Formed in 1982 in the city of Zürich, Hellhammer were a Swiss extreme metal band who may have been short-lived, but whose impact on the death metal and black metal scenes was immense, and whose music helped to lay the groundwork for both genres. Hellhammer’s extreme sound and style would, undeniably, go on to influence bands across the globe, and when Hellhammer had finally burnt itself out, its members would later form the core of yet another of metal’s most influential acts, Celtic Frost.

Formation and Early Years (1982–1983):

Founded in 1982 and orginally called Hammerhead, their early lineup consisted of guitarist/vocalist Tom Warrior, bassist/vocalist Urs Sprenger (a.k.a. “Savage Damage” and “Steve Warrior”) and drummer Pete Stratton. Stratton wouldn’t last very long and would be replaced in late 1982 by Jörg Neubart (aka “Denial Fiend” and “Bruce Day”), changing thier name to Hellhammer along the way. Hellhammer’s early music was characterized by a raw, primal sound that fused elements of thrash, doom, and proto-black metal, with lyrics that often focused on themes of war, death, darkness, and the occult, which would be consistent with the tone of their later work. Hellhammer’s first demo, ‘Death Fiend”‘ (1983), showcased their brutal style and dark lyrical content. This demo, along with the band’s subsequent efforts, caught the attention of the underground metal scene and would eventually be considered by many to be a precursor to the more extreme sounds of black metal and death metal that would emerge later in the 1980s.

‘Apocalyptic Raids’ and Growing Influence On The Burgeoning Extreme Metal Scene (1984):

In 1984, Hellhammer released their most well-known and influential work, the ‘Apocalyptic Raids’ EP. This record helped solidify their place in metal history, featuring tracks like “Massacra,” “Hammerhead,” and “The Third of the Storms” and is still as raw and brutal today as it was when it was initially released. These songs showcased Hellhammer’s unique style: a blend of blistering speed, heavy riffs, and deep growled vocals, and the sound was a far cry from the more melodic or commercial forms of heavy metal being heard at the time, setting Hellhammer apart from other bands as they chose instead to embrace a raw and chaotic form of heaviness. ‘Apocalyptic Raids’ was a pivotal release in the evolution of extreme metal, with its abrasive sound presaging the emergence of black metal in Scandinavia, as well as the death metal scene in Florida and beyond. Despite being relatively obscure during its initial release, ‘Apocalyptic Raids’ would later be seen as a key influence on bands like Mayhem, Bathory, and even early Death.

Dissolution and the Birth of Celtic Frost (1985):

Despite the praise Hellhammer had received for their EP, internal tensions within the band led to its disbandment in 1985. Tom Gabriel Fischer and Martin Eric Ain would go on to form Celtic Frost, a band that would evolve from Hellhammer’s thrash-infused black metal roots into a more varied and experimental form of heavy metal. Celtic Frost’s early work, particularly ‘Morbid Tales’ (1984) and ‘To Mega Therion’ (1985), would incorporate elements of Hellhammer’s earlier sound but add symphonic and avant-garde elements, shaping the genre’s future.Hellhammer’s dissolution did not mark the end of the band’s legacy, however. Their influence remained strong, and many of the sonic innovations pioneered by the band would later be adopted by other bands in the extreme metal scene.

Legacy and Influence:

Hellhammer may have only existed for a few years, but their influence on extreme metal, particularly death and black metal, is undeniable. The rawness, intensity, and unrelenting aggression that characterized their music would inspire a generation of bands, particularly in the underground metal scenes of Europe and Scandinavia. Celtic Frost’s rise to prominence, following Hellhammer’s breakup, helped solidify the members’ place in metal history. Despite their short existence, Hellhammer remains one of the most important bands in the history of extreme music, and their recordings continue to be revered by fans and musicians alike.Today, Hellhammer is seen as a crucial precursor to both black metal and death metal, with their music still being celebrated for its sheer aggression, nihilistic energy, and innovative approach to metal’s darker side. Even though they never achieved mainstream success during their brief existence, their influence can still be heard in the music of many modern extreme metal bands.