Hammer Swings Down

The Zoo Crew is spinning the hard-hitting track "Hammer Swings Down" by Babylon A.D. from their self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this classic rock vibe. This song, one of the standout singles from the 1989 release, has some cool stories behind it. According to a post on BraveWords, the music video for "Hammer Swings Down" was a big production, filmed at the Sepulveda Dam in Los Angeles. It featured a massive stage, roaming spotlights, boom cranes, and railroad tracking for camera setups, with a budget exceeding $100,000—a huge deal for the time. Adding to the star power, the video included a cameo by actress Julianna Margulies, known for her roles in ER and The Good Wife, who appears swinging a hammer at the start. This tidbit gives the song’s high-energy visuals a touch of Hollywood flair, making it a memorable moment in the band’s early career.

Another fun piece of trivia comes from the song’s origins and its place in Babylon A.D.’s rise to fame. As shared in the same BraveWords article, the band had just moved to West Hollywood in 1988, settling into the Saint James Apartment Complex, a hotspot for up-and-coming musicians and actors. Three days after arriving, they got a call from their manager saying music mogul Clive Davis was flying in from New York to see them perform at SIR Studios. Davis, impressed by their live showcase, signed them to a rare 10-album deal with Arista Records. "Hammer Swings Down" became one of the first singles from their debut, hitting radio and MTV, and its raw energy captured the band’s gritty, anthemic style that resonated with hard rock fans.

Babylon A.D. got their start in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1987, born out of a group of high school friends who initially played together as The Persuaders. According to their bio on Wikipedia, the original lineup featured Derek Davis on vocals, guitarists Danny De La Rosa and Ron Freschi, drummer Jamey Pacheco, and bassist Robb Reid. Before adopting the Babylon A.D. name, they built a local following with their powerful live performances and catchy songwriting. Their big break came in 1989 when Clive Davis caught their Los Angeles showcase and signed them to Arista. Their debut album, released that year, included hits like "Hammer Swings Down" and "Bang Go the Bells," earning them three #1 songs at metal radio and gold status, with the album charting for 38 weeks on the Billboard Top 200. The band’s early years were marked by constant touring and MTV exposure, cementing their place in the late ’80s hard rock scene.

Fans can keep up with Babylon A.D. through their official website, where they share tour dates and news, including their upcoming show at the Whisky A Go-Go in West Hollywood on August 8, 2025. You can also follow them on their official Facebook page for updates on releases like their 2023 live album Live Lightning, or check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos and throwback posts. On X, they engage with fans and share their B.A.D. Sunday Stories series, diving into the history of songs like "Hammer Swings Down." For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, the Babylon A.D. Fan Group on Facebook is a great spot to join discussions and share love for the band’s music. While no other dedicated fan websites stand out, the band’s active social media presence keeps the community rocking.