DESCRIPTION:
Thor's Hammer formed as Hlijomar (in English, the Sounds or the Chords) in Keflavik, Iceland, in 1963. In a small, isolated country that didn't even have television in 1963, a rock band of any kind was a novelty. They became extremely popular in their native land, and began recording for the Icelandic market in 1965, also supporting some visiting British acts on their Icelandic tours. They named themselves Thor's Hammer for English-sung recordings made in London and released on the Parlophone label. Brash mod stompers like "My Life" and "I Don't Care," with snarling vocals, Keith Moon-like drumming, and fuzz guitar were actually only one facet of their recorded repertoire. There was also the gutsy Merseybeat of "If You Knew," sentimental ballads with European folk flavorings, and upbeat pop/rock with brass. Only guitarist Gunnar Thordarson, however, plays on their 1967 release on U.S. Columbia, "Show Me You Like Me"/"Stay," whose backing track was recorded with session men in New York, with John Simon producing.