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. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide