Hämatom (German for "Hematoma") is a German metal band that formed in 2004 in Speichersdorf, Franconia. They developed their style from Neue Deutsche Härte. The band concept is based on forming a unity between musical and visual elements, leading to the idea of naming the bandmembers after the four cardinal directions and incorporating intricately designed masks. In the early years, their German lyrics were influenced by European fables, which in time and with the progression of the band transitioned to themes based on societal, religious and socio-critical issues.