- Year of foundation – 1996
- City – Sumy (Ukraine)
- Language – Ukrainian
- Genre – drum and bass, techno-punk
Lineup:
- Albert Tsukrenko – vocals, music;
- Volodymyr Pakholuk – vocals, lyrics.
History of the band
Hamerman Destroys Viruses is a Ukrainian musical band founded in Sumy in 1996. The ideological inspiration was local sound engineer and underground activist Mykhailo Kapusta, who brought together musicians from different groups: Albert (Oleg) Tsukrenko, Pavlo Sypal and Volodymyr Pakholuk. At that time, Albert and Pavlo were creating electronic music and were members of various Sumy bands. And Pakholuk played in the punk band Jobless Pilots. It was then that the HZV lineup was formed.
The name of the band came about by chance. Pakholuk heard the wrong translation of the English phrase Hammerman kills bugs in a film. The phonetics impressed him so much that the phrase became the new name of the band. Two of the original lineup remain today – Volodymyr Pakholuk and Albert Tsukrenko. Guitarist Serhiy Trushel joined from time to time during concerts.
Creative Path
Since 2001, the band has released seven albums, constantly experimenting with sound. As underground stars, the artists performed at the most famous festivals in the country, including the legendary “Chervona Ruta”. Having gained popularity and recognition among fans of original creativity, they became headliners of such events as "Faine Misto" in Ternopil, "Nashatyr" in Dnipro and "Zahid Fest" in Rodatychy. The band's live shows have always become resonant events, because HZV turned the stage into a kind of performance.
Creative style and unique images
The musicians define themselves as a band beyond genres and social morality. For them, art is freedom from rules and conventions. In their performances, Hammerman Destroys Viruses combines techno-punk, ironic lyrics in Surzhyk, obscene language and elements of theatrical art. They do not seek to arouse sympathy or shock for the sake of shocking - it is a way to talk about freedom and human existence without restrictions.
Stage images play an important role in HZV's performances. The participants always appear before the fans without their usual clothes or in their own invented costumes, which become independent art objects. Albert and Volodymyr appeared before the audience in a lace bride's dress, a leopard outfit, women's underwear or even in a torn classic suit. Often, the artists use transforming costumes, which they constantly improve, making the show unpredictable and spectacular.
Civic position
During a full-scale invasion, the HZV actively participate in charity, transferring funds from concert tours to the needs of the Ukrainian army.
Discography of the group:
- Millennium Hits;
- "Kuy";
- "Loy";
- Ctrl+Alt+Del and others.
Famous tracks:
The following compositions and singles of HZV became real hits: "Turnychok", "Chornaya Dira (Chornobaivka)", Insult We Trust, "Poverny Meni Miy Pubertat" and many other songs.
Awards and distinctions:
In 1999, HZV became laureates of the all-Ukrainian festival "Chervona Ruta". And the following year they won the "Pearls of the Season" competition. These awards confirmed that even the most avant-garde and unconventional music can be recognized.
Interesting facts:
- The members of the group Hamerman Destroys Viruses have proven themselves not only in the music industry, but also in completely different areas. Albert Tsukrenko has been actively working as a journalist since the mid-2000s. He was the deputy editor-in-chief of Time Out Kiev magazine, the editor-in-chief of the online publication "Our Kyiv", edited the newspaper "Capital", headed the Cultprostir portal and was the editor-in-chief of the TV channel "UA: Pershyi". He also worked on the radio, known for his collaboration with hromadske;
- Volodymyr Pakholyuk started in Sumy as a teacher at school, then worked in a local newspaper. Having moved to Kyiv in 2006, the owner of incredible charisma became the deputy editor-in-chief of a men's magazine;
- The most recognizable stage element of the HZV show was a kind of "brand name" - a pair of socks that the musicians wear together and use instead of underwear.
