Throughout the history of heavy metal, there are some figures who have had the fortune of being part of not one, but two groundbreaking bands. Examples that immediately come to mind are Ritchie Blackmore, Tom G. Warrior, Chris Reifert…oh, and John Cobbett. Who? Those within the American true metal underground are more than familiar with Cobbett. In the dark days of the late 90s and early 2000s, he played guitar for cult metal heroes The Lord Weird Slough Feg, while simultaneously writing, singing, and playing guitar for his own band, Hammers of Misfortune.
To say Hammers of Misfortune are hard to pin down stylistically would be an understatement. On the surface, one could call them “progressive metal”. I’m sure for simplicity’s sake I’ll list the genre as such below. However, those expecting the lengthy compositions, pristine musicianship, and grandiose production of bands like Dream Theater and Fates Warning have another thing coming. Hammers of Misfortune are “progressive” in the sense that they specialize in metal outside the status quo. Every album has its own unique flavor, each offering a new perspective into the warped mind of this heavy collective.
On their latest outing, Overtaker, Hammers of Misfortune comes firing on all cylinders. It’s their first full length in 6 years, and if you think they’ve lost a bit of the chaotic energy of past releases, think again. From the opening seconds of the title track, this is a band who gets straight down to business, melding an avant-garde uncertainty akin to Sigh with old school black metal tropes and epic US metal barbarism. It’s an unusual blend, perhaps even too much for one to process, but it sonically makes sense in the long run, shining on cuts like the unhinged “Dark Brennius”, the nefarious “Vipers Cross”, and the over the top “Ghost Hearts”.
When they aren’t pushing progressive metal into its most outer reaches, Hammers of Misfortune channels the familiar traits of their 70s overlords, albeit with a futuristic metal twist. “Don’t Follow the Lights” is a space metal opus played at maximum speed, as if Hawkwind overdosed on thrash. “Orbweaver” channels the eerie atmosphere of prime Blue Öyster Cult, while the fierce gallop of “Outside Our Minds” lies somewhere between the NWOBHM and an obscure early 80s US private press release. My choice cut, “The Raven’s Bell”, just so happens to be the album’s most straightforward composition, accentuated by magnificent Purple-esque soloing, which is always a plus in my book.
Those acquainted with Hammers of Misfortune will be pleased by yet another high caliber release of cerebrally stimulating metal. There isn’t a dull moment to be found, and while past releases may be stronger in the songwriting department, that isn’t to take away from Overtaker, which is perhaps their fiercest release to date. Whether you’re an old school headbanger, a thrasher, a prog nerd, a black metal elitist, or something else in between, I guarantee there’s something for you on Overtaker. It’s the type of metallic amalgamation that could only come along after decades of evolution and progression. The future is here and it’s heavy.
7 out of 10
Label: Independent
Genre: Progressive Metal
For fans of: Sigh, Dawnbringer, The Lord Weird Slough Feg