought together vocalist Martin van Drunen, drummer Ed Warby, bassist Theo van Eekelen, and guitarist Paul Baayens. These musicians shared prior affiliations with acts such as Asphyx, Gorefest, Thanatos, and Houwitser. Their sound was heavily influenced by pioneering death metal bands like Autopsy, Massacre, Bolt Thrower, early Death, and Celtic Frost, aiming to revive the essence of classic death metal.
In July 2007, they recorded a four-track promotional demo produced by Dan Swanö at Unisound Studios. Their first full-length album, …Of Frost and War, was released in May 2008 via Metal Blade Records, thematically centered on the Eastern Front of WWII, exploring both German and Soviet viewpoints.
Following their debut, the band issued a six-song EP titled Warsaw Rising in July 2009. This release included new material, a cover of a Twisted Sister song, and live recordings. That same year, they made their U.S. debut performance at the 2009 Maryland Deathfest.
Work commenced in early 2010 on their sophomore album, which focused on the WWII Pacific Campaign. Produced by Ed Warby and mixed once more by Dan Swanö, On Divine Winds was launched in October 2010. The album achieved chart recognition in Germany and received 'album of the month' accolades from prominent metal magazines.
Throughout 2011, Hail of Bullets appeared at several major European festivals including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze, Party.San Open Air, and Brutal Assault.
In 2013, the band recorded their third studio album, III: The Rommel Chronicles, which Metal Blade Records released on 25 October. Once again produced by Ed Warby and mixed by Dan Swanö, this album concentrated on the life story of German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. The cover artwork was created by Dutch artist Erik Wijnands.
At the close of 2015, Hail of Bullets parted ways with Martin van Drunen due to personal conflicts. Former vocalist Dave Ingram (ex-Bolt Thrower, Benediction) stepped in for their Maryland Deathfest performance and was subsequently confirmed as the permanent frontman.
The group officially announced their dissolution in March 2017.
Final lineup
- Paul Baayens – guitar (2006–2017)
- Stephan Gebédi – guitar (2006–2017)
- Theo Van Eekelen – bass (2006–2017)
- Ed Warby – drums (2006–2017)
- Dave Ingram – vocals (2016–2017)
Former members
- Martin van Drunen – vocals (2006–2015)
Demo albums
- Hail of Bullets (self-released, 2007)
EPs
- Warsaw Rising (Metal Blade, 2009)
Albums
- …Of Frost and War (Metal Blade, 2008)
- On Divine Winds (Metal Blade, 2010)
- III: The Rommel Chronicles (Metal Blade, 2013)