Hellgrimm - Singing the dark, lighting up the night

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Hellgrimm is a power trio forged in 2018 that delves into the darkness of addictions, death, and demons with stories based in fiction and fact. Nostalgia for 1970s - 80s stadium rock weaves through this gut punch of sonic wizardry. The music conjures spells of destruction and salvation and fights and woos demons, physical and psychological. Their rhythmic melodies are punctuated by haunting solos and a piercing voice gives hope that there may be paths out of the darkness. 

Writer/guitarist Jerry Connor and drummer/singer Erica Missey lead the charge of this sonic triumvirate. Hellgrimm has the aid of talented bassists George Ortiz, Johnnie Kay, Adrian Cavazos, Miriam Darnell, and Joshua Pechawer when they hit the stage.  

"Sacrifice," Hellgrimm's fifth studio album, dropped in March, 2024, online and on CD. An 11-song, hard-hitting, rock album, recorded and co-produced by Hellgrimm's long-time engineer, Daisun de Rijk, "Sacrifice" is the eagerly-awaited follow up to the LP "Ritual" (September, 2022). Single "Speed Demon" features drummer extraordinaire Mike Heller (Raven, Control/Resist, Malignancy, formerly of Fear Factory). "Til Death do us Party" was mastered at Abbey Road Studios in 2023 by legendary engineer Sean Magee. "Sacrifice" also contains two Black Sabbath covers, "Never Say Die" and  "N. I. B.," the latter featuring drums by Robert Garcia. Hellgrimm contributed their version of "Outcast" to Dark United Media's 2024 album release, "Agents of Brutality: A Tribute To Kreator"."

In late October 2024, Hellgrimm flew to England to support the Kings of Thrash (featuring David Ellefson and Jeff Young) on their 8-date "Anarchy in the UK" Tour in England, Scotland, North Ireland, and Ireland with special guests Andry.  In July the band flew to Colombia for the Chaos Festival Vol. 1 in Medellin and Bogota and to Honduras for the Marcala Metal Fest 3rd Edition. Hellgrimm played at the Whisky in Hollywood on September 19th, supporting Bitch and Angeles. Hellgrimm played several shows around Texas in 2024 in support of their new album.

Hellgrimm released its first full-length album, "The Hunger," in June 2021, and three EPs; the self-titled debut (March 2019), “Elysium” (February 2020) and "Hellgrimm: Live" (March 2021). 

In 2023, Hellgrimm hopped the pond twice: first in March to support the legendary NWOBHM trailblazers Raven on their "All for One" Album 40th Anniversary Tour in the UK for nine shows alongside London-based rockers Daxx & Roxane; second in July to play Comic FEST! Cabo Rojo in Puerto Rico.

Hellgrimm has supported many talented artists since its inception including Kings of Thrash, Raven, (hed) p.e., Nasty Savage, Sinister, Atrophy, Max Cavalera (Go Ahead and Die, Sepultura), Geoff Tate, Christian Death, Powerman 5000, Kix, Jetboy, Dizzy Reed (Guns & Roses), Michael Graves, Tommy DeCarlo (Boston), Vicious Rumors, Pissing Razors, and Goatwhore. 

Hellgrimm has three songs (including the main theme) for the upcoming TV series "Lowie Mortem: Chronicles of a Dead Detective" to be directed by Hellgrimm bassist George Ortiz (2024). Guitarist Jerry Connor is also writing and recording a musical based on the novella "Gideon's Journey," written by Paul Enemark, illustrated by Hellgrimm singer/drummer Erica Missey. Hellgrimm also has two songs in the soundtrack of the film "The Darkness" (2024). 

Hellgrimm is sponsored by EMG Pickups, Morley Pedals, Lang Amps, Pedaltrain, Busuyi Guitars, Soultone Cymbals, Collision Drum Sticks, and Bunny's Wonderland Designs. 

Writer/guitarist Jerry Connor began his music obsession in his teens on South Padre Island, Texas. After years of playing in local bands, his world turned upside down when a fateful accident almost cost him his left hand and his life. Following two major surgeries, many doctors told him he would never play guitar again. Undeterred, Jerry studied music theory and composition at the University of Texas Pan American in hopes of becoming a composer.

Jerry rehabilitated his hand through years of relentless practice and was able to play guitar once again, moving around the country to work with national acts. In 2002, he landed in San Antonio, Texas, and began writing the music that would conjure the band Hellgrimm.

Drummer/vocalist/studio bassist Erica Missey fell in love with live music as a child while watching her grandfather and uncle play guitar in their family-owned bar and get-togethers. She started playing trumpet when she was eleven and enjoyed playing through high school and early into university.

After years of concentrating on her art career (animation credits include “Space Jam” and “The Prince of Egypt"), Erica returned to making music as a bass player. She met Jerry Connor in 2002 and joined him to form the band Monkeysoop. After years of playing bass and finding her voice, Erica switched to drums in 2010 and became the primary singer when Hellgrimm was conceived in 2018. Erica creates the artwork for Hellgrimm's albums and graphics. 

George L. Ortiz is an independent filmmaker who's love for all things film started at a young age, acting in his father’s show all around Puerto Rico in the 80’s. He’s directed musical plays, rock videos, the film "The House of the Demon," and is currently producing and directing a TV series. George started playing bass for Hellgrimm in 2021.

As leader, vocalist, and co-writer for her bands In the Umbra and The Shadow of Nine and as solo artist Warrior & Queen, Johnnie Kay brought her considerable music experience to bear as a bassist and back-up vocalist for Hellgrimm when she joined in June of 2024. A photo of Johnnie Kay is currently on display at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as part of a collection honoring the rich musical culture of Austin, Texas - the Live Music Capital of the World.