Lunatic's Serenade

Facebook Twitter Google

HMS Music Spotlight

For a band from New Jersey, Hammer Fight has gut wrenching angst from the pit of New York’s CBGB’s. The title, Profound and Profane, says who and what they are. If you want hard core, thrash metal with tones of Motorhead and Pantera plus get a mind full of stuff to ponder, pop this disc in, glue the volume knob to 13, and call the EMT’s because the hammer’s gonna’ fall and there will be blood!

Violence ensues with hard hitting metal action as songs like “Picking up Change” and “Target Acquired” brings destruction. It’s an onslaught of sound, pound for pound of manic tones. There’s crushing guitars by the tortuous two, Todd Stern and Dan Higgins, the demolition man, Justin Spaeth on drums, and the merciless vocal/bass attack courtesy of Drew Murphy. He barks out the lyrics militantly commanding the listener to take heed of the lyrics. As the record continues, the songs and the vibe keep its thrash form. “God’s of Rock N’ Roll” is another highlight with a killer dual guitar solo that leads into trading off extended solos.

“Low and Broken” kicks down the tempo for a time of dark outlaw acoustic strumming. The gritty vocals add an uneasy tension that breaks after a pause when the whole band slams in for the guitar solo and one last heavy chorus. Another highlight is in the song “Private Stock” as it gets borderline grind core at the end. “The Crate” showcases the talented guitar players as Todd and Dan show you just how melodic they can get as they solo for over four minutes. Drew brings it to an end with nice arpeggio on bass.

Hammer Fight
Profound and Profane
(Napalm Records)
Written by: Tim Duran
10 out of 10

For the most part, I enjoyed the bass throughout the record. Drew is amazing both vocally and on the fret board. Speaking of fret boards, the dynamite duo lay down riffs and solos that are enjoyable, and not a bunch of notes thrown together with sloppy double picking. The drums on Profound and Profane are insane, with every beat kicking you in the brain.

Though I didn’t mention all the songs, it doesn’t mean they’re not worth the listen. Every one of the 12 numbers is a brutal display of heavy duty musicianship and strong songwriting. The unbelievable mix makes sure that nothing gets buried (especially the bass), no matter how heavy and deep the tones get.

In a word, ten.

Tim Duran, HMS

Back to Lunatic's Serenade Menu