Hammerfall formed in 1993 and underwent numerous personnel changes before settling on their current lineup, which includes principal songwriters Joachim Cans (vocals) and Oscar Dronjak (guitars). Jesper Stromblad (In Flames) played drums on their debut but was soon replaced Patrick Rafling. Despite the fact that Hammerfall play a style of metal that is no longer considered cool, they are one of the top bands in the Eurometal scene and their first two albums both reached gold+ status. They even broke Germany's Top 100, remaining on the charts for well over two months. Their third album "Renegade" debuted on the pop charts in Germany.

Bring on the metal onslaught!

HammerFall - Glory to the Brave (Nuclear Blast) 1997 1. "Dragon Lies Bleeding" (4:23) 2. "Metal Age" (4:28) 3. "Hammerfall" (4:48) 4. "I Believe" (4:54) 5. "Child of the Damned" (3:43) 6. "Steel Meets Steel" (4:02) 7. "Stone Cold" (5:43) 8. "Unchained" (5:38) 9. "Glory to the Brave" (7:21)

A friend turned me on to this band by sending me one song on a tape; "The Dragon Lies Bleeding." Suffice it to say, I was blown away. Hammerfall play power metal in the tradition of Judas Priest, Manowar, and Iron Maiden, yet they remain fresh sounding. I heard at the time that this was one of Nuclear Blast's biggest sellers and I can see why. In a time when metal has been so blurred with other influences, it's refreshing to hear a band stay so close to their roots and put out a real HEAVY METAL album. "Glory to the Brave" is no frills heavy metal, not overly progressive, not even down-tuned, just speed-laden, melodic, grandiose anthems about honor, glory, and slaying dragons. "Children of the Damned" is a Warlord cover.

Hammerfall-Glory to the Brave (Nuclear Blast) 1997

1. "Glory To The Brave" (Radio Version) (5:02)
2. "Ravenlord" (3:31)
3. "The Metal Age" (Live in Wacken 1997) (4:33)
4. "Glory To The Brave" (album version) (7:19)

The first single to be released by Hammerfall. What makes this single a necessity is the excellent cover of Stormwitch's "Ravenlord." The live track is a nice addition as well. The CD is wrapped in a slim case.

Hammerfall-Heeding the Call EP (Nuclear Blast/Germany) 1998

1. "Heeding the Call" (4:23)
2. "Eternal Dark" (3:10)
3. "The Metal Age" [live] (4:24)
4. "Steel Meets Steel" [live] (4:34)
5. "Stone Cold" [live] (7:00)

This was the prerelease EP to the album "Legacy of Kings." The three live tracks are reason enough to own this EP. All three were recorded live at Musikens Hus. Goteborg, January 30th 1998. Hammerfall is a band that enjoys doing a lot of crowd interaction in their live sets. "Eternal Dark" is a studio track that did not make it onto "Legacy. 'Eternal Dark' was originally recorded by a band called Picture. (Thanks Kurt.)

HammerFall-Legacy of Kings (Nuclear Blast) 1998

1. "Heeding the Call" (4:30) 2. "Legacy of Kings" (4:13) 3. "Let the Hammer Fall" (4:16) 4. "Dreamland" (5:42) 5. "Remember Yesterday" (5:05) 6. "At the End of the Rainbow" (4:05) 7. "Back to Back" (3:39) 8. "Stronger than All" (4:29) 9. "Warriors of the Faith" (4:45) 10. "The Fallen One" (4:23)

"Legacy" is an excellent follow up to the earth shattering "Glory to the Brave." Stronger, heavier, and plenty of sing-along, melodic vocal hooks. The lyrics continue in the Manowar tradition of the strength of metal. Songs like "Warriors of the Faith" speak of metal in an almost holy manner. Of course none of my local stores were stocking this, so I had to special order it. Paid a premium price, but it was worth it. "Back to Back" is a Pretty Maids cover.

Hammerfall-I Want Out (Nuclear Blast) 1999

1. "I Want Out" (4:37)
2. "At the End of the Rainbow" (4:06)
3. "Man on the Silver Mountain" (3:24)
4. "Glory to the Brave" [video]

Hammerfall team up with ex-Helloween/current Gamma Ray guitarist Kai Hansen to cover a couple of their favorites; Helloweens "I Want Out" and Dio-era Rainbow "Man on the Silver Mountain." The Dio song is also on the Holy Dio tribute. This is an enhance CD and contains a full video of "Glory to the Brave."

Hammerfall - Renegade EP (Nuclear Blast) 2000

1. "Renegade" (4:24)
2. "Run With The Devil" (3:39)
3. "Head Over Heels" (4:35)

This EP is essential for the excellent version of Accept's "Head Over Heels," in which Joacim and Udo share lead vocals. The two vocalists really stand out from one another, but the song sounds great. "Run With the Devil" is another unreleased track, and is a cover of a Swedish band called Heavy Load. This CD also has video material with "behind the scenes" footage from the "Renegade" recording sessions. This disc was released as a prerelease to the album to prime interest and sales.

Hammerfall-Renegade (Nuclear Blast) 2000

1. "Templairs of Steel" (5:24) 2. "Keep the Flame Burning" (4:39) 3. "Renegade" (4:21) 4. "Living In Victory" (4:42) 5. "Always Will Be" (4:49) 6. "The Way of the Warrior" (4:06) 7. "Destined for Glory" (5:09) 8. "The Champion" (4:56) 9. "Raise the Hammer" [instrumental] (3:22) 10. "A Legend Reborn" (5:10)

Hammerfall-Renegade (Nuclear Blast) 2000

1. "Templairs of Steel" (5:24) 2. "Keep the Flame Burning" (4:39) 3. "Renegade" (4:21) 4. "Living In Victory" (4:42) 5. "Always Will Be" (4:49) 6. "The Way of the Warrior" (4:06) 7. "Destined for Glory" (5:09) 8. "The Champion" (4:56) 9. "Raise the Hammer" [instrumental] (3:22) 10. "A Legend Reborn" (5:10)

A special limited edition sawblade cut CD of "Renegade." A nice collector's disc that actually plays, although only in certain players. My particular copy is autographed by Magnus Rosén. For a complete review, see the Renegade review above.

Hammerfall - Always Will Be (Nuclear Blast/Germany) 2001

1. "Always Will Be" (4:49)
2. "The Fallen One" (4:21)
3. "Always Will Be" [acoustic version] (4:49)
4. "Breaking the Law" (2:12)

Nice digi-pak EP single from Germany. The CD itself is strange in that you can see through it. The outer 2 inches of the CD is clear and only the inner inch or so is actually silver. Anyhow, "Always Will Be" is a ballad from "Renegade," "The Fallen One" is a ballad from "Legacy of Kings." "Breaking the Law" is a Judas Priest cover in which all the members of Hammerfall trade instruments. Unfortunately, this means that Oscar Dronjak does the vocals. Would have rather have heard Joachim Cans belt out this metal classic, but it's a fun rendition nonetheless.

Hammerfall - Hearts on Fire (Nuclear Blast/Germany) 2002

1. "Hearts On Fire" (3:54)
2. "We're Gonna Make It Heeding" (3:36)
3. "Heeding the Call" [live] (4:42)
4. "Heeding the Call [CD-ROM video]

Prerelease digi-pack single for "Crimson Thunder" featuring the single "Hearts on Fire". This particular track, while not one of the band's fastest or heaviest, is nonetheless an infectious anthem that will stick in your head like glue within a listen or two. Track number two is a non-album track that is a cover of Twisted Sister's "We're Gonna Make It". This song was originally recorded for the 'Twisted Forever' tribute. While Hammerfall is one of my favorite bands, they just don't have the NYC attitude to pull off a song by Dee Snider. When the band goes into their "we are Hammerfall from fu**ing Sweden" they just sound juvenile. Joachim just doesn't have the right attitude and tone to pull that off. Track three is a stellar live version of "Heeding the Call" recorded at the Wacken Festival in Germany. Perhaps if Hammerfall releases enough singles we will eventually have the entire Wacken show. :-) For some reason Nuclear Blast felt that the single only warranted release in Europe and not in the U.S., so I had to rely on the kindness of friends to snag this one for me. (Thanks again Kurt.)

Hammerfall - Crimson Thunder (Nuclear Blast) 2002

1. "Riders Of The Storm" (4:34) 2. "Hearts On Fire" (3:51) 3. "On The Edge Of Honour" (4:49) 4. "Crimson Thunder" (5:05) 5. "Lore Of The Arcane" [instrumental] (1:27) 6. "Trailblazers" (4:39) 7. "Dreams Come True" (4:02) 8. "Angel Of Mercy" (5:38) 9. "The Unforgiving Blade" (3:40) 10. "In Memoriam" [instrumental] (4:21) 11. "Hero's Return" (5:23) BONUS TRACK 12. "Detroit Rock City" (3:55)

I have a hard time being bias when it comes to Hammerfall. Each and every disc they have released since "Glory to the Brave" has captivated me. Galloping heavy metal with Joacim Cans signature, melodic vocal harmonies. "Crimson Thunder" doesn't stray from where the last three albums let off, however, I would say that Crimson Thunder is a bit more aggressive and better produced than "Renegade." Within two spins of this CD, I was already singing along to anthemic choruses like "Heart's On Fire", which I also believe is the first single from this album. While I really think this is just a solid album from beginning to end, there are some standout tracks like the infectious "Riders on the Storm" and the galloping instrumental track "In Memoriam". Once again, Hammerfall prove to my why they have become one of my favorite bands. They are unapologetic about their love for real metal and it shows in each and every note they play. "Angel Of Mercy" is a Chastain cover-tune. Oh, and finishing off with a Kiss cover certainly left a smile on this old headbanger's face, although I must confess that the Swedish rockers don't really have the NYC attitude to pull of a Kiss cover. This track is listed as a bonus track and is exclusive to the U.S. release.

Hammerfall - One Crimson Night (Nuclear Blast) 2003

DISC ONE 1. "Lore of the Arcane" (1:44) 2. "Riders of the Storm" (4:54) 3. "Heeding The Call" (5:00) 4. "Stone Cold" (7:10) 5. "Hero's Return" (4:37) 6. "Legacy of Kings" (4:45) 7. "Bass solo: Magnus Rosén" (3:37) 8. "At the End of the Rainbow" (4:33) 9. "The Way of the Warrior" (4:03) 10. "The Unforgiving Blade" (03:49) 11. "Glory to the Brave" (6:35) 12. "Guitar solo: Stefan Elmgren" (2:43) 13. "Let The Hammer Fall" (5:50) DISC TWO 14. "Renegade" (3:54) 15. "Steel Meets Steel" (4:37) 16. "Crimson Thunder" (7:29) 17. "Templars of Steel" (6:10) 18. "Hearts on Fire" (4:03) 19. "Hammerfall" (8:24) BONUS TRACKS 20. "The Dragon Lies Bleeding" (5:06) 21. "Stronger Than All" (4:29) 22. "A Legend Reborn" (5:10)

What can I say? It's live Hammerfall, so I love it! It seems over the past few years Hammerfall have become the band that it is cool to hate, in metal circles. Not sure what the deal is with the hatred this band has garnered, but I think it is undeserved. Honestly I think that when a band begins to become popular in the mainstream, suddenly it becomes uncool to like them to the die-hard underground metal heads. The thing is, Hammerfall did it on their own terms. They haven't sold out to any trends. They still wave their metal freak flag high and proud. Some have stated that the band members are not deserving of the popularity because they are not as talented as some lesser known bands. So freakin' what! It matters not the range of talent of the members. They take what talent they do have and they use it quite well. Perhaps something could be said of their love for ballads and sing-along anthems, but since when is this a problem in heavy metal? Judas Priest has been doing it since the 70's without retribution. "Once Crimson Night" is a testament to the band's excellent catalogue of metal tunes, their talent, and their showmanship. Having seen Hammerfall in concert this past year, I know for a fact that they don't fail to put on an entertaining, powerful and energetic live performance. This CD does a good job of capturing that energy. Everything from the tight song deliveries, to the crowd interaction, to the various solos are all in place. The sound quality is stellar as well. Minor complaint is that the in between song banter isn't in English, so I can't understand a word of it. Not a big deal though. On top of the complete Göthenborg, Sweden show that was recoded on Febuary 20th, 2003, there are also three bonus tracks that were recorded in various locations. Thankfully, one of my favorite Hammerfall tracks ("The Dragon Lies Bleeding") was included in these bonus tracks, otherwise I would have been a bit disappointed. So, mock if you will. As for me, I'll be jamming to this excellent live album; head banging and fist in the air. Long live Hammerfall! Long live heavy metal!

Hammerfall - One Crimson Night (Nuclear Blast/DVD) 2003

1. "Lore Of The Arcane" (1:44)
2. "Riders Of The Storm" (4:54)
3. "Heeding The Call" (5:00)
4. "Stone Cold" (7:11)
5. "Hero's Return" (4:37)
6. "Legacy Of Kings" (4:46)
7. "Bass Solo: Magnus Rosen" (3:37)
8. "At The End Of The Rainbow" (4:34)
9. "The Way Of The Warrior" (4:03)
10. "The Unforgiving Blade" (3:49)
11. "Glory To The Brave" (6:35)
12. "Guitar Solo: Stefan Elmgren" (2:43)
13. "Let The Hammer Fall" (5:51)
14. "Renegade" (3:54)
15. "Steel Meets Steel" (4:37)
16. "Crimson Thunder" (7:30)
17. "Templars Of Steel" (6:10)
18. Golden Album Award
19. "Hearts On Fire" (4:03)
20. "Hammerfall" (8:24)

The DVD version of "One Crimson Night" shows Hammerfall in front of a raging crowd in their hometown. Hammerfall's years of touring show here, as they put on a worthy performance. Having seen Hammerfall in the U.S., it's interesting to see how much more popular they are in other countries. I have seen them in clubs, usually as an opening act. Here they put on a headline performance complete with pyrotechnics that would make Kiss proud. I must confess that I tend to listen to music more than I watch it, so this DVD won't get anywhere near the playtime of the CD version, but this is a nice addition to the collection nonetheless.

Hammerfall - Chapter V : Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken (Nuclear Blast Records) 2005

1. "Secrets" (6:06)
2. "Blood Bound" (3:49)
3. "Fury of the Wild" (4:44)
4. "Hammer of Justice" (4:38)
5. "Never, Ever" (4:06)
6. "Born to Rule" (4:08)
7. "The Templar Flame" (3:41)
8. "Imperial [instrumental] (2:30)
9. "Take the Black" (4:47)
10. "Knights of the 21st Century" (10:19)

2005 and Hammerfall are still going strong. Hammerfall make no apologies for their sound or for their love of metal. They aren't trying to "progress" to a new song, nor are they trying to break down any new doors musically. It's all about keeping that metal flame alive, and certainly they accomplish that here. So, there are no great surprises here other than the inclusion of guest vocals Cronos (Venom) on track ten. If you already know and love Hammerfall, you will most likely enjoy this disc as well. If you already hated them, chances are that "Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken" won't change any minds. As with past discs, this one contains some killer material, with those galloping riffs, dual guitar solos, and helium high vocals. What surprised me a bit was that the band has a less "commercial" sound than on their two previous releases. The production here goes back to the first couple of releases and retains a slightly less polished sound. Also, there are no obvious attempts at singles here like "Heart of Fire" from their "Crimson Thunder" CD. However, there are some very strong songs on this CD. "Secrets" start things off with a big headbanging opus. as well, "Blood Bound", "Hammer Of Justice", "The Templar Flame" and "Take The Black" are also stellar Hammerfall tracks. "Knights of the 21st Century" is a bit of a grower. I have never been to fond of Cronos' lethal growl, save for a song or two. I think it works here as well, but the song suffers a bit from over a minute of pointless, ambient intro and two minutes of blank fadeout at the end of the song before Cronos is reintroduced for a short 15 second spoken word outro. Otherwise, I can find little fault with this one and am thoroughly enjoying it. Templars fly your metal freak flags, Hammerfall is here to stay.

Hammerfall - Threshold (Nuclear Blast) 2006

1. "Threshold" (4:43)
2. "The Fire Burns Forever" (3:20)
3. "Rebel Inside" (5:32)
4. "Natural High" (4:13)
5. "Dark Wings, Dark Words" (5:01)
6. "Howlin' With The Pac" (4:04)
7. "Shadow Empire" (5:13)
8. "Carved In Stone" (6:10)
9. "Reign Of The Hammer" [instrumental] (2:48)
10. "Genocide" (4:41)
11. "Titan" (4:24)

Hammerfall return in '06 with yet another album chock full of fists-in-the-air, sing-along, heavy metal anthems. Hammerfall are not a band that does a lot of experimenting with their sound, so really there are no surprises here. There are solid, heavy metal tracks like "Natural High", "Shadow Empire" and "Carved In Stone", as well as the ballad "Dark Wings, Dark Words". In my opinion this is one of the band's better ballads with it's dark, erie mood and atmosphere. On slight surprise is the use of keyboards in the instrumental "Reign of the Hammer", however, even this song sounds like Hammerfall. So, "Threshold" is not a radical departure from their true metal roots, which will please most longtime fans. With any Hammerfall album, many metal fans seem to either love or hate the vocals. I think Joacim Cans vocals are one of the strongest weapons in the Hammerfall arsenal. His voice is clear and powerful with the range and emotion needed to bring the epic, fantasy based lyrics to life. Yes, sometimes his hyper-high vocals border on cheesiness, but that's part of the fun of Hammerfall. Joacim is the character of Hammerfall. He gives the band distinction from the hordes of Euro-power metal bands currently flooding the market. Charlie Bauerfeind's production here is crisp and clear, yet still maintains a heavy, powerful sound. Despite my somewhat glowing review thus far, "Threshold" will probably not rank among my favorite Hammerfall albums. They have yet to top "Glory to the Brave" or "Legacy of Kings" with any release, in my opinion. However, I do find albums like "Renegade" and "Crimson Thunder" to be very good and and "Threshold" holds up nicely in comparison and may be even a step above their last album, "Chapter V : Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken".

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