Hemlock (band)

Hemlock is a heavy metal band from Las Vegas, Nevada.[1] The band has been together for 25 years (placing their origin circa 1993[1]), and has played concerts with likes of Lamb of God, Hatebreed, Soulfly, Otep, Slipknot, Snot, Coal Chamber, Obituary, Drowning Pool, Hed PE, Chimaira, Meshuggah, Korn, Pro-Pain & Ministry.[1]

Hemlock
OriginLas Vegas, Nevada
GenresHeavy metal, groove metal
Years active1993–present
LabelsIndependent
WebsiteOfficial Site
MembersChad Smith
Tevon Giannini
Brian Smith
Brian Jackson
Hemlock on tour in 2016

Biography

Hemlock frequently plays shows with thrash metal band Slayer and has received touring sponsorship with Jägermeister on the Jägermeister Music Tour through this alliance. Their focus has always been on their fans and their live shows, typically touring for 8 to 9 months out of the year. The band has done regional touring in the southwest United States consistently since 1999. This, combined with national touring starting in 2003 has provided the band with a base of hardcore Hemlock fans across the United States. The band, fronted by bass guitarist/lead vocalist Chad Smith, makes a valiant effort to be real to their fans while on tour, often staying at the venue hours after the last song to hang out with fans. Smith, with his long dreadlocked hair and workingman attitude, also handles the merchandise booth at venues and is the heart of the band.

The Wall of Death

A Hemlock concert staple is the wall of death. A common crowd participation gimmick at metal concerts, the wall of death requires the audience to be split into two separate "walls" that face each other from opposing sides of the concert floor (usually where the mosh pit is located). Hemlock started doing the Wall of Death back in the late 1990s at their shows. Frontman Chad Smith admits he did not come up with the idea, but he did bring it to the metal world, and passed it on to other bands that toured with Hemlock (i.e. Chimaira, 36 Crazyfists ) and they passed it on, and now it is a favorite at most metal shows.

In Hemlock's version of the wall of death, the band starts playing music while the lead singer counts down from 10. After the singer reaches the number 1, he usually screams out a word such as "go". At this point, the two sides of the audience rush at each other in an often violent collision that may involve jumping in the air, swinging of fists, and throwing of elbows. A mosh pit usually forms following the wall of death.

Discography
  • XXV (2018)
  • Mouth of the Swine (2015)
  • Viva 'Lock Vegas (live album) (2013)
  • The Only Enemy (2012)
  • Back in the Day (compilation album) (2012)
  • No time for Sorrow (2008)
  • Bleed the Dream (2004)
  • Pigeonholed (2001)
  • Shut Down (1999)
  • Controlance (1996)

Band members

Current

  • Chad Smith – Lead Vocals, Bass (1993–present)
  • Tevon Giannini - Guitar (2019-present)
  • Brian Jackson – Guitars (2020-present)
  • Brian Smith – Drums (1993–2002, 2009–present)

References
  1. "Las Vegas Weekly : Hemlock". Las Vegas Weekly. 2011-06-01.
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