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All Music Guide:
Chicago-based black metal band Broken Hope was formed by singer Joe Ptacek, guitarist Jeremy Wagner and drummer Ryan Stanek following the dissolution of their previous band, Crypt; adding lead guitarist Brian Griffin and bassist Ed Hughes, the group's early demos soon earned a contract with Grindcore Records, and in 1991 they issued their debut LP Swamped in Gore. Jumping to Metal Blade, Broken Hope resurfaced in 1993 with Bowels of Repugnance; replacing Hughes with ex-Sindrome bassist Shaun Glass, the band next issued 1995's Repulsive Conception, followed two years later by Loathing. Both Stanek and Glass exited prior to recording 1999's Grotesque Blessings, and were replaced by drummer Duane Timlin and bassist Sean Baxter; Ptacek subsequently left Broken Hope as well, resulting in the addition of new vocalist Scott Creekmore.
Wikipedia:
Broken Hope was an American death metal from Chicago, Illinois.
History
Broken Hope was founded in 1988. They were known as an accomplished mid-paced style death metal band with low-pitched growling vocals. As a band, they spanned roughly twelve years, recording five albums between 1991 and 1999.
The core of Broken Hope was Joe Ptacek (vocals), Jeremy Wagner (rhythm guitar), Brian Griffin (lead guitar), and Ryan Stanek (drums). They scored a deal with the then-fledging Grindcore/RedLight Label and recorded their debut album, Swamped in Gore.
Following the release, Metal Blade Records signed the band, who released their second album, The Bowels of Repugnance, in 1993. The band's third album, 1995's Repulsive Conception, reached CMJ New Music Monthly's Metal Top 25 chart, as did the follow-up, 1997's Loathing, an album which explored topics such as political domination, necrophilia, and safe sex.
The band moved to Martyr Records for their fifth and final album, Grotesque Blessings, released in 1999. Rumors of the band's demise circulated at this time, and by April 2002, Broken Hope disbanded.
In a 2007 interview, Wagner explained that several factors, including band dysfunction and a lack of support in Europe from Metal Blade, contributed to the split. Wagner added that the band members had met "face to face" for the first time in five years and discussed a possible reunion.
On January 20, 2010, vocalist Joe Ptacek committed suicide. He was 37 years old.
