Danish heavy metal specialist Hank Shermann began his career in Copenhagen's vibrant punk scene in the late 1970s before gradually evolving into a punk/heavy metal specialist playing lead guitar in the band Brats. In 1981 Shermann formed Mercyful Fate with vocalist King Diamond. It was the start of a long term association with fellow axe-man Michael Denner. With material containing numerous references to satanism and the occult, Mercyful Fate are credited as being part of the first wave of the so-called black metal culture. As the band grew in popularity Shermann wanted to develop a more commercial sound and this subsequently led to a difference of opinion with founding member Diamond relating to the musical direction the band were taking. Predictably Shermann and Mercyful Fate parted ways citing artistic differences as the cause of the rift. The guitarist went on to form Demonica releasing the album Demonstrous in 2010. From there he went on to play stage shows with Volbeat before forming Shermann Tank with Volbeat bassist Marc Grabowski. In addition to his work as a producer and songwriter Shermann continues to work with Michale Denner in a joint project called Denner/Shermann. The duo released the album Masters Of Evil in 2016.