RIP: Joe Ptacek, Broken Hope

Joe Ptacek, lead singer of the 1990's death metal outfit, Broken Hope, was found dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on January 20^th. Fellow bandmember, Jeremy Wagner, broke the news to fans and said though he had not been in contact with Ptacek for several years, following the disbandment of the group, they had recently rekindled their friendship and were working on a new Broken Hope project.

Broken Hope's debut, Swamped in Gore, heavily influenced my own music as well as many of those with whom I played over the years. It was not a particularly impressive album in many ways, and the band was told this by many people and outlets, yet there was something which shined. Later outings featured superior production values and incredibly complex riffs and arrangement, yet maintained the coarseness and groove with which the band had debuted.

Broken Hope was one of those death metal bands which simply missed the boat despite a strong start. Even I forget them whenever asked about my influences, etc., and Swamped in Gore was in heavy rotation amongst me, my friends, and fellow musicians for several years Back in The Day.

Our sincerest condolences to Ptacek's friends and family members, as well as Broken Hope.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010