Hellhammer only existed for two years, 1982 to 1984, during which time the band wrote material for three demos, a 12" EP and the legendary death metal compilation album. After various initial line-up changes, the band, led by Tom G Warrior (Celtic Frost) with ex-Moorhead drummer Bruce Day and former Shizo bassist Martin Eric Ain, achieved stability in 1983. The German label Noise Records was so impressed by the first EP that it offered Hellhammer a three-year record deal. In March 1984 the band moved to Berlin-Kreuzberg and recorded four songs for the Apocalyptic Raids EP and two songs for the upcoming death metal compilation album of Noise Records Over the years "Apocalyptic Raids" developed into an underground standard whose sound was low-budget but also original and uncompromising. Over the decades, the album helped Hellhammer become a now mythical icon of metal, without the band ever playing their music live. Last year, however, vocalist Warrior (Celtic Frost) finally emerged with his authentic homage to Hellhammer and their music, which was an extremely important part of his life. "Triumph of Death" was born. Named after Hellhammer's infamous song, they have been giving selected concerts since summer 2019.