Hammer Fight

A no-nonsense, decibel-crushing hard rock/heavy metal quartet from New Jersey, Hammer Fight was founded in 2011. The band, which features bassist/vocalist Drew Murphy, drummer Justin Spaeth, and guitarists Todd Stern and Dan Higgins, describe their sound as "a cross between Slayer, Motörhead, and beer," and cite NWOBHM and early thrash groups like Iron Maiden and Testament as influences. Hammer Fight issued their eponymous debut EP shortly after forming, followed in 2013 by their well-received debut full-length Chug of War. The following year saw the group ink a deal with Napalm Records, which would issue their sophomore studio long player, Profound and Profane, in early 2016. ~ James Christopher Monger