Clockhammer

Despite their continued lack of recognition, numerous observers viewed the Nashville, TN, alt-metal trio Clockhammer as a prime candidate for major success amid their initial period of activity in the early 1990s. The ensemble, which blended alternative, prog rock, metal, and fusion influences, originated in the late 1980s featuring Byron Bailey on vocals and guitar, Matt Swanson on bass, and Ken Coomer on drums. Clockhammer released two complete albums during this time—a debut recording under their own name in 1991 and the follow-up Klinefelter in 1992—prior to internal tensions among the musicians and the demise of their label First Warning prompting dissolution soon after. In 1994 Byron Bailey revived Clockhammer by recruiting Mark Smoot and Christian Nagle as replacements, resulting in the release of Houses in Motion that year as the band pursued a more intense style reminiscent of Black Sabbath, yet no further material has emerged from the project. Admirers of the melodic progressive approach exemplified by King's X and Collective Soul would likely appreciate Clockhammer.