Hammerfall, let’s get it said, are probably the best power metal band around. That’s true because of the simple fact that they mean it. Every word.
As the title track kicks off in a kind of mid-paced chugger of a way, it might be worth having a list of “givens” so that we don’t have to mention them again.
These will do – assume all these exist unless otherwise stated:
– Bombast
– Thunder
– Soaring
– Heavy metal is a religion and anyone who sings it is an invading army
I would have added “incredible guitar solos and tech wizardry,” but in truth, that wouldn’t have given much to fill the rest with.
Okay, I’m half-joking here (hell, I’m as big a fan of the band as anyone), but what they prove again and again – as on “The End Justifies” – is that they understand melody and pacing better than most.
What it means is on the brilliant “Freedom,” where things get genuinely heavy, it works even better.
“Hail To The King” gets its fists up (and that should have gone on the list too) and is absolutely proud of doing just that.
The best way to put it is this: when they do “Hero To All” – placed right in the middle of the record – it’s that sound that people who don’t like heavy metal think all heavy metal has. Singer Joacim Cans is in stunning form throughout but never better than here.
In interviews, he’s spoken about the band wanting to challenge themselves. It feels that the wonderful ballad “Hope Springs Eternal” does just that. As epic as anything on the “Frozen” soundtrack, it’s almost prog. It’s not denim and leather, certainly.
All of this makes the thrash freak out of “Burn It Down” even more powerful, and if it is not thrash in the sort of hi-tops sense, then listen to the double kick drumming. My goodness! That Olympics 100m had nothing on what David Wallin does here!
The vocals were recorded and produced by Jay Ruston (Black Star Riders, Stone Sour), a fan of the band, with the music being done in Sweden. And although the techniques are more modern, the record sonically could have come out at any time in Hammerfall’s history. Pontus Norgren and Oscar Dronjak are formidable at the best of times, but their riffing on “Capture The Dream” and “Rise Of Evil” – perhaps the heaviest thing on offer here – is absolutely from the top draw.
Everything here is. The last one, “Time Immemorial” has an ominous beginning that surely has the likes of Tobias Sammet looking on enviously.
Hammerfall has never made a bad record, and the reason is wrapped up in these words from Dronjak: “The music I write is the music that I love and believe in. Heavy metal can’t be faked, and that’s a fact!”
And I don’t care who you are, if you truly believe in what you do, then no one else’s opinion matters.
As I’m writing a review, though, it’s kind of to offer one, so let’s keep it simple: “Avenge The Fallen” is utterly superb.
Rating: 9/10
