Review: Joshua Hobbins
After years of igniting stages and steadily sharpening their identity both here and overseas, Gold Coast heavies HAMMERS now deliver their debut full-length Death Wobbles, and it lands with the weight, confidence and conviction of a band that has taken its time for all the right reasons. Forged across twelve tracks of swaggering post-hardcore and alternative metal, Death Wobbles sees HAMMERS lean fully into a sound that balances grit, groove and raw emotional bite, while still leaving room for humour, hooks and left-of-centre moments that keep the album from ever feeling predictable.
From the opening seconds of “Apeshit”, it is immediately clear that this is a step up. Rick’s bass tone is absolutely colossal, anchoring the track with a low-end presence that never feels excessive, while Fish and Stoney’s layered vocal harmonies reinforce the band’s sense of depth and control. Stoney and Darius’ guitars sit perfectly in the mix, driving the album’s grooves without overwhelming the rhythm section. A quiet, tension-building break midway through only amplifies the payoff, culminating in riffs that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with anything from Every Time I Die or He Is Legend. It is an opener that sets expectations high, and the album never lets them drop.
The title track “Death Wobbles” follows with a dissonant, crushing opening riff that is chaotic but meticulously constructed. Fish and Stoney shine here, their harmonies evoking shades of Alice in Chains without slipping into homage. Ruckus’ drumming is a masterclass in restraint and timing, pushing exactly when needed and pulling back just as effectively, while Rick peppers the song with tasteful bass runs that elevate the groove rather than crowd it. This is top-tier songwriting, built on experience and trust.
Throughout the record, HAMMERS repeatedly demonstrate how strong their melodic instincts are. “The Well” is a standout example, with a melodic turnaround late in the track that perfectly sets up the breakdown and final chorus, a moment where the band’s emotional clarity really shines. That same strength carries into “Rat Prince”, where venomous vocal deliveries from both Fish and Stoney collide with another beautifully placed melodic break, making the closing section feel absolutely massive. It is one of the album’s high points and a clear fan favourite in the making.
HAMMERS have not lost their sense of humour or bite either. “Traps” delivers one of the album’s most memorable lines, “It was the best damn head fuck I’ve ever had,” cutting straight through with blunt honesty. “Top Fun” is quintessential HAMMERS, huge harmonies, savage breakdowns, unmistakable Aussie banter, and a rhythm section tighter than a duck’s arse. It is the sound of a band completely comfortable in their skin.
Elsewhere, Death Wobbles shows a willingness to reflect as much as it rages. “Salad Fingers” muses on the blurred line between reality and the artificial worlds offered through screens, adding thematic depth without losing momentum. “Hot Wheels” stands out thanks to Fish’s opening verses, which immediately grab attention before the track unfurls into something heavier. “Fucked Around & Found Out” ramps the energy back up with relentless drive, a ripping solo, and standout drumming from Ruckus that reinforces just how locked-in this band is.
The album closes with “Yowie”, an inspired and unexpected finale. Built around a post-metal refrain that both opens and ends the track, it leans into a darker, more expansive atmosphere than much of the record. Influences like Khoma and Cult of Luna can be felt here, as the song stretches out into something epic and immersive. It is a perfect way to cap off a record that never once feels rushed or unfocused.
Produced by Forrester Savell, with engineering contributions from Michael Campbell and Luke Palmer, Death Wobbles benefits from world-class production that enhances rather than sanitises the band’s raw edge. Every instrument has space to breathe, every dynamic shift feels intentional, and the album’s emotional weight is never lost beneath the heaviness.
In the end, Death Wobbles is the sound of HAMMERS fully realised. It balances fun with fury, melody with menace, and honesty with swagger, all while remaining unmistakably Australian. These are world-class songs, delivered with world-class conviction, from a group of world-class legends that have earned their place.
A debut album that feels anything but tentative, Death Wobbles is bold, heavy, thoughtful and deeply satisfying, proof that HAMMERS were justified in waiting until the moment felt right.
DEATH WOBBLES, due out on Friday 23 January 2026 via Summerland Records.
Pre-order & pre-save DEATH WOBBLES (Album):
https://ditto.fm/death-wobbles
