Dammaj
Formed in 1978 by vocalist Greg Hill and bassist Steve Gilbert, the duo quickly added Steve's brother Mick to their ranks. In 1981 the third Gilbert brother Richie joined when he was finally old enough at the tender age of 17, giving the band the double axe attack. Early 1982 heavy drummer Bob Newkirk fresh from Michigan joined solidifying in what would become known as the band Dammaj. Originally more of a basic hard rock outfit, the band quickly adapted to their more comfortable role of "Metal Gods" in 1982, and became a staple band of the local club scene. Although they were San Francisco Bay Area based, the band really was international - with Greg and Bob being Americans, joined by the British brothers Gilbert. This lent to a nice blending of both American and English styles into the burgeoning metal rock sound that was being fueled by the likes of Judas Priest, UFO and the emergent New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (that brought bands such as Saxon, and Iron Maiden. Dammaj recorded material during the '83/'84 New Years and finally released an album in 1986, entitled "Mutiny." Although they were not so thrilled with the cover (which they didn't have any say in), the music stood its own ground, and still is relevant in this day, as a strong reminder of what made for good, solid heavy metal/hard rock out of the SF scene. It got rave reviews in Kerrang, Metal Hammer, Enfer and various European magazines and still to this day gets good praise as a good solid album. And so now, 22 years later (and after a few one-off reunions), the boys in Dammaj have decided to give it another go-'round in the music scene, with their years of musical introspection and playing out in a variety of other projects strengthening their skills. The decision has proven to be a popular one, as old friends and fans are flocking to see them play again, and bringing new generations of audiences and future fans.
DEC 3, 2016
playing with
Dimond Head, E.M.B.O.D, SHADOWGOD, BROKEN BONES, 20GRIT.
20GRIT
From LEFT To Right
Jeff Brown, Greg Hill, Tommy Martin, Greg Baumgartner, Sherry George.
From left To Right
Boyd Bowdish - Tommy Martin - Greg Hill - Bobby Haskell
