Hammerhedd

Lore & Background

Hammerhedd was formed in 2012 by guitarist/vocalist Henry Ismert, drummer Eli Ismert, and bassist Abe Ismert, who were aged 9, 7, and 4 respectively. The members are largely self taught and managed by their mother. In 2016, a video of the band playing covers of Metallica songs went viral, and Metallica publicly reposted the video. The band subsequently turned down requests to perform on America's Got Talent and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Reader's Guide

Hammerhedd's significance lies in their early emergence as a self-taught sibling band that gained international attention through a viral video reposted by Metallica. Their refusal of major television appearances underscores a focus on independent development. The band released their debut EP Essence of Iron in 2018 and later signed a record deal with Attila frontman Chris Fronzak. Their 2021 LP Grand Currents was distributed by The Orchard, and they toured with Swedish metal band In Flames in 2022. Their sophomore album Nonetheless arrived in 2023, followed by the independently released Not Important in 2024. The band's trajectory illustrates how young musicians can build a career through online exposure and grassroots touring without mainstream television support.

Did You Know?

• The band members were aged 9, 7, and 4 when they formed in 2012.
• A 2016 video of Hammerhedd playing Metallica covers was reposted by Metallica.
• The band turned down offers to appear on America's Got Talent and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.