WAR HAMMER
About War Hammer
With the sheer number of highly talented and unique bands, it can be difficult to distinguish one band from another. But through all the costumes, the elaborate props, the gimmicks, and all the hype, the true defining characteristics of a great band are the sound and the performance. We continuously strive for excellence in both of these areas and we think you will see and hear that in our performances.
War Hammer has been playing music and performing in and around the Cincinnati area for over thirty years. Originally called Blade, the band was founded in 1982 by guitarist Pete Izzo. In 1984 the band officially became known as War Hammer. Current
vocalist and front man Michael Shepherd started working with the band in 1984 as the band's sound engineer and, in 1986, officially became the groups singer. Pete and Mike met while attending the same high school and quickly found common ground with their shared passion for music.
Since it's conception, War Hammer has performed hundreds of times and has had the distinct honor of performing with some extremely talented bands such as Saliva and Ari Lehman of First Jason, as well as dozens of very talented local bands, in many different venues, across Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. With catchy, lyrics and solid straight-forward metal riffs War Hammer has created a great collection of original metal songs. Our shows are lively and entertaining and we maintain a sense of professionalism in everything that we do.
Some of the highlights of the band have been opening for Saliva, meeting and performing along-side Ari Lehman of First Jason, performing at the 20th Century Theater, and of course making some truly lasting great connections with lots of talented musicians along the way. During that time, we have developed relationships with other musicians and bands, as well as venue owners, and most importantly our fan base. With almost five-thousand followers on our Facebook page, we are sure to bring in the crowd and make every show a fun and entertaining event.
Over the years, War Hammer has become more than just a band. War Hammer is made up of extremely committed and talented musicians who are bonded by a shared love of music and live performance. Our primary goal is to entertain the crowd and provide a fun filled atmosphere in which everyone can have a great time and thoroughly enjoy the show. We do our very best to not only entertain, but to also connect and engage with our audience, during and after the shows, not only in person but with social media as well. We work hard to connect and get them to engage with the band and the music.
Meet the Members of War Hammer
Pete Izzo
Pietro Izzo (Pete) is originally from Italy. Pete moved to the US in 1974, when he was 7 years old. Since then, Pete has mastered the English language, as well as the guitar, and has been playing for over 41 years. Pete is the sole remaining original member of War Hammer and is also the primary creative force behind the band's current lineup of original songs. Pete is an ASE Certified mechanic and has also owned a family restaurant, as well as an auto body shop. Pete's primary goals for the band are to increase our exposure to a even wider audience, expand the bands collection of original songs, and to headline shows at large venues with even larger crowds.
Michael Shepherd is originally from the Cincinnati area and is the lead vocalist of the band. Michael has a tremendous stage presence and is very skilled at engaging the audience. He works as a pest control specialist and is also a race car enthusiast. He spends his free time working on his farm and racing high-performance late model cars. Michael's biggest musical influences include Metallica, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Saxon. Michael's goal for War Hammer is to continue to play larger and more well known venues, network with other bands, and enjoy every minute of life along the way.
