In April of 1982, Jerry Watt and Kit Carlson decided to create the "real thing." Axehammer was originally a trio including former drummer Mark Sky. Axehammers original singer wasn't quite what they were looking for. When they auditioned Bill Ramp they were knocked out by Bill's amazing vocals and he became the new singer. Axehammer hit the Hollywood scene by playing at Gazzaries, the troubadour and the Whisky-A-Go-Go. Once at the Woodstock Club, a little band named Slayer opened for Axehammer.
Mark Sky left the band. Jerry and Kit disbanded for about 6 months.
Jerry Watt, Kit Carlson and Bill ramp reformed with a new drummer, Joe Aghassi. Joe's personality was wise quiet and stoic but that all changed with his loud, incredible drumming. Joe's drumming brought in a strong link and completed the poweful Axehammer's rhythm. The L.A. scene still had a hard time with Axehammer, seeing it wasn't glam or thrash. This had no ill effect on the band and they began recording their debut album at El Dorado studios in late 1986. The record label they had (France's Wildcat records, a division of CBS) fell through and they attempted to shop the album. The L.A. scene however began to herd itself away to the new thing, leaving the "real thing" behind. Bill Ramp quit the band for his new baby, his lack of money and his lack of breathing room. The remaining three members brought in a new singer and created Blind Eye. It just was not the same. Blind Eye disbanded in 1989.
Jerry Watt and Kit Carlson kept in touch but could not keep a track of Joe and Bill.
Denis Gulbey created Sentinel steel in 1996. Iron Mike (Axehammers former crew manager) forwarded Denis some of Axehammers stuff. Denis was blown away by the tracks, contacted Jerry and Kit and went to remix Princess, Lord of the Realm, Sands of Time, Break Down the Walls and Axehammer. They were remixed at Trax East Studios with Eric Rachel (Skid Row, Whiplash, Symphony X) in October 1997. Horacio Colmenares from New Eden helped with the master
tapes in his home studios.
Axehammer's debut album "Lord of the Realm" was released in 1998 to incredible media and fan response. Lord of the Realm was soon deemed a must for fans of the US metal circa 1983-1986.
Jerry Watt picked up his guitar but Kit Carlson was battling inner demons and was unavailable to rejoin Jerry. Things looked very grim for Jerry and Axehammer's future.
Early 2003 a big break came. Joseph Aghassi contacted Sentinel Steel Records, inquiring as to how he could purchase the "Lord of the Realms" CD release. Apparently, Joe's eldest son (christopher) searched the internet for his father's band and was surprised to find the band's cd for sale.
Axehammer rehearsals began once again in mid 2003 but Bill Ramp was still no where to be seen. After using a search service, they found Ramp in Florida, married, happy, and singing standards to the retirees. They returned to creating new songs for the new century.
Colin Sauers replaced Kit Carlson in early 2004 and started recording demos and Horacio Colmenares' home studios. A few songs were forwarded to Germany's "Heavy Oder Was!?" magazine and "Windrider" was selected for their "Best unsigned Bans" CD compilation attacthed to the Feburary 2005 cover dated issue. Axehammer was invited to the 2006 Keep it True festival in Germany. Axehammer Gratefully accepted. Colin Sauers left the band due to personal differences and an even more appropriate bassist, Horacio Colmenares, joined the band.
Windrider was released Nov. 8th 2005 and was voted one of the best albums of the year.
Axehammer was asked to play the Keep It True Festival in Germany.
Shortly after the tour, Bill ramp had to step aside due to sickness.
After months of auditioning, Axehammer finally found a power singer:
Mark Stewart.
Mark is a very stong and powerful singer with a new range of abilities.
A few of the bands that Mark belonged to were O.C.D.,Detroit, Tastes Like Copper,and Thrust. Then, Horacio had to leave for personal reasons. The band needed someone immediately. Being on hiatus from Dreams of Damnation, Matthew Roxx had heard the sounds of Axehammer. Upon request, he had no quarrels with joining the band. Matthew lends a heavy undertone, lightning fast fingers, and strong backing vocals to compliment the quartet.
Axehammer, currently is working on new CD and getting ready to play live shows.
We will be going in the studio to start recording a three song demo which wil be on the up-coming CD.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE BAND BY ORDERING THE WINDRIDER CD AT:
WWW.SENTINELSTEEL.COM
check for up coming shows, details coming soon
