When Jack Hammer emerged from the blaze of Los Angeles’ emerging music scene in 1971, they were one of the first hardcore rock acts to gain recognition. Their inaugural album, aptly titled Jack Hammer, combined hard rock and blues riffs which embodied the band’s intensity. Critics wildly praised the work yet unfortunately it was a commercial flop leading their record label to drop them shortly after. Not giving up, the band projected onward releasing EvilEye in 1973. Though their energy and talent were recognized by critics alike, the album still failed to draw in an audience. Despite these impediments, Jack Hammer responded with unflinching determination by persevering and honing their craft that eventually attracted new listeners.

After a plentiful helping of hard work, Jack Hammer’s third album, “Rock & Roll Nightmare”, yielded a great reward of success in 1974. The record was more finely-honed in comparison to the two before it, and it was propagated by its opening chart-topping single, “I Want You”. It made quite a name for itself with both its listeners and reviewers alike –transforming the local act into an international sensation.

In 1975, the highly acclaimed rock group Jack Hammer followed up their chart-topping hit “Rock & Roll Nightmare” with the wildly successful record “Night of the Living Dead”. This album proved to be just as successful, featuring the smash single of the same name that quickly became an audience favorite at live performances. Both hits solidified Jack Hammer as one of the reigning hard rock bands of the 1970s.

Having already impressed consumers and critics alike with their previous releases, the group quickly followed up with their fourth installment “Shock Waves.” As one would expect, the title track of the album captivated audiences worldwide and propelled “Shock Waves” to achieve overwhelming success. This success saw the band take to the stage for more performances, bringing their unique sound to music fans across the globe.

“Destruction”, Jack Hammer’s fifth and final opus, hit the shelves in 1977. Boasting a novelty-filled, exploratory sound distinct from their prior offerings, the album inevitably bombed commercially, hence prompting the act’s abrupt termination shortly after by their label.

Through the decade, the band kept performing at a few shows here and there, but their recognition gradually waned and they were unable to secure a new contract to produce an album. In seven years after their fateful start, the act dissolved in 1984.

Although Jack Hammer had a short stint in the music industry, their lasting influence on the hard rock scene still resonates today. Their intense and chaotic sound is considered to be a major influence on the emergence of punk and metal genres that became popular during the 1980s. Fans of hard rock still actively support Jack Hammer’s music which has stood the test of time.