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Pioneering black/death metal band from Switzerland active from 1982 to 1984.
Hellhammer were rather harshly criticized when their first demo tape was released in 1983; their sound was quite raw and extreme in comparison to other metal bands at the time. However, some people did appreciate this Swiss band: the people who went on to form the modern black metal scene (for example the drummer from Mayhem took their name as his own).
They only released two demos and a 12" before they split up in 1984, however two of the members went on to form another band that was very influential to modern black metal:
Last known line-up
Tom G. "Satanic Slaughter" Warrior (Thomas Gabriel Fischer) - Vocals & Guitars (Celtic Frost, Apollyon Sun, Triptykon)
Martin "Slayed Necros" Ain (Martin Stricker) - Bass (Celtic Frost)
Bruce "Denial Fiend/Bloodhunter" Day (Jörg Neubart) - Drums
Former/past member(s)
Bass:
Steve "Savage Damage" Warrior (Urs Sprenger aka Steve Patton) (1982-1983)
Mike "Grim Decapitator" Owens (1983)
Drums:
Peter Stratton (1982)
Steve "Evoked Damnator" Priestley (1983) (Celtic Frost, Treponen Pal (session)
Guitars:
Vince "Dei Infernal" Garetti (1984)
Additional notes
Thomas Gabriel Warrior was never a member of Coroner; he only did guest vocals on... Read More ... their "Death Cult" demotape.
Hellhammer had two more short-term bassists that time has since forgotten in 1983 (Mike Owens has previously been listed as a drummer, Hellhammer's new website credits him as a bassist). Despite being the "Warrior brothers," Steve and Tom are unrelated. Steve was originally a roadie for Tom's previous band, Grave Hill.
The last thing planned with Hellhammer was a full-length called To Mega Therion in mid-1984 with new tracks called "Beyond the Beyond," "Ride on the Wings of Sabbath," "Defeat of the Serpent," "Demon Entrails," and "Phallical Tantrum" among others. The band split up before the songwriting process was finished, and none of these tracks were ever formally recorded. However, Tom Warrior and Martin Eric Ain used the title To Mega Therion for the second Celtic Frost album.
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