Paul 'Hammy' Halmshaw founded Peaceville Records in 1987, following several years as a tape trading label. As one time drummer of the Instigators and Sore Throat, and singer of Civilised Society? he has appeared on seven albums and one EP. This early experience served him well in launching the label, which was to become a worldwide success. It spawned the careers of some of the biggest bands in metal, punk and hardcore. Electro Hippies, Doom, Deviated Instinct, Axegrinder, Autopsy, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Anathema, Darkthrone, Opeth and Katatonia to name but a few.
Based in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, the label was an anomaly in the history of heavy music. It was shrouded in secrecy and a thick cloud of smoke. For the first time ever, in conjunction with the labels 30th anniversary, Hammy recounts the full history of the inception of the label. Taking the reader through its heyday to the point where he departed. It's a gripping tale which keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Laying bare all the twists and turns along the way. It also features candid interviews with all of the major players behind the scenes and the successes.
Based in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, the label was an anomaly in the history of heavy music. It was shrouded in secrecy and a thick cloud of smoke. For the first time ever, in conjunction with the labels 30th anniversary, Hammy recounts the full history of the inception of the label. Taking the reader through its heyday to the point where he departed. It's a gripping tale which keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Laying bare all the twists and turns along the way. It also features candid interviews with all of the major players behind the scenes and the successes.
