Divebomb records released all available TRIPHAMMER (from Brockton, Massachusetts) material in the form of their three demo's and a reformation live track from 2003. The band supported the likes of SAVATAGE, OVERKILL and BIOHAZARD back in the day. There was plenty of potential and the band attracted interest from the likes of Noise Records amongst others. Unfortunately, TRIPHAMMER never quite signed a record deal. Over the three demo's there is a change in the sound. The basis is Melodic Thrash and then the introduction of some Grunge/Punk style sounds popular in that period.

The 1992 demo was produced by local mates WARGASM. Opening track "The Life That's Left" is a very mature sounding band for a demo and the production is good. This starts as an acoustic intro and a slow groove riff that builds up with nice guitar solos. The vocal is along the lines of John Bush or Geoff Tate. The song breaks off in to a faster riff towards the end and is quite Progressive Metal in style. This is a good start and got my interest straight away. "The Real World" has a staccato riff and this song is much more edgy. I particularly like the guitar on this which adds a jazz fill between choruses. The bass drops in with a punky edge. There is a good mixture of styles and you can tell the band were trying to be original in the early 90's changing Metal scene. "Subject: Human" is more traditional Metal sounding with its fast Metal riff and soloing with a Metal vocal though-out. "Under One God" is the best track with a marching drum guitar rhythm and energy; METALLICA style riffs and vocal delivery. The pace and energy is great. This wouldn't have sounded out of place on "Master of Puppets".

The demo from 94 sees a shift in style. Considering this is 94 that is no surprise as we had Grunge all over the place. TRIPHAMMER move toward a heavier, Doomy style closer to SOUNDGARDEN but with a Punkier attitude. What I like about the band is that they throw in some interesting sounds. On opener "Flies" it starts in the updated style, then there is a great middle section with some RUSH style riffs, before breaking down into the Doomy groove and crazy guitar finish. This maybe my favorite track from the collection. "Loaded Gun" has a Punk attitude with a nod toward the sound of PANTERA and final track "Early Grave" is atmospheric with an ALICE IN CHAINS groove.

The demo of 1995 is a whole different sound with a real crunch to the music. They moved on to a Hardcore Punk sound but with a bit of swing and groove in the guitars. John Falzone has morphed into Phil Anselmo mode with a guttural intense vocal delivery. I think this is when John cut his hair and the band went into Punk mode live. All four tracks are intense, full of energy and shorter. I love the energy and intensity, but musically this may have been one step back in my opinion. There is so much going on musically in the other demos, that in retrospect they are more interesting and memorable.

Finally, but not least, "The Real World" from the first demo is included live from 2003. Good it is too, especially the guitar work which shows off the musicality of the early songs.

These demos show the evolution of a very good band. The band is better than a lot of bands in the 80's that got record deals but by the mid 90's Metal was less popular. People had moved away to Grunge and other styles. A shame really, because this collection of tracks is of a high quality and well worth investing in.