“Musicians with an oilfield problem.”

Cork Snow first hit the music scene as a solo artist, turning heads with his standout vocals and vibrant acoustic style. After a couple of years honing his craft, a casual jam session with good friend and fellow musician Kerry Hatch sparked something unexpected. The chemistry was undeniable, and the two realized they might be onto more than a one-off collaboration.

Wanting to expand the sound, Kerry invited childhood friend and former bandmate Shane Cook to the next session. That meeting ended much like the first—three musicians with a shared spark and a sense that this could be the real deal. The very next day, Cork received a call to play a solo gig at a local bar in two weeks. His response: “I’m bringing my band.” Shane and Kerry had their doubts about debuting after only a couple of rehearsals, but the trio locked in, filled the bar, and delivered a high-energy show. On March 9, 2024, The Hammer Down Band was born.

The band soon realized what they were missing: a deep, driving low end. They reached out to bassist Kylen Aycock, who was between projects at the time. “Country isn’t exactly my thing,” he warned, “but I’ll come sit in.” He came, he rocked, and he never left—becoming a cornerstone of the HDB sound.

In early 2025, an impromptu jam at the local Elks lodge brought another unexpected twist. A friend suggested Cork jam with “a guy he knew,” and soon Georgia native Levi Rose walked in, carrying a worn acoustic guitar with strings pointing in every direction. Cork figured it could go one of two ways—luckily, it went the good way. After one rehearsal, Levi cemented himself as HDB’s lead guitarist, rounding out the group’s dynamic edge.

Today, The Hammer Down Band is known for its high-energy country sound—down-home roots blended with a modern punch. In a short time, they’ve built a strong following, playing nearly every major venue and music event in Northeastern Utah while expanding into Colorado and Wyoming. They’ve had the honor of opening for artists such as Chris Peterson, Wildwood, Paige and the Overtones, The Fox Brothers Band, Jason Richards, Brandon Davis, and country legend Mark Wills—their favorite show to date.

With authentic chemistry, seasoned musicianship, and a commitment to putting on one hell of a show, The Hammer Down Band is just getting started—and they’re hitting the gas.