Hatchetface and the Vipers

Originally called just "Hatchetface", Hatchetface and the Vipers started as the reunion of former Sinferno founders, Peri (Bracy) Broadbent and Salli Wason. Initially formed as a one-off performance for Salli's birthday show at Geno's Rock Club, the two sought to put together a short set from some songs Peri had been writing since the demise of Sinferno, as well as the collaborative "Mama's Boy". They put out feelers for temporary members to play drums and bass, and Eric Rancourt (drums) (Ghosthunter)and Ethan Chaffin (bass) (Man-Witch, Taming the Shrew, Spawn of Man)joined and agreed to help work out a twenty minute set in time for the show. This would be Peri's first foray into lead vocals. Though the original plan was for the band to be temporary, it was soon clear that there was a potential for a "real" band in the works.

The birthday show was a hit, and no one really wanted to stop playing, so Hatchetface continued to write and rehearse at Eric Rancourt's home in the Lewiston/Auburn area. Ethan played one or two more shows before conceding that, although he enjoyed the band, it wouldn't work out long term. The search for a new bass player led to Peri's suggestion of a good friend, former Swamp Witch Revival and The Studs alum, Angus McFarland. Though hesitant, Salli and Eric agreed to try him out, and he was invited to stay right away.

Hatchetface ran into issues with the band name, and due to a lawsuit over band names in the Metal Blade label that hit close to home, they decided not to risk it and added "and the Vipers" to the name. There were at least two other bands named Hatchetface on the East coast.

Eric suffered several hand injuries from his drumming, and coupled with scheduling constraints, it was agreed that the band would have Will Broadbent (Ogre) move into the drum position. It was also decided around this time that the band would become part of the Entertainment Experiment, an indie collaborative label and promotional organization that included Covered in Bees, Ghosthunter, Man-Witch, Taming the Shrew and more.

The band successfully recorded a self-titled full length album, played many well-attended live shows, including an interesting gig in the Catskills at Bard College. One show in Portsmouth, NH, was played without Angus, due to illness, as a three-piece, with By Blood Alone, and Ghouls Night Out. They also had a memorable performance on "Local Motives", a radio show on WMPG in Portland, featuring their signature cover song, "Hot Shot", which was taken from a Reggie Wanker performance in the movie "Get Crazy".

Due primarily to creative discontent and personal health issues, Peri (Bracy) Broadbent quit the band. They did not continue, and to date, have not reunited, though there has been some talk of a one-time-only reunion show.