Hurtlocker Bio

Entering the auditorium with four fists in the air, Chicago's HURTLOCKER are a metal feast sure to satisfy any extreme music enthusiast. Formed at the turn of the century, founding members Grant Belcher (Vocals) and Tim Moe (Guitar) wasted no time developing their unique sound and style, recording the "Autumnal" demo in 2001.

Garnering positive response, HURTLOCKER supported the recording locally, opening for larger touring acts such as Obituary, Turmoil, and Gorguts.

2002 brought the band back into the studio to record "Suicide", a four-song demo displaying dramatic growth from its predecessor. HURTLOCKER began to cultivate their live performances as they continued to support touring artists such as King Diamond, Agnostic Front, and make an appearance at the Milwaukee Metalfest.

Later that year, HURTLOCKER continued its prolific writing regimen releasing the five-song "Murder" demo. With a focus on expanding their visibility, HURTLOCKER reached out to media outlets and extended their tour schedules to include the entire Midwest and East Coast regions. Met with encouraging support, the bandreleased "Empty", a five-song audio blitzkrieg highlighting a refined emphasis on song structure.

In early 2004, HURTLOCKER stabilized their lineup with bassist Dan Manzella and drummer Dan Ditella. With recharged determination and channeled energy, HURTLOCKER recorded their finest release to date in "Reflection of Desperation". Produced by Chris Djuricic (Origin, Broken Hope), the release demonstrates clarified force and strident ruthlessness often omitted from today's metal music. HURTLOCKER gained substantial recognition from "Reflection of Desperation", playing along side Anthrax, Lamb Of God, and Dying Fetus. Eventually, they caught the attention of Chicago's largest rock station, 94.7 The Zone.

With an add on one of the nation's top 50,000 watt rock radio stations, HURTLOCKER was quickly picked up by Austria's Napalm Records. Work soon ensued on what would become HURTLOCKER's debut album "Fear In A Handful of Dust", with accomplished producer Zeus (Hatebreed, Shadows Fall). Featuring an outpouring mass of power and aggression, "Fear In A Handful of Dust" is an assault of sonic weaponry positioning HURTLOCKER as forerunners of the next metal movement.