Clockhammer

Although they remain obscure to this day, the Nashville, TN, alt-metal trio Clockhammer was picked by many as a strong contender for breakthrough success during their original run together in the early '90s. Combining elements of alternative, prog rock, metal, and fusion, the group formed in the late '80s with members Byron Bailey (vocals, guitar), Matt Swanson (bass), and Ken Coomer (drums). The group issued a pair of full-length albums, a self-titled debut in 1991, and a sophomore effort titled Klinefelter in 1992, before friction between bandmembers (as well as their record company, First Warning, going out of business), led to the group's breakup shortly thereafter. By 1994, Bailey had re-formed Clockhammer with new members Mark Smoot and Christian Nagle joining up, issuing the album Houses in Motion the same year (which saw the band exploring a heavier, almost Black Sabbath-esque sound) -- although nothing has been heard from Clockhammer since. If you're a fan of the melodic yet progressive sounds of King's X and Collective Soul, you're sure to love Clockhammer. ~ Greg Prato, Rovi