Hammers of Misfortune- 17th Street

Metal Blade Records
2011

Hammers of Misfortune is the main project of guitarist John Cobbett (The Lord Weird Slough Feg, Ludicra). Originally known as Unholy Cadaver (who formed in 1995) the band's name was changed for their 2001 release "The Bastard". Now just like Cobbett's other band, The Lord Weird Slough Feg this San Francisco based act has a sound that incorporates various genres of music. Within their sound you'll find yourself exposed to power metal, folk metal, doom metal, NWOBHM and thrash metal just to name a few. With fellow band founder Chewy Marzolo (drums) on board Hammers of Misfortune is rounded out by organist/keyboardist Sigrid Sheie, bassist Max Barnett and newest members Leila Abdul-Rauf - guitars/vocals(Saros, Vastum, Amber Asylum) and vocalist Joe Hutton (The Worship of Silence). Right off the bat new vocalist Joe Hutton adds something fresh to the band with his distinctive vocals. People are either going to love him or hate him. I can't imagine too much gray area there. Otherwise this is tried and true classic Hammers of Misfortune on "17th Street". Self-produced by John Cobbert the album sounds modern and crisp while still retaining their old school influences. Not that they sound retro. Rather they have always created their own music first and foremost so while it does draw from yesterday's music it is unlike anything else that came before and is likely to come again.