Hammerlock Albums (6)
'True Grit: The First Five Years'
Release Date 6/27/2006
Tracks 29
Label Steel Cage
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Compromise Is for Cowards'
Release Date 5/3/2005
Tracks 14
Label Steel Cage
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Barefoot and Pregnant'
Release Date 1/1/2001
Tracks 16
Label Steel Cage
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Hammerlock's members have never been champions of political correctness -- in fact, it's safe to say that the trio's risk-taking, totally infectious blend of alternative metal, punk, and country-fried Southern rock has been a rebellion against all things PC. And those who singer/guitarist Travis Kenney (lead vocals, guitar) and his wife Liza Kenney (bass, vocals) have offended in the past won't be converted by Barefoot and Pregnant, which is Hammerlock's first album for the Philadelphia-based Steel Cage label and third album overall. The hilarious front cover shows a picture of an obviously pregnant Liza baring her belly and pointing a rifle in the air while she stands near the kitchen sink -- in other words, the Kenneys are going out of their way to thumb their noses at political correctness. But there is much more to Hammerlock than shock value. The hilarious front cover might grab one's attention, but the excellence of the material is what keeps it. Those who appreciated Hammerlock's two previous albums on Man's Ruin will find that the Kenneys (who are joined by drummer Jamey Howell) haven't lost any of their freshness; Hammerlock is still one of the most fresh-sounding bands in the alternative metal field. While other punk-minded alt-metal outfits are turning to hip-hop and industrial for inspiration, the Kenneys are inspired by Southern rock and country -- and Travis Kenney proudly, defiantly flaunts his hell-raisin' shotgun-totin' good ol' boy image on raucous gems like "Colorado Mountain Goat" and "I Don't Owe You Shit." This CD also contains inspired covers of three country classics: Ernest Tubb's "Jealous Loving Heart," Charlie Daniels' "Long Haired Country Boy," and Waylon Jennings' "Good Hearted Woman," all of which lend themselves nicely to Hammerlock's alt-metal/punk/Southern rock outlook. If Anthems for Outlaws is Hammerlock's most essential album, Barefoot and Pregnant runs an impressively close second. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
'Anthems for Outlaws'
Release Date 10/24/2000
Tracks 20
Label Man's Ruin
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Alabama Thunder Pussy wasn't the only southern-fried headbanging crew who joined the Man's Ruin roster in the late '90s. The Bay Area label also attracted the likes of Hammerlock, whose Anthem for Outlaws offers a raucous, in-your-face blend of heavy metal, southern rock, and punk. This excellent, risk-taking CD could be described as Motorhead meets Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Outlaws meets Black Flag; Hammerlock gets its intensity and amphetamine-like aggression from metal and punk, but the band's need to boogie and its humorously southern lyrics are deeply indebted to southern rock. On infectious, loud-and-proud tunes like "Who Shot Sam" and "Battle of New Orleans," Hammerlock doesn't hesitate to flaunt its hell-raisin', whiskey-drinkin' redneck image. In fact, Hammerlock's Travis Kenney wears that image like a badge of honor. But there is one major difference between Hammerlock's lyrics and the lyrics of southern rockers who emerged in the '70s: Hammerlock does it with a sense of humor and a big dose of irony. Anthems for Outlaws ends up becoming a caricature of redneck culture, but an affectionate one. Like comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Hammerlock is laughing with the good ole' boys instead of laughing at them. This CD is as fun and entertaining as it is obnoxious. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Hammerlock come off as a sort of punk Lynyrd Skynyrd on American Asshole, infusing their redneck boogie with in-your-face aggression. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
