As a product of the storied extreme metal scene of British Columbia, Witches Hammer predated other bands from the area who later attained greater recognition and notoriety. Regardless of its more obscure status, this evil speed metal outfit laid the foundation upon which the infamous Ross Bay Cult would be built. The most likely reason for the band’s relatively low exposure is the fact that it never officially released a full-length album. That said, its recorded material demonstrates once again that the number of albums released is not the standard by which a band’s greatness can be measured. Formed in 1982 by a thirteen-year-old Marco Banco (guitars) and Alan Goddard (bass) under the original moniker of Oblivion, Witches Hammer was in fact the first extreme metal band to emerge from the Vancouver area. Approximately one year later, these two were joined by Ray Prizmic (aka Ray Crude) on vocals, and his brother, John, on drums. Several lineup changes occurred in the early years, but two core members, Marco and John, persevered throughout in writing and rehearsing songs. As the lineup stabilized, the band started to gain a reputation in the area as a result of its live performances at gigs shared with mostly punk and hardcore bands, due to the lack of extreme metal bands in the area.