2003 saw Himsa record and release their breakthrough album 'Courting Tragedy and Disaster.' Following the release of the album the band toured extensively throughout the US and Europe. They spent the latter half of 2005 in Denmark, recording their follow-up album, 'Hail Horror.' This album was released in early 2006 and displays a great deal of evolution in the bands' songwriting and skills. In comparison to 'Courting Tragedy and Disaster,' 'Hail Horror' comes off darker and heavier and features some more blistering guitar work from players Kirby Johnson and Sammi Curr (who returned to the band following a brief hiatus throughout 2004 and some of 2005). The album is also a step up production-wise.
In December 2006, Himsa signed a new record deal with Century Media records. They headed into the studio with producer Steve Carter, who produced 'Courting Tragedy and Disaster', and also brought Devin Townsend (vocal producer) and Tue Madsen (mixing/mastering) into the fold for their new album. The result was 2007's 'Summon in Thunder', a powerful, thrash-infused album with plenty of brutality and technicality. They will be touring in late fall/early winter 2007 with Amon Amarth, Decapitated, and Sonic Syndicate to promote the new album.
Himsa has advertised that their August 16, 2008 at El Corazon in Seattle will be their last show ever.
On June 20, 2008 bassist Derek Harn issued a statement via blabbermouth.net as follows:
"After 10+ years, four releases, countless tours and almost incomprehensible (yet constant) upheaval, the last three years of the band have been relatively stable. Having sacrificed everything we had in order to ensure the band's survival it's time to let it go. We made a great CD ('Summon in Thunder', Century Media); reportedly, our best. We've got a great label. We're getting along, we've toured and we’re fine. It's all good. We're leaving it at that. A relatively unremarkable closing to HIMSA's gi-normously dramatic career, there appears to be no acrimony or unpleasantness, simply the end of a blistering, phenomenal, tumultuous era of the metal that HIMSA permeated into the modern musical landscape. References have been made to the band's evolving difficulties with the relentless touring schedules that have been the hallmark of HIMSA's career. "If we can't tour, and our reality is we can't tour as we have in the past, then it's not HIMSA. Better to hang it up than fade away.”
Vocalist John Pettibone said that he will devote all his time to side bands such as The Vows and has said he is done with touring.
Current Members:
* John Pettibone – Vocals
* Kirby Johnson – Guitars
* Sammi Curr – Guitars
* Derek Harn – Bass
* Joe Frothingham – Drums
Former Members:
* Chad Davis - Drums
* Matt Wicklund – Guitars
* Mike Green – Drums
* Brian Johnson – Guitars
* Christian Schmitt – Vocals
* Aaron Edge – Guitars, Keyboard
* Tim Mullin – Drums
* Clay Layton – Electronics
Discography
* Himsa EP – 1999
* Ground Breaking Ceremony – 1999
* Death is Infinite EP – 2001
* Courting Tragedy and Disaster – 2003
* You've Seen Too Much (DVD) – 2005
* Hail Horror – 2006
* Summon in Thunder - 2007
Hooks As Hands
Himsa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
first take at the summer, cold sweat stands distressed with dark clouds gather
run them wild, pacing lengths to the flame of the fire
scorched contenders tease the fate of the tempest times
habitual horror trials of sanity
the savoring soul will scream for sovereignty
sanctions for the streets altered states for keeps
crucifiers seek poise with omission in the trade of hives
collateral damage drawn aroused on the victims swell
with hooks as hands to downcast rage
dare for havoc in the deadlock ruse
composure from damnation
masochism in a vortex consolation void
chamber of redemption or infirmary
with scars on layers, scabs as warriors
labeled terror labeled honor
cutthroats loose in the eye of their persuasive kill
with hooks as hands
cutthroats loose in the lust of the foreseeable future
with hooks as hands
hold the roar
The lyrics to Himsa's song "Hooks As Hands" are loaded with vivid imagery and metaphor, speaking on themes of power, control, and destruction. The opening line "strident affect with a seer to the throne" suggests a sense of urgency and intensity, with the use of the word "seer" perhaps referring to someone with foresight or clairvoyance. The following lines describe a tumultuous summer, with dark clouds gathering and a sense of distress and unease permeating the air. The phrases "run them wild" and "pacing lengths to the flame of the fire" suggest a sense of chaos and wild abandon, while "scorched contenders tease the fate of the tempest times" speaks to the idea of people testing their limits and pushing the boundaries of what they can handle.
The next section of the song delves into darker themes of horror, sanities trials, and the search for control and sovereignty. The line "crucifiers seek poise with omission in the trade of hives" could be interpreted in several ways, but may be referencing individuals or groups who use power and control to manipulate or exploit others. The following lines suggest a group of young people who are bound to sway the horde or follow the herd, with those who resist labeled as collateral damage. The chorus repeats the phrase "with hooks as hands," which could be interpreted in several ways. It may refer to those who use physical violence or manipulation to maintain control, or it could be a metaphor for those who have metaphorically hooked or ensnared others in their goals and desires.
Line by Line Meaning
strident affect with a seer to the throne
An impactful and confident demeanor is projected by a visionary leader
first take at the summer, cold sweat stands distressed with dark clouds gather
The beginning of a new season brings with it feelings of anxiety and nervousness as the future remains uncertain
run them wild, pacing lengths to the flame of the fire
Motivate and inspire others, pushing them to reach their fullest potential
scorched contenders tease the fate of the tempest times
Those who have experienced pain and failure in the past are prepared to take on uncertain and challenging situations
habitual horror trials of sanity
Recurring struggles with mental stability and inner peace
the savoring soul will scream for sovereignty
One's innermost desires and dreams will drive them towards independence and freedom
sanctions for the streets altered states for keeps
Punishments and consequences for deviant behavior in society lead to permanent changes in behavior
crucifiers seek poise with omission in the trade of hives
Those who inflict pain and suffering upon others do so with a sense of control and confidence, often ignoring the consequences of their actions
youngbloods bound to sway the horde
Inexperienced but charismatic individuals have the power to influence and lead a group
collateral damage drawn aroused on the victims swell
Unintended harm caused to innocent individuals leads to a wave of emotional reactions and consequences
with hooks as hands to downcast rage
Using aggression and violence as a means of expressing anger and frustration
dare for havoc in the deadlock ruse
Seeking chaos and destruction in a situation that seems impossible to escape
composure from damnation
Remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity and impending doom
masochism in a vortex consolation void
Pleasure derived from pain and suffering, in the midst of an emptiness that cannot be filled
chamber of redemption or infirmary
A place of rehabilitation and healing, or a place of confinement and despair
with scars on layers, scabs as warriors
Enduring physical and emotional wounds that shape and strengthen one's character and resolve
labeled terror labeled honor
Being identified as both a source of fear and respect by others
cutthroats loose in the eye of their persuasive kill with hooks as hands
Those who use their charm and charisma to manipulate others into dangerous situations, using weapons as their primary means of control
cutthroats loose in the lust of the foreseeable future with hooks as hands
Individuals who act impulsively and without regard for consequences, driven by their desires and ambitions
hold the roar
Remain calm and collected in the face of intense emotions and chaos
Contributed by Alaina E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
xxstaggerxx
Himsa is the sole band responsible for getting me into metal when i bought courting tragedy and disaster BY ACCIDENT. Best Mistake of my life.
IamMattDamon
Pettibooooooooone!!! He is motherfucking BRUTAL!
MrTBDM092309
this band was epic...sucks that they broke up...they would have gotten far more bigger....they already were...but Fuckk man >:\
Samuel Hatlestad
Why is there nothing else like this??
Carlos Ramirez
This earth can sustain only one Himsa. Theirs was a glorious career that remained criminally underrated.