Hand of Mercy formed when guitarist Adam Mclean and friend drummer Josh Zimmer started playing together.

For several years Hand of Mercy played at hardcore venues around Sydney, and appeared at youth centres throughout the state.

[2] In August 2011 Hand of Mercy supported For the Fallen Dreams and were then joined well-known band Parkway Drive on the 'Sick Summer' tour in December.

In January the band supported Deez Nuts and Comeback Kid in the annual Australian nationwide Boys of Summer Tour.

[9] This was followed by an overseas support spot in April for Bleeding Through on their European and UK Farewell Europe tour including dates on the Hit The Deck festival.

[16] Hand of Mercy have announced plans to break up after a final show on 30 January 2016 at Sydney's Strike Hard Festival, when they will be joined by former vocalist Scott Bird.