Cruz Del Sur Music is proud to announce the long-awaited vinyl release of HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE’s classic 2006 album, The Locust Years. The double LP will include an unreleased version of “Church Of Broken Glass” and expanded cover art from Thomas Woodruff.
Recorded, mixed and mastered in early 2005 by Justin Weis at Trackworx Studios in San Francisco, California, The Locust Years holds fond memories for founding member, guitarist and songwriter John Cobbett. It was a period of transition for HAMMERS as keyboardist/vocalist Sigrid Sheie had just entered the fold to join existing members Mike Scalzi (vocals/guitars), Jamie Myers (vocals/bass) and Chewy Marzolo (drums).
“It was challenging, like every album, but this time, we had a new lineup, and everyone was excited,” says Cobbett. “You could say it was a band version of a ‘honeymoon phase.’ We were well rehearsed and very active live at the time so the band was in good shape. The songwriting went really well on this album. I remember a lot of vocal rehearsals in this shabby warehouse where I was living. We’d be gathered around this little out-of-tune piano, Sigrid playing the songs and everyone singing vocal harmonies. The other artists who lived there would roll their eyes and call it ‘spring singalong,’ ha-ha!
“We had a great time making The Locust Years,” he continues. “You can hear it in the recording. The instrumental ‘Election Day’ is the sound of a band on the rise, flexing its musical muscle. Chewy went out and recorded an entire drum line for ‘War Anthem.’ It was a unique time in the history of HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE, which is true for all our records, but this one holds the fondest memories for me.”
Just as memorable as the songs were, the accompanying photoshoot found the band members dressed in an assortment of clothing that reflected the band’s esoteric style. “As usual we worked with my twin brother Aaron and he had us running around town picking out gowns, tuxedos, costume jewelry and all kinds of stuff,” says Cobbett. “It was hilarious getting Mike Scalzi in a tux! We took inspiration from KRAFTWERK, especially the cover shot on ‘Trans-Europe Express.’ The ‘glam’ shots happened at the end of the shoot, and you can see we were all quite giddy by then!”
The album’s subject matter has taken on greater importance in light of recent world events and ongoing political discord. According to Cobbett, the immediate years following 9/11 offered a preview of the current environment of deception and gaslighting.
“The album's subject matter—revving up the military-industrial complex and pro-war media propaganda post 9/11—is sadly more relevant than ever,” he says. “Particularly the lyrics to the title track, which seem almost prophetic now. The ‘wilderness of mirrors’ has grown more bewildering than anyone could have imagined!”
On a more positive note, Cobbett is particularly stoked to see The Locust Years get the vinyl treatment it has always deserved. The double LP format will not only bring out the best in Woodruff’s cover art, but it will also afford fans to hear Scalzi and Myers duet on one of the band’s more enduring numbers. “
“This is long overdue! I’m especially stoked to finally see the cover painting presented properly, including a full-size poster which we hope will be suitable for framing! ‘Church Of Broken Glass’ was recorded during The Locust Years sessions, but wasn’t included in the final release. It’s cool to hear Mike and Jamie singing it!”
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