Initially titled CURSE forming in 1990. Schmier (a.k.a. Marcel Schirmer) had been the prime mover behind successful German thrashers DESTRUCTION. Guitarist Uwe 'Schmuddel' Hoffmann was ex-TALON whilst drummer Jörg Michael had plied his trade with AVENGER, LAOS, MEKONG DELTA, RAGE and RUNNING WILD. Michael continued to record and tour with ex STEELER guitarist AXEL RUDI PELL in addition to his work with HEADHUNTER.

The band toured Japan in 1990 and supported SAXON in Europe the same year before entering the studio to record the debut album 'Parody Of Life', a record on which GAMMA RAY's Kai Hansen guests on the track 'Cursed'. Headline dates in 1993 saw ACCUSER and ANTIDOTE supporting. The band had released the follow up record 'A Bizarre Gardening Accident' and 1995's 'Rebirth', after a very real, very bad and less bizarre car crash involving 'Schmuddel' Hoffmann it remained unclear as to whether the group would ever record again.

Michael's talents post HEADHUNTER have seen his services retained by AXEL RUDI PELL as well as racking up credits with GRAVE DIGGER and STRATOVARIUS. In 1998 Schmier reforged DESTRUCTION.

HEADHUNTER marked a surprise return during 2008 with the album 'Parasite Of Society' for AFM REcords. The album included two cover versions, SKID ROW's '19 & Life' and JUDAS PRIEST's 'Rapid Fire'.