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| Mika Penetrator (Gt.), Vivian Slaughter (Vo./Ba.) & Risa Reaper (Dr./Vo.) |
Originally,
Gallhammer started out as an homage group for the Swiss band
“Hellhammer”. Eventually they evolved into a successful black
metal/doom metal/crust punk band. They gained a lot of attention for
the dark and intense atmosphere in their music, but also because it
was an all female band in the extreme metal scene.
The idea to
create Gallhammer came from leader/vocalist/bassist Vivian Slaughter.
In 2002, she wanted to form a band that was inspired on the dark and
morbid feeling of Hellhammer. Drummer Risa Reaper and guitarist Mika
Penetrator joined her and they made their debut in February 2003.
Gallhammer existed, but all members had to learn how to play their
instruments. All of them had been the vocalist in their previous
bands and all their influences and tastes were very diverse.
Vivian was a
vocalist in a Grind Core band and had also played saxophone in a
Noise group. Risa was the vocalist in an Avant-garde project, and
Mika sang in a rock band. In March 2003, Gallhammer had recorded a
demo tape. Only 30 copies were made and given away for free at their
very first performance at “Koiwa Death Fest Vol. 2”. During their
first lives they also covered songs of the bands Hellhammer and
Amebix, Gallhammer's main influences. In July they recorded and
released a self-titled demo CD. Vivian's goal for the group had been
realised. The sound was dark, morbid and raw sensibility with the
emphasis on raw feelings. Gallhammer's lyrical themes cover topics
such as: despair and hopelessness, emptiness, obsession with life,
hatred, observations of negative feelings.
Around April
2004, the new demo CD “ENDLESS NAUSEOUS DAYS” was released. At
this point the band started to plan out their full-length debut CD.
It would feature altered and re-recorded songs from the demos and
compilation appearances. Gallhammer kept playing lives all around
Tokyo. In August they held a concert with the title “Aloof and
Proud Silence vol. 1” at “Shinjuku D.O.M”. Later that year,
Gallhammer played volume 2 of “Aloof and Proud Silence” at
“Nishi-Ogikubo WATTS”. During these performances they gained a
lot of experience and devoted fans. On November 11 debut album
“Gloomy Lights” was released under the label “Hello From the
Gutter Records”. The first press of the album was sold out. A
second press would later be released in Finland and Mexico.
In 2006
Gallhammer signed with “Peaceville Records”, and in early 2007
“The Dawn of...” was released. The CD collection consisted of
demo recordings and a DVD of live shows. This release gave them
worldwide attention. The UK newspaper, “The Guardian”, even gave
them the honor of being “Band of the day”. In September album
“Ill Innocence” was released. The release was accompanied by a
European tour. Gallhammer visited the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium
and Finland. On the tour they also met the band “Church of Misery”.
The album also showed an other side of Gallhammer. They had
incorporated many influences and moods from both metal and non-metal
genres.
The spring
of 2008 brought Gallhammer back to Europe, this time for a full UK
tour. Around the same time there was also the vinyl release of “Ill
Innocence”. Once again the press reactions were very positive. The
highlight of their second tour in Europe was their performance at the
“Inferno Festival” in Norway. Soon after Gallhammer's debut DVD,
“Ruin of a Church”, went on sale. The DVD contained footage of
their live in Colchester in 2007. The venue was a converted church,
which was the ideal place for the band's dark and morbid feeling to
come through.
After a
period of intense activity, the band decreased the number of
concerts. Through 2009 and 2010 they were busy with preparations for
the third album, but then in 2010 it was announced that Mika would
leave the band. She wanted to pursue a career with her other band.
After Mika's departure, Gallhammer continued as a duo. The combo of
only drums, bass and vocals were a great success since they made the
sound even gloomier than before.
On May 17,
2011, album “The End” was finally released. It's probably their
most raw, expressive, and challenging album to date. Many people have
praised it for the hypnotic nature of the songs.
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