Still Standing: Fred Hammer on Nardcore, Annihilation Time and the Beat of Oxnard

The term Nardocre was coined casually by members of the then local band, now famous band – Dr. Know, during a casual listening session. One joked, listening to some punk music, “If that’s hardcore, then we’re Nardcore”. The name stuck—and a movement was born. The rest, as they say, is history.

The roots of Nardcore trace back to Silver Strand Beach, with Big Bob Clark recognized as one of the first punk rockers in the area. By the late ‘70s, the sound had spread through garages, beach towns and backyards across Ventura County with shows playing everywhere.
One of the scene’s most devoted lifers is Fred Hammer, born and raised in Oxnard. From zines and flyers to band rehearsals in garages, Fred has done just about everything in punk—and continues to stay deeply involved.
We caught up with Fred to talk about the early days, band life and why Nardcore is more alive now than ever.

In 1983 Fred Hammer was exposed to the Nardcore scene through a friend. He immediately got hooked and dove right in. Hammer got together with a few guys from a local band No Motiv and they started a side band SYG – Stand Your Ground. It fizzled away as it was a side band and everyone got busy.

One Oxnard day, Fred hopped into a van heading out on a US tour with two local bands; one from Silver Strand Beach called In Control and the other, Fields of Fire from Santa Barbara. During this tour it is when Fields of Fire decided they were ready for a new band. This was key for Fred as they conjured up a new band in the van and called it Annihilation Time with Fred Hammer as the lead singer.

In 2001 now in his late 20’s, getting back from tour, Hammer and his friends hit the ground running. This band was one of the trailblazers of the time. Many say they changed the music genre of Ventura County. As the lead singer, Fred talks about how quickly the Nardcore scene grew; new bands emerging left and right and though his time with Annihilation Time ended in 2002 it was a fun run says Fred. It’s not an easy take to start up a band and commit to all that it takes from you. It’s a lot of leg work and the only way it works out is when one is truly passionate about it.

After Annihilation Time, Fred stayed active in the scene by organizing shows, making flyers, publishing the It’s Alive fanzine and helping bands with vinyl releases and distribution. He’s done nearly every behind-the-scenes job in punk rock—from promoting shows to putting out records—and continues to be deeply involved today. Fred emphasizes that Nardcore isn't just Oxnard, but represents the entire Ventura County area, including Santa Barbara and Simi Valley. The scene is still DIY, tight-knit and thriving. Fred believes Nardcore is bigger now than it’s ever been, thanks in part to the internet and a post-COVID resurgence in punk rock music.

While never financially profitable, Fred says the community, travel and friendships built through Nardcore have made it all worth it. He continues to attend shows when he can, stays in touch with old friends and supports both emerging and established bands. He also clarifies the “Nardcore sign” is simply an “O” and an “X” (for Oxnard)—no secret meaning.

The original pillars of early Nardcore, many of which Fred stays in contact with, that went on to gain widespread recognition are Dr. Know, Ill Repute, Agression and Stäläg 13.