The eclectic and versatile (Gwar, Ludicra, Slough Feg, Amber Asylum, Jarboe) guitarist John Cobbett from San Francisco gave birth in the late 90s to HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE, previously known as UNHOLY CADAVER. Later in 2001 the band released their first full length album “The Bastard” (an epic tale told in three acts with three distinct characters/voices) on Tumult Records. Critically acclaimed, the album was voted among the top 40 releases of 2001 by the writers of Terrorizer magazine. Lamentations Of The Flame Princess magazine declared 2001 to be "the Year Of the Hammers" and named "The Bastard" Best Album, Best Concept Album and Best Overall Packaging. In 2003 the band signed a deal with CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC, releasing their second opus “The August Engine” by the end of the same year. The response was again awesome. “The August Engine” was voted by BW & BK writer Chris Bruni as the best album of 2003, and received a 10/10 rating on the same magazine (“Entirely something new, and entirely something creatively masterful. 10/10” Martin Popoff, BW&BK). Many other medias praised the album: - “Unmatched in 2003, The August Engine is easily one of the best records this year and one that has to be heard to truly believe just what talent they really do possess. 9/10” Adrian Bromley, Unrestrained Mag - “If you don’t like Hammers of Misfortune, you just don’t like Metal.” John Gnesin, digitalmetal.com - “I definitely recommend this album to anyone who enjoys metal, this is a must have”. Josh Wagers,1340mag.com - “They are here to save the world from mediocrity. 10/10” JayKeeley, RoyalCarnage.com In 2005 HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE began the recordings of their third album “The Locust Years”, under the supervision of Justin Weis at Trackworx Studios which is finally released, again via CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC, in June 2006 (US) and September 2006 (Europe). “The Locust Years” brings the creative song-writing of The Hammers to an upper level, through the creation of a complex Rock Opera in which several different elements perfectly complete each other. Echoes of Yes, Pink Floyd and in general the legacy of 70s progressive rock are mixed with Hammers’ trademark of originality and love for uncommon solutions. The dramatic, bitter sense of Tragedy that surrounds the album makes it a masterpiece that goes beyond the term of “Metal”, to a wider meaning: “The Locust Years” is the perfect soundtrack for our souring times. SELLING POINTS * Features Mike SCALZI of Slough Feg on vocals * Intense live activity in support of the album release * Wonderful cover artwork designed by NYC Artist Thomas Woodruff, digipack edition * Top-priority release for Cruz Del Sur Music, 1000 cartonsleeve promos LINE-UP: John Cobbett – electric, lead and acoustic guitars Mike Scalzi – vocals, guitar Jamie Myers – vocals, bass Sigrid Sheie – acoustic and electric piano, Hammond B3, backing vocal Chewy - drums DISCOGRAPHY * The Bastard (Tumult, 2001) * The August Engine (Cruz Del Sur Music, 2003) * The Locust Years (Cruz Del Sur Music, 2006)