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Hellhammer

From Alfawiki
Hellhammer
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1982 in Nürensdorf, Switzerland
Defunct1984
Headquarters
Nürensdorf
,
Switzerland
ProductsExtreme metal music

Hellhammer was an extreme metal group originating from Nürensdorf, Switzerland, active between 1982 and 1984. Although initially met with criticism, the band is now widely regarded as a foundational influence in the development of black metal.<ref> The group dissolved in June 1984, with two members going on to establish the seminal extreme metal act Celtic Frost.<ref>

Musical career

The band initially formed in May 1982 under the name Hammerhead (later changed to Hellhammer) by guitarist and vocalist Thomas Gabriel Fischer ("Tom Warrior"), bassist and vocalist Urs Sprenger (known as "Savage Damage" or "Steve Warrior") from Grave Hill, along with drummer Pete Stratton.<ref> Fischer drew inspiration from bands such as Black Sabbath, Venom, and Motörhead, as well as punk groups like Discharge, all of which influenced Hellhammer's distinctive sound.<ref> After Stratton's departure, Jörg Neubart ("Denial Fiend") joined as drummer in autumn 1982.<ref> The band encountered difficulties securing rehearsal spaces due to costly rents and limited studio access.<ref> In June 1983, they produced their demo Triumph of Death on a modest budget of $70.<ref> Although they felt embarrassed by the demo's quality, it was generally well-received by heavy metal publications such as Metal Forces.<ref> Despite initial rejection from record labels, they eventually attracted attention from the German label Noise Records.<ref>

In summer 1983, Steve Warrior was dismissed due to inadequate musical ability and replaced by Mike "Grim Decapitator" Owens. October 1983 saw the addition of drummer Stephen Priestly, followed later that year by American-born bassist Martin Eric Ain, who took over from Owens. These lineup changes signaled a significant evolution in both the band's musical direction and lyrical themes. Bruce Day returned to replace Priestly, completing the ensemble responsible for Hellhammer's sole commercial release, the Apocalyptic Raids EP, recorded in March 1984. Guitarist Vince "Dei Infernal" Caretti joined after Oliver Amberg declined an invitation.<ref> These transformations reflected Fischer's and Ain's ambition to move beyond Hellhammer's raw and primitive style. The band officially ceased activity on May 11, 1984,<ref> with Fischer and Ain founding Celtic Frost shortly thereafter.<ref>

Post-breakup

At the beginning of the following decade, Noise Records reissued Hellhammer's debut under the title Apocalyptic Raids 1990 A.D., incorporating two additional tracks from the Death Metal compilation—"something we always wanted to do, even back in '84," remarked Tom Warrior. This edition featured new artwork created by Martin Ain.

In November 2007, Tom Gabriel Fischer announced plans to release Hellhammer's original demo master recordings (Death Fiend, Triumph of Death, and Satanic Rites) as a comprehensive 2CD/3LP set named Demon Entrails, which was issued in February 2008. This release included fresh liner notes, previously unseen photographs, artwork, and remastered tracks overseen by Fischer, Martin Eric Ain, and Steve Warrior. The album was distributed by Prowlin' Death/Century Media Records.

In 2016, Century Media teamed up with Prowling Death Records to issue an unreleased 7" vinyl single titled Blood Insanity, recorded in 1983. Fischer explained that although the band had intended to release material from the Triumph of Death sessions earlier, those plans were halted by their split. The concept was revisited later and received approval from Century Media.

Reception and legacy

Despite the eventual pride former members took in Hellhammer's impact, initial reactions were notably severe. Tom Warrior expressed concern that Hellhammer's negative image could hinder Celtic Frost's advancement. A 1985 Kerrang! critique reflected this sentiment: "The truly dreadful Hellhammer may have evolved into Celtic Frost but still remain utterly unappealing."

Similar harsh judgments came from other metal magazines. Metal Forces held a strong disdain for the group, igniting a dispute that postponed Celtic Frost’s UK appearances for several years. Rock Power described Hellhammer as "the most horrendous, repugnant, and appalling creation ever permitted to be recorded by so-called 'musicians'." Warrior admitted the band faced "abysmal reviews across the board."

Addressing the backlash, Thomas commented:

Phil Freeman of AllMusic observed: "Hellhammer functioned more as a posthumous icon than an active band; with only six official tracks released, they gained recognition primarily after frontman Thomas Gabriel Fischer launched Celtic Frost."

The four-song 12" EP Apocalyptic Raids, issued in March 1984 following the group's dissolution, became a cornerstone for black and death metal, also influencing doom, thrash, black, and death metal styles. Fischer and Ain later reunited in mid-1984 to establish Celtic Frost.

Several prominent bands have paid tribute by covering Hellhammer’s material, including Napalm Death, Sepultura, Samael, Incantation, Slaughter, Behemoth, and Gallhammer. Additionally, Fischer’s project after Celtic Frost, Apollyon Sun, reinterpreted the track "Messiah".

In 2010, Tom Fischer authored Only Death Is Real: An Illustrated History of Hellhammer and early Celtic Frost 1982–1985, chronicling these early formative years. The volume contains a foreword by Darkthrone guitarist Nocturno Culto and an introduction penned by writer Joel McIver.

Final

  • Tom G. "Satanic Slaughter" Warrior (Thomas Gabriel Fischer) – lead vocals, guitar (1982–1984)
  • "Slayed Necros" (Martin Eric Ain) – bass guitar (1983–1984; deceased 2017)
  • Bruce "Denial Fiend" Day (Jörg Neubart) – drums (1982–1984)
  • Vince "Dei Infernal" Caretti (Vincent Garetti) – guitar (1984)

Previous members

  • Pete Stratton (Peter Ebneter) – drums (1982)
  • Steve "Savage Damage" Warrior (Urs Sprenger) – bass, vocals (1982–1983)
  • Stephen "Evoked Damnator" Priestly (Stephen Gasser) – bass (1983)
  • Mike "Grim Decapitator" Owens (Michael Baum) – bass (1983)

Demos

Year Title
1983 Death Fiend
1983 Triumph of Death
1983 Satanic Rites

Studio releases

Year Title Notes
1984 Apocalyptic Raids EP
1984 Death Metal Split release featuring various bands
2016 Blood Insanity Single release

Compilation albums

Year Title
2008 Demon Entrails

Sources

  • Bennett, J. (2009). "Procreation of the Wicked". In: Mudrian, A. (ed.), Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces (pp. 31–47). Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press.
  • Fischer, T. G. (2000). Are You Morbid? Into the Pandemonium of Celtic Frost. London: Sanctuary Publishing Limited.
  • Gregori, D. (2003). "Thrash Metal or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb". Terrorizer 108: 10–14.
  • Hellhammer (1990). Apocalyptic Raids 1990 A.D. [CD]. New York, NY: Futurist/Noise International.

External links

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