Band: HammerHead
From: Fort Collins, Colorado
Their formation story:
(James DiOrio, vocals): “HammerHead was formed by childhood friends Joey McClellan (guitar) and me in late 2025, when we began writing and sharing demos via voice notes in an effort to participate in the hardcore scene, seeking self-expression and community through a shared love of aggressive music.
“Tragically, during this time, Joey’s father passed away unexpectedly. Joey inherited his father’s guitar and used the experience to further fuel the creation of more music. Two complete demo songs were then written, recorded, and released, with longtime friends filling in on bass and drums.
“From there, we were able to recruit other individuals from the Colorado scene: Tucker Valentine on bass (Wolfblitzer, Rukkus), Chris Westphal on drums (Playn For Keeps), and Marcos Gonzales on guitar (Playn For Keeps).
“Our goal was to write fast, aggressive, heavy music in an inspired way while looking at important subjects like mental health and depression, current political systems, growing inequality and modern social issues, growth through adversity, and many other subjects we are passionate about.”
Their sound in their own words:
“When we set out, our intention was to style ourselves after bands we grew up listening to in the early 2000s, mixed with modern metallic elements. The idea was to mix bands like Black My Heart and Big Boy and see what happens.
“With heavy influences specifically from Colorado around that time like Fight Like Hell, Rally the Fray, Killing Kings, and Speak in Vowels, we also draw immense inspiration from Hatebreed, Trapped Under Ice, Have Heart, Foundation, and Terror."
Latest release info:
“Our latest release was our Summer Promo 2026. It’s three songs, five minutes, and was the first thing recorded as a full band. It’s something we are very proud of. We recorded it at Nihil Studios in Fort Collins, Colorado, with Elliot, and it was an amazing experience.
“The song ‘Weak Hearts’ was written as an indictment of those who find strength through hatred, bigotry, and the diminishing of others for personal gain, and as a statement that the hate you serve will be your downfall.
“‘Tony Soprano’ was written as a way to confront my personal struggles with depression, longtime familial traits, and the fear of passing those things on to my own child, while serving as a statement of unrelenting will to avoid that outcome.”
Future plans:
“In the coming months, we plan to record and release a longer project, with the current aim being six to eight songs. We are also working on, planning, and promoting shows in Northern Colorado with a direct focus on helping individuals in that community as the colder months and holidays approach.
“Along with that, we’re looking to play as many shows as we can and hit the road in the spring of ’27 for some out-of-state dates.”
What other bands from their region should we check out?
“Bands from Colorado everyone should check out: Playn For Keeps, TimeXHeist, Eyes of Salt, Direct Threat, Bangalore, Tight Spot, Cortez, Back Lip, Tunnel Jumper, Destiny Bond, Snapt, Disruptive Impulse, Hostile Takeover, White Oak Doors, Hard to Kill, Severed Reality, Primal Fury, Shot 2 Pieces, Wide Man, and so many more.
“We created a playlist for people called Colorado Hardcore that can be found through our Beatsession Instagram page.”
Hammerhead on social media: Instagram
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