The theater of San Francisco's Hammers of Misfortune return to the stage again with its latest performance piece, Fields / Church of Broken Glass. Master auteur John Cobbett (also of the blackened Ludicra) delivers a work specifically written for the double-vinyl format. Two distinct and separate albums, each with its own theme and aesthetic, joined at the spine. And with the its progressive and overtly '70s sound, it recalls a time when the double-vinyl format meant a unique dual thematic experience rather than a single album that was simply too long for two sides. On Fields / Church of Broken Glass, Hammers of Misfortune continue with the political allegories and metaphors that were featured prominently on their previous LP, The Locust Years. As with all aspects of the band, a great deal of care was taken with the lyrical presentation of the album, avoiding the usual progressive and metal cliches. The sound goes further into the vintage sound of 1970s space travelers like Hawkwind, and the organ/keyboard/piano elements and female vocals feature more prominently then ever. Additionally, new singer Patrick Goodwin ably fills previous lead vocalist Mike Scalzi's large shoes with a voice perfectly suited to the warmer, analog vibe of the newer songs. A new Hammers of Misfortune record is always an event for the band's vast worldwide following. Only one previous Hammers LP has actually been pressed to vinyl, and with the arrival of Fields / Church of Broken Glass on the deluxe double-LP format, the...
2XLP $20.25
11/18/2008
San Francisco's Hammers of Misfortune, currently one of the most praised acts in the metal underground, have tapped into something timeless, unique, and masterful since their inception in 2000. Their mix of traditional metal with NWOBHM, classic and obscure prog, '70s rock, and Broadway musical and theatrical elements has won the band critical acclaim for their three milestone releases, The Bastard, The August Engine, and The Locust Years. Hammers of Misfortune's latest effort is something of an experiment for songwriter John Cobbett--his most ambitious undertaking as a musician yet. While the guitarist has always harbored the desire to craft an epic double-album, Fields / Church of Broken Glass is actually comprised of two distinct full-lengths packaged together and priced as a single album. With new characters in the fold--male singer/guitarist Patrick Goodwin, female vocalist Jesse Quattro, and bassist Ron Nichols--Hammers of Misfortune heads in a new direction. Fields / Church of Broken Glass is both more vintage-sounding, with a clear '70s rock influence, and more prog-oriented. This is the band's most challenging material to date, reaffirming the fact that Hammers of Misfortune is among of the most unique and timeless acts in metal today.
2XCD $13.00
10/28/2008