Right from the opening riff, Hammond’s searing slide guitar commands attention, striking like a well-aimed bullet from a vintage six-shooter. Her vocals, imbued with a husky determination, evoke the spirit of America’s outlaw poets while also reflecting a European sensibility. There is an undeniable urgency to her delivery, suggesting that every lyric is a call to seize life—whether by embracing its passion, risking everything, or boldly facing the inevitable trials.

The song features remarkable instrumental contributions, notably lan Davidson’s evocative cello and Kaspar ‘Berry’ Rapkin’s precise slide guitar work, each infusing the track with a sense of historical gravitas and rebellious artistry. Additionally, Lewis Taylor’s occasional mariachi-style trumpet flourishes—reminiscent of the cinematic scores by Ennio Morricone—lift the composition into expansive, auditory storytelling.

The lyrics of “Walk With Me Through the Fire” offer a somber invitation—a call to those prepared to confront life’s tumultuous confrontations. Phrases like “You know today’s the perfect day to die” and “let’s burn it down” illustrate a dual homage to ancient myth and modern unrest. The words resonate with a haunting, incendiary quality, suggesting that beauty is often forged in the crucible of pain and passion.

The music video further reinforces the track’s cinematic aspirations. With its stark Western vistas and Gothic imagery, it mirrors the layered narrative of the song—a visual journey into a world where conventional rules are set aside in favor of mystery and possibility.

“Walk With Me Through the Fire” transcends the conventional blues record; it serves as an invitation to nonconformists, visionaries, and those who thrive on breaking the mold. In a time when musical boundaries are increasingly blurred, The Curse of K.K. Hammond offers a compelling call to step into the blaze, hinting that beyond the intensity of the fire lies a profound transformation. With this release, Hammond reinforces her reputation as a fearless storyteller, unafraid to illuminate the darkness with a resolute and incandescent brilliance.

In essence, this track does more than merely capture attention—it boldly declares its challenge, urging listeners to join the journey rather than be left behind in its wake.

–James Dupree

The release of her new single, “She is My Precious,” is a testament to this artist’s commitment to exploring the depths of blues music, imbuing it with her unique voice and perspective. This track, at its core, is a hauntingly sarcastic ode, characterized by its raw emotional depth and evocative storytelling. The music carries the listener on a journey through shadowed bedrooms and over dimly lit computers, all the while grounded by KK Hammond‘s powerful vocal delivery and masterful guitar work.

For those newly acquainted with KK Hammond‘s work, “She is My Precious” serves as a compelling introduction. It encapsulates her ability to blend traditional blues elements with a personal narrative, making her music both timeless and intensely personal. However, to fully grasp her essence, diving into her album “Death Roll Blues” would provide a comprehensive understanding of her artistic vision and musical journey.

WATCH “She is My Precious” MUSIC VIDEO HERE!

KK Hammond stands as a solitary figure in her musical journey, drawing from the rich well of blues history while crafting a persona that is all her own. Her music pays homage to the blues legends of the past, from Robert Johnson to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, yet it’s imbued with her own experiences, struggles, and revelations. This blend of the old with the new, the personal with the universal, marks her as a significant voice in contemporary blues.

Influenced by the raw emotion and simple, yet profound, storytelling of the Delta blues tradition, Hammond also channels the spirit and defiance of electric blues and rock’n’roll pioneers. Her music is a bridge between generations, inviting comparisons with modern blues and roots revivalists, while paving the way for future artists to explore their own truths through the blues.

As for her discography, beginning with “Death Roll Blues,” KK Hammond has consistently delivered music that speaks to the soul. Each album and single builds upon the last, creating a tapestry of sound that is rich with history and ripe with innovation. “She is My Precious” adds another layer to this evolving story, promising more haunting melodies and stirring narratives to come.

From “She is My Precious,” the title track itself stands out as a haunting embodiment of Hammond’s style, with its gripping lyrics and mesmerizing guitar licks.
– Looking back at “Death Roll Blues,” tracks like “The Devil’s Hand” and “River Styx Blues” offer a deeper dive into her exploration of traditional blues themes through a contemporary lens.

KK Hammond’s music resonates with the echoes of the past while speaking to the present, making her a unique figure in the blues genre. Beyond her solo work, any collaborations or live sessions she partakes in tend to reveal new facets of her musical identity, blending seamlessly with other artists while retaining her distinctive voice.

For those enchanted by KK Hammond’s haunting blues, artists like Samantha Fish, Gary Clark Jr., and Fantastic Negrito also navigate the rich traditions of blues and roots music with innovative twists and deeply personal storytelling, offering further explorations into the genre’s modern evolution.

– Tom Simpson

Both of these songs are covers, with “Heart Shaped Box” being a cover of Nirvana’s evergreen hit. “In the Pines” meanwhile is an old folk song that’s been covered by many other bands, including Nirvana themselves. The version here is a remixed and remastered variant of K.K. Hammond’s original “In the Pines” cover from 2021.

“Heart Shaped Box” is the first one up, and we love what K.K. Hammond has done with the tune here. Much of the roughness that makes the Nirvana version a classic is still here, but now it’s accompanied by that haunting atmosphere that K.K. Hammond excels at. Elements of ‘Dirty country’ music are brought in, giving the tune a menacing aura.

K.K. Hammond’s delivery on the song is also phenomenal stuff. Her delivery on it is measured, trudging through the motions beautifully and fitting the tone that the cover is going for perfectly. The instrumentals here are also layered on thick, enhancing the crushing, heavy atmosphere. For a song like “Heart Shaped Box,” it all comes together to form a fantastic package.

While we love K.K. Hammond’s take on “Heart Shaped Box,” we’re also massive fans of her cover of “In the Pines.” This song feels like it was tailor made to fit the Horror Blues aesthetic, as the thumping beat crashes through the mix with intensity. This new version is powerful and dangerous sounding, elevating the original further.

The production on both of these songs is precisely what it needs to be. Despite the more complex and busy instrumentation of “Heart Shaped Box” and “In the Pines,” both songs manage to sound incredibly cohesive. They shift seamlessly between heavy and soft moments, working to great effect.

Overall, we have to say that K.K. Hammond has once again hit it out of the park with this one. It’s undeniable how much thought and effort was put into “Heart Shaped Box,” and “In the Pines” is such a powerful showcase of K.K. Hammond’s style that it feels like the song’s been waiting for her to perform it. Overall, a solid 2-sided single, and we’re eager to hear more!

Hammond explains her sound: “It must never be forgotten than Blues music traditionally arose out of some very hard times for African American people and has touched upon some dark subject matters historically. Of course, the early folklore surrounding musicians such as Tommy Johnson and Robert Johnson selling their souls to the devil certainly paved the way for the combination of blues and horror themes too. My lyrics tend to be pretty dark and unsettling at times, and I felt this was the perfect springboard to launch myself into making horror themed music videos to best deliver them.”

• Hi KK!  Great to speak with you today.  How are things in your secluded  part of the world?

Hey! Well, it’s still a little chilly this time of year which has never been my jam but things are looking up as spring creeps in! I hope the weather is fairer there!

• You are fast becoming known as “The Queen of Horror Blues.” How did you  come up with the idea to blend the two, horror and blues music,  together?

I don’t know who dubbed me as such but I’m extremely honored and flattered by it! Honestly speaking I think two things I particularly loved just naturally melded together and became my aesthetic without any particular forethought. The Blues, particularly the older Delta style, is frequently referred to as “The Devil’s Music” which make it partner particularly well with dark and spooky vibes. I took advantage of my love of horror movies when conceptualising my music videos and I think, via that combination, my aesthetic created itself.

• Tell us about your childhood.  What was it like growing up in the UK?

Too cold, just too damn cold haha! I don’t think there is anything that exciting to tell! As a kid I was always very much drawn to art, music and film and enjoyed my own company foreshadowing my future life as a bit of a hermit! I was a bit of a street kid and growing up in London there was always plenty to do and keep myself entertained with. When I got a little older I frequently met up with other musicians my age. We partied plenty, went to gigs and formed bands, I loved metal as a kid but gradually started turning my attention to blues and folk.

• Tell us about your time travelling in the US.  How did that influence  your music?

I hit the US a few times spending upto 4 months there at a time and travelling around the states. I was especially interested in the quiet backwaters over the cities. (I only lasted two day in NYC, it was far too loud and hectic for me!) It was a very interesting time that allowed me to get in touch with the roots of the Americana music which I am so passionate about, as well as giving me some great ideas for my song writing.

• It’s been said that you live a “Hermit-like” existence.  What is meant  by that?  Is this something you’ve chosen for yourself, or is it just a  matter of circumstance? 

It is something I have chosen for myself. I love living in the middle of nowhere with nobody around so I can enjoy nature, the quiet and placate my introverted nature. I do occasionally enjoy the company of friends, especially fellow musicians but keep my circle very small.

• Let’s get to the music.  Tell us about “Death Roll Blues,” the album.   It’s fantastic!

Thank you so much! Death Roll Blues is a concept album which touches upon the subject of Death from a variety of angles. Some of the songs are morose and sad whilst a few are a little more on the humorous side. It took me about two years to complete as I took my time, only wanting to put the best of myself on the album. It opens with the natural sounds of the swamp to set the atmosphere and finishes with this too as a departing mood. It’s pretty acoustically focussed and very organic and “human” with all the percussion being hand claps, foot stomps and some other interesting sounds such as the shaking of a rattlesnake tail or the sound of a rusty old zinc bucket being kicked! My music harnesses the vibe of old Delta blues with a little bit more of a swampy, contemporary feel. I also experienced my first rodeo with vinyl with this album, my pressing being a beautiful, transparent, mottled swampy green with stunning swampy artwork by the very talented Sabrina Cintron of The Star Dazed Trail. I wanted to deliver a beautiful product to my fans which they could truly treasure so ensured it was as sonically pleasing as possible as well as aesthetically pleasing. It was recorded by myself in my home studio and mixed and mastered in London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios, which was a fantastic and very educational experience for me. I wasn’t sure how a small blues musician such as myself would be received but they took the best of care of me and were the sweetest, most down to earth folks you could imagine.

READ “DEATH ROLL BLUES” REVIEW HERE

• Tell us about how Metallica shared your cover of their song, “Nothing  Else Matters” on their TikTok.  Were you surprised at the posting, and  the reaction of fans?

This was a huge and very pleasant surprise! After going somewhat viral I suppose they must have caught sight of it! What more could any musician wish for other than recognition from their childhood heroes? Fans have been amazing and so positive about it and it also drew in so many kind and positive comments from non-followers on TikTok who hadn’t previously heard of me. I’ve since noticed several more of my childhood heroes from huge bands following me on social media and liking my posts and it just doesn’t feel real! It’s been profoundly humbling and immeasurably encouraging. I honestly don’t think the K.K. from my childhood would ever believe such a thing could eventually happen to her whilst staring at their posters on her wall!

• What’s your opinion of the music industry these days?  Is it still  about good music, or is there something else?

I think the music industry has changed tremendously and in ways I could never have imagined as a teenager in bands trying to be noticed. While the big labels are still ultimately running the show in terms of mainstream music, online music sites and social media has revolutionised the industry allowing for small independent artists to have a platform of their very own to draw in a potentially huge following. Obviously being in a fringe genre it is hard for me to comment on the industry as a whole but I think people are still very much enjoying good music and that element remains to be at the core of the industry.

I think, from an artist’s point of view, these days -while the music has to be good- your online presence counts for so much. In essence, musicians have to turn their hand to being online influencers. Again, as a bit of a hermit this is a bit trying for me at times. I’m not someone who enjoys sitting in front of a camera chatting away so I have to find other ways to keep fans entertained. I love recording little guitar playing videos or giving tips on how to approach slide guitar. Though creating for social media can be tons of fun it is also quite a challenge to think of new ideas every day and sometimes thoroughly exhausting. If I had my way I would just sit in my studio writing new tunes and recording them but content creation distracts me from doing that to my heart’s content which is a shame I think.

• We wish you all the best of success with the album release.  Any final  words for the readers?

Thank you so kindly to yourself and the readers and yes…. If anyone knows why two socks go into the laundry and only one seems to come back out I need to know. I believe whoever holds the answer to this holds the answer to the entire universe! Haha!