Hammerwhore began in November of 2001, when guitarist/vocalist Joe Gonzalez began writing songs for his then current band, Sempiternal. It was evident early on that these new songs would not fit into the Sempiternal mold. After recording these tracks using a drum machine, Joe began to throw around names for his new musical project such as Razer and Turbatis. He finally settled on Hammerwhore. Where Sempiternal was slow, droning, improvised black metal with doomish overtones, Hammerwhore was fast and thrashy. "Slave To Hell" was the first song written, followed by "Loyal To War" and "Heavy Metal Destroyers."
Sempiternal guitarist Andy Gonzalez was enlisted to fill in as bassist, while the search drummer began. Having no luck, Joe's younger brother Paul took over the drum throne for the bands first show. Bryan Ferguson would handle vocals. After much practicing, Hammerwhore was now ready to take the stage.
March 23, 2002 marked the date of Hammerwhore's first show at La Onda Azul. The "Into The Pit" festival received a good turnout and Hammerwhore got some much needed experience. A good time was had by all as the band thrashed through their own songs, and even covered Running Wild's "Under Jolly Roger," and Grim Reaper's "See You In Hell." By the summer of this same year, the band recorded their "Devotion To Violence" three song promo, and were ready to continue moving forward.
As Spring of 2002 was coming to an end, the band was still without a drummer, and vocalist Bryan would soon leave to form the grind band Mangled Meat with Scott Workman. Workman also was briefly a guitarist for Hammerwhore around this time.
Fall of 2002 marked the recording and release of "Mercyless Brutality," which contained seven songs including the three previously released on "Devotion to Violence". After handing out as well as mailing several CDRs, Hammerwhore's fan base was increasing. "Mercyless Brutality" received positive feedback and reviews.
In April 2003, after much searching and tryouts, a drummer was now in the line-up. Brutal Fate's Eric Pena left a big impression with his playing and great work ethic, thus securing him the drum slot. They wasted no time and began playing local shows at T.J's, Downtown Riot, and Sounds in Corpus Christi.
On November 2003, the band headed into Onyx Recordings and layed down a track simply entitled "Hammerwhore." The track retained the agression and all out thrash assault of previous material, but now exhibited a bit more melody.
In 2004 Hammerwhore began breaking out of their smalltown. People in the underground began to take notice of the band's brand of 80's influenced thrash. Add to that crossover influences from bands such as D.R.I, and classic/power metal bands, and you have a highly effective formula. That year also marked the addition of a second guitarist Carlos Llanas, who's leads and melodies proved to be a good addition.
The demos secured a lable deal with Witches Brew Records in 2004 for a debut album. The band went into Precision Studios in Corpus Christi, TX to record but due to delays the album wasn't released until December of 2005 in a limited pressing of 1000 hand-numbered copies. Prior to the album's release, drummer Eric Pena left the band and was replaced shortly afterwards with current drummer Rick Ortiz. The band did various shows throughout Texas to promote the album, playing alongside Toxic Holocaust, Rigor Mortis, and Deceased.
Hammerwhore's current agenda is to finish writing and recording the new album. OPERATION: Hell's Cloak promises to take the band's first steps toward global domination.
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