Hammerfall. There’s no denying the influence this Swedish band has had on the Power Metal scene over the years and the following they’ve built. Their debut was a breath of fresh air whilst Metal was still mired in the turgid aftermath of grunge back in 1997, and they’ve continued to follow their own Metal path for a further 12 albums, which leads us nicely on to the present day. As a Power Metal fan myself, I heartily applaud the role they’ve played in the scene over the years, even if I’m maybe guilty of not following the band as closely as I could have done, distracted as I’ve been by the wealth of exciting bands which have emerged in their wake.
Hammerfall. You know what to expect, and let’s be honest, they’ve been doing this for so long that it would be wrong to expect anything else. And here they are, back on Nuclear Blast, their home for so many of their more memorable releases, with an audible desire to be…well, as Hammerfall as they possibly can. Job done on that score, they still have that instantly recognizable sound, with vocalist Joacim Cans front and centre as he has been since that debut. These are all songs that could have slotted easily onto many a previous Hammerfall album, with traditionally varied tempos ranging from galloping Power Metal, stomping Heavy Metal and the obligatory ballad. Different songs to suit your different moods, all delivered using the Hammerfall blue print.
Hammerfall. They’re a band that, in my experience, can divide Metal fans. Many will admit to liking a bit of Hammerfall if asked when they’re drunk enough or caught off guard, some refuse to even entertain the idea, but plenty wear the badge with pride. And this album is for those loyal fans, with anthem after anthem to invite their fanatical following to raise a fist for the glory of Hammerfall and Heavy Metal. It’s a uniting, rousing sentiment, and throughout the album the band are just so fabulously, utterly Metal. Yes, some of the arrangements and choruses dip into the formulaic at times, but that may also be because the band’s iconic approach has been copied by so many other artists over the last 25 years. There are certainly some great moments on this album if you like a bit of Hammerfall.
Hammerfall. Yes, this album is undeniably Hammerfall. It’s everything you would expect, which sends a comprehensive message whether you love, loathe or are indifferent to them. There’s much to admire about this unapologetic Metal band who stoically stick to their guns and make music for their fans. There’s nothing ground breaking here, because why should there be? It wouldn’t sit right with Hammerfall after all those albums. They have a winning formula, so why change it? I mean, they’ve just finished a two-year world tour with Helloween fergodsake, so why on earth would you go and change things when this is the experience that albums like this can bring you?
(7.5/10 Andy Barker)
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