HammerFall Discography

HammerFall's beginnings are tied to the Melodic Death Metal scene that exploded in the early to mid 90's. Founder Oscar Dronjak had previously been in the Death Metal band Ceremonial Oath where he played guitar and did vocals. After leaving that band, he released a frenetic album called "Far Beyond Divine Horizons" with his new band Crystal Age. By this time, Dronjak had already begun writing songs for HammerFall. He paired together with Jesper Stromblad (In Flames) as they set out to return to a more traditional Heavy Metal sound. These two, along with two members of Dark Tranquility, Mikael Stanne and Niklas Sundin, solidified the initial lineup of HammerFall. At this point, the individual's other bands took priority; however, HammerFall was still intent on playing shows. HammerFall's most important show was Rockslaget where Mikael Stanne could not perform. It was at this show that current vocalist Joacim Cans took over the microphone. At the time, Cans had just finished his education at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. He once mentioned in an interview that if the gig with HammerFall didn't work out, he would be quitting the music business forever. Luckily, Cans considered Rockslaget enough of a success that he stayed to record the band's debut album, Glory to the Brave.

HammerFall - Glory to the Brave - June 27th, 1997 - Nuclear Blast Records



Track Listing:

1. "The Dragon Lies Bleeding" - 4:22
2. "The Metal Age" - 4:28
3. "HammerFall" - 4:47
4. "I Believe" - 4:53
5. "Child of the Damned" (Warlord cover) - 3:42
6. "Steel Meets Steel" - 4:02
7. "Stone Cold" -5:43
8. "Unchained" - 5:38
9. "Glory to the Brave" - 7:20
10. "Ravenlord" (Stormwitch cover) (Bonus track) - 3:31

Joacim Cans - vocals, background harmonies
Oscar Dronjak - guitar, backing vocals
Fredrik Larsson - bass guitar, backing vocals
Glenn Ljungström - guitar
Patrik Räfling - drums

Stefan Elmgren - guitars (track 4 only)

Glory to the Brave was HammerFall's first album and my personal favourite. Many people credit HammerFall (and more specifically this album and its follow-up) with creating a huge amount of interest in Power Metal. "Steel Meets Steel" was the first HammerFall song ever written (long before this lineup of the band was secured). Despite what the liner notes of the album say, Jesper Stromblad (In Flames) did not actually play on this album. Nevertheless, he co-wrote several songs on this album, including the band's title track.

This album was released at a pretty defining point for Power Metal. The more melodic scene had yet to explode. All of the giants were still releasing albums (Helloween, Stratovarius, Blind Guardian, and Gamma Ray), but it wasn't until the late 90's that bands began to spring up everywhere. Despite the influence that this album has had, I have yet to hear a band that has blatantly ripped off HammerFall.

Looking through the track listing, it's hard to pick a favourite. I think we can all agree that the Dragon Lies Bleeding is one of the most amazing HammerFall songs written. Stone Cold is really cool too, especially because of the opening guitar solo. The title track is a fantastic song and really lets Joacim shine. I've also always liked the track "HammerFall" because of the lyrics at the end:

"Just follow your heart, don't listen to the crowd
The wisdom, the voice is calling from inside"

Here are a couple favourites:

WoW!!! That was quick, I know next to nothing on this band, but excellent first posting and look forward to following along even if I have nothing to contribute to this thread.

I first heard about HammerFall due to a rave review of GLORY TO THE BRAVE in Metal Maniacs magazine. At the time (1997) metal seemed to be making a bit of a comeback after being in a slump for a number of years. Quite a few of the "old guard" bands had released strong albums during that year (i.e. Judas Priest's JUGULATOR, Bruce Dickinson's ACCIDENT OF BIRTH, Overkill's FROM THE UNDERGROUND AND BELOW) and HammerFall seemed to be hyped as the first big "new" band of metal's resurgence.

As luck would have it, I happened to find a used copy of GLORY TO THE BRAVE at Vintage Vinyl Records in New Jersey shortly after reading that review so I snapped it up and was glad I did. The swords-n-dungeons-n-dragons imagery seemed a little cheesy but what the hell, Manowar had been doing it forever and it worked for them. Overall GLORY TO THE BRAVE was a well played record with some great songs ("Stone Cold," "Steel Meets Steel," and the cover of Warlord's "Child of the Damned" in particular). I was impressed and put HammerFall on my list of "bands to watch."

Cool ! I really like HammerFall but am missing a few discs in their catalog (including the debut) so this will be a fun read.

Brilliant album! It was the song "The Dragon Lies Bleeding" that pulled me in and made me a fan. It was actually on a "mix tape" that a friend made me with a bunch of heavy metal and power metal. "Dragon Lies..." blew me away, so I drove down to the local CD store and special ordered this album. It dominated my CD player form months on end. "Stone Cold," "Steel Meets Steel," and the cover of Warlord's "Child of the Damned" are all great songs, but honestly, I feel it's just a strong record from beginning to end.

"What's all the fuss about?", was my first reaction upon listening to this album. This was Nuclear Blast's biggest selling band at the time, and all the metal magazines praised this new band. Of course it all came clear to me when I listened to the now classic album again and again. HammerFall set out to create music that they love and grew up with. In 1997 being a lover of classic metal was laughed at. The metal scene had been pushed back to an almost obscure underground movement again, and only the more aggressive styles, such as death metal and especially black metal, were getting all the press. But luckily Nuclear Blast saw the potential in this band, and especially one of the employees there put a lot of faith in the boys. The result is truly one of the best albums to come out in the 90's. Actually it's one of the best metal albums ever, and for a debut-album, it's INCREDIBLE! 'Glory To The Brave' ended up, nearly single-handedly, reviving the classic metal scene, and helped spawn what many today call power metal (not to be confused with the US power metal scene). What I think the boys did so well was to capture that metal spirit. They showed the love that we all share for heavy metal, and didn't want to be modern, stay current or even compromise in any way, shape or form. But rather they played the music they love, dressed like their heroes from the 80's, and they did it without the militant, overtly serious overtone. They knew they were cheesy, but they didn't try to hide it, they embraced it! And for that they will always have my respect. Oh, and one cannot overlook the fact that the songs they wrote are all great too! "Child Of The Damned" is a Warlord cover.

It's great to hear all of these stories. I can't imagine how exciting it must have been to hear something like this in 1997. kmorg hit it right on the head about the band being cheesy, but not in a super serious way. I've always contended that if you aren't afraid to have fun with Metal, HammerFall is one of the best bands there is (and that's also the reason they seem to get bashed a lot).

By the way, would you guys prefer an update every week or every 3 days? I'm leaning more towards every 3 days, but if you guys want otherwise, that's fine as well.

The original singer from Phoenix Reign turned me onto HammerFall. He actually turned me onto a lot of power metal bands that I have never heard of. Every time we would have practice he would bring me tapes of all sorts of bands. I don't remember Hammerfall ever being on one of those cassettes but he always told me about them and to check into them. He said they sounded like Kiske era Helloween.

Well, with that description how could I pass the band up? This is when the album was still pretty new at the time. I finally came across the cd and I was really excited to hear this band that supposedly sounded like Helloween (the best band in the world ).

The first song came on and I was like, hmmm this doesn't really sound like Helloween. Then the vocals hit and I thought, wow this really doesn't sound anything like Helloween. I actually didn't really care for it at all. It was too weak, next to what it was compared to. I even saw reviews and people talking about how great Hammerfall was and I just didn't really see it at the time.

I decided to keep listening to it over and over again and it finally clicked with me. Yes the vocals are really weak and to this day I still don't think Joacim is a great vocalist, but theres just something with the music and vocals together that kind of work in a odd way.

When the video for Glory To The Brave came out that song really grew on me. The video was extremely corney but it was catchy and just an awesome ballad.

I heard of them but never heard them till I got one of those Nuclear Blast comp. DVDs

Kinda/Sorta interested in checking out the early stuff.

HammerFall - Legacy of Kings - Sepember 28th, 1998 - Nuclear Blast Records



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" 5:04
6. "At the End of the Rainbow" 4:05
7. "Back to Back" (Pretty Maids cover) 3:39
8. "Stronger Than All" 4:29
9. "Warriors of Faith" 4:45
10. "The Fallen One" 4:23

Joacim Cans - vocals
Oscar Dronjak - Guitar, backing vocals
Stefan Elmgren - Lead guitar
Magnus Rosén - Bass
Patrik Räfling - drums

Legacy of Kings was the second full-length release by HammerFall and is what many consider to be their prime. If Glory to the Brave created a buzz among the Power Metal world, then Legacy of Kings is certainly what made it explode. Although more recent HammerFall setlists seem to be spread among all 8 albums, Legacy of Kings is by far the most represented album with "Heeding the Call" and "Let The Hammer Fall" being played at nearly every show. The title track and "At the End of the Rainbow" are also very popular live choices.

Despite the fact that I actually prefer the debut, I think Legacy of Kings has a number of the strongest HammerFall tracks. Picking a personal favourite is hard, but I think the first 6 songs and "Stronger Than All" are far superior to the other 3 tracks. "Remember Yesterday" is most certainly HammerFall's strongest ballad. I will also say that "Dreamland" might be the most underrated HammerFall song ever. I've never seen it in one of their live setlists and I've never really even heard anyone talk about the song.

One of the biggest highlights of any HammerFall album is the guitar solo on "At the End of the Rainbow". Oscar Dronjak does not play nearly as many solos; however, he does play this one. Some other great moments occur in Heeding the Call, as that song is designed for you to sing along, with the ever-popular "whoa-oh-oh" parts. As a whole, this is quite possibly HammerFall's strongest album, and although the following album has a similar sound, I have seen many fans argue that HammerFall made a huge change after this album.

*As a side note, I was out of town last weekend, but I will be switching to updates every 3 days instead of every week.

I think it is their strongest album and probably their last really great album all the way through.

Second album from Sweden's finest, and a good follow-up indeed. I don't like it as much as the first, and it is the HammerFall album I listen the least to, but that don't make it a bad album at all. Solid heavy metal, firmly rooted in the 1980's! HammerFall are now a band you can count on to deliver the goods! Great melodies combined with no holds barred heavy metal! "Back To Back" is a Pretty Maids cover.

I also own several EP's ans singles released after GTTB and before LOK.

A great follow-up! Stronger, heavier, and plenty of sing-along, melodic vocal hooks. "Let the Hammer Fall "is Hammerfall's signature track.

This was the first Hammerfall I heard and I loved it. Really good tunes on it,especially Heeding The Call and Let The Hammer Fall.My version,which I found in a local used store, is a Russian copy (I think) and includes the extra tracks Eternal Dark and the Rainbow cover Man On The Silver Mountain.

When I started visting Ult's site way back when, I read about all kinds of bands that I missed out on. Hammerfall was one of many that intrigued me. I owned both Glory to the Brave and the follow-up Legacy of Kings at one point. I believe I found both of them used in FYE at different times.

I can't say I recall anything about either album, with the exception of the song 'Let the Hammer Fall'. That song was badass. Anyway, after my brief love affair with this new breed of European power metal ended a few years ago, most of my discs of that genre were traded or sold off, including these 2 from Hammerfall. Haven't looked back since.

These guys seem to be good at what they do. It's just that what they do isn't of interest to me anymore.

HammerFall - Renegade - October 9, 2000 - Nuclear Blast Records



1. "Templars of Steel" 5:26
2. "Keep the Flame Burning" 4:41
3. "Renegade" 4:23
4. "Living in Victory" 4:44
5. "Always Will Be" 4:51
6. "The Way of the Warrior" 4:08
7. "Destined for Glory" 5:11
8. "The Champion" 4:58
9. "Raise the Hammer" (Instrumental) 3:24
10. "A Legend Reborn" 5:10

Joacim Cans - Lead & backing vocals
Oscar Dronjak - Guitars & backing vocals
Stefan Elmgren - Guitars & backing vocals
Magnus Rosén - Bass guitar
Anders Johansson - Drums

Renegade, HammerFall's third album, is often where many fans perceive a dip in quality. Jesper Stromblad's writing became less prominent, as it would be his last songwriting effort with HammerFall for almost a decade. Former Yngwie Malmsteen drummer Anders Johansson took over the kit on this album and remains with the band today. "Templars of Steel" became a concert favourite, but "Renegade", "The Way of the Warrior", and "A Legend Reborn" have also been popular choices.

I will agree that this album is worse than the first two, but only because those albums were godly. This seems to be one of the more underrated HammerFall albums. I've never heard anyone mention songs like "Keep the Flame Burning", "Living in Victory", or "Destined for Glory", despite the fact that they are all amazing. I would love to hear any of those songs live!

This album was no doubt the most prominent sign that HammerFall began to move into a Power Metal sound that took more influence from Accept, Manowar, and Judas Priest. "Templars of Steel" is a pounding anthem of Metal, not unlike "Warriors of the World United" by Manowar. Ultimately, this was the direction that HammerFall pursued on their future albums.

Templars of Steel is probably the best track off this album for me; overall, the album lost a bit of the novelty that the first two albums had. Though the album's not bad, it's not one of their best, IMO.

Reading through my HammerFall page on Metal Metropolis it is evident that I need to severly update my original write-ups! Here is what I originally had to say about Renegade:

Now, what? Recording a heavy metal album in the land of country & western music, Nashville!?! At first this record seemed week. The production just didn't cut it for me. But after a few spins (read: 15), it came clear to me that this was classic HammerFall stuff. Maybe the strongest songwriting so far. Hope they find a better sound for their next record though.

Killer tracks: Renegade, Always Will Be, The Way Of The Warrior, The Champion

I actually listened to this album only a few days ago, and it is really good! At least half of the songs are classics!

Renegade is a very solid follow-up Legacy Of Kings. I don't feel it's that less than it's predecessor. Lots of cool tunes on it and the band sounds tight. My favorite track on it is Way Of The Warrior.

HammerFall - Crimson Thunder - October 28th, 2002 - Nuclear Blast Records



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" 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

Joacim Cans - Lead & backing vocals
Oscar Dronjak - Lead & Rhythm guitars, Backing vocals
Stefan Elmgren - Lead, rhythm & acoustic guitars, Backing vocals
Magnus Rosén - Bass guitar
Anders Johansson - Drums & percussion

The fourth HammerFall album, Crimson Thunder, followed the Heavy Metal influenced style of the last album. This album features more pounding Metal anthems, with an increased emphasis on catchy songs rather than speed. The album also features what is arguably HammerFall's most popular song, "Hearts on Fire". Other popular tracks include the title track and the album opener. "In Memoriam" was the second of three Stefan Elmgren penned instrumentals. This album is also the first one since Glory to the Brave to feature a cover. Once again, HammerFall picks a fantastic track in Chastain's "Angel of Mercy".

I think this might be the most essential HammerFall album. Every song is unbelievably catchy, and the first four tracks are one of the most devastating series of HammerFall songs. Whenever I think of this album, the only thing I can hear in my head is: "follow the signs of the crimson thunder". I have heard this album get a bit of hate, mainly because of the lack of speed, but I consider this to be the most common HammerFall sound, as it stuck around for the following three albums (and can even be traced back to "At the End of the Rainbow" on Legacy of Kings).

I've got to say, my favorite track off this album was Angel Of Mercy. It's phenomenal, really, and the rest of the album is fairly great, too. Overall just a high quality chunk of metal.

Good album. HammerFall are highly consistent and I have to agree about the first 4 songs on here being a great series of songs. I don't think you can go wrong with Crimson Thunder.

After Crimson Thunder, HammerFall released One Crimson Night (more on that after we finish the studio albums); however, Oscar Dronjak broke his arm shortly afterwards, putting HammerFall on the sidelines for a while. It was during this time that vocalist Joacim Cans released his solo album: Cans - Beyond the Gates. Once Dronjak was returned to full health, the band began work on their fifth album.

HammerFall - Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken - March 7th, 2005 - Nuclear Blast
Records



1. "Secrets" 6:06
2. "Blood Bound" 3:49
3. "Fury of the Wild" 4:44
4. "Hammer of Justice" 4:37
5. "Never, Ever" 4:05
6. "Born to Rule" 4:08
7. "The Templar Flame" 3:41
8. "Imperial" (Instrumental) 2:29
9. "Take the Black" 4:46
10. "Knights of the 21st Century" 12:19

Joacim Cans - Lead & backing vocals
Oscar Dronjak - Guitars & backing vocals
Stefan Elmgren - Guitars
Magnus Rosén - Bass Guitar
Anders Johansson - Drums
Conrad "Cronos" Lant - Additional vocals on "Knights of the 21st Century"

Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken, was the 5th HammerFall album and is another very underrated release. "Blood Bound" is the band's attempt at writing "Hearts on Fire Pt. II", and was by no means a failure, as it became the live staple from this album. Rather than having a Stefan Elmgren instrumental, Dronjak decided to write his own piece, creating an interesting acoustic number titled "Imperial". The final track on the album features Venom vocalist Cronos; however, it is an extremely lengthy number that is somewhat misguided at times.

This was my first HammerFall album, and it still contains many of my favourites. Besides the obvious "Blood Bound", "Hammer of Justice", "Born to Rule", and "The Templar Flame" are all standouts. The only time this album ever really comes short is one the longer numbers. For my full review, check out: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/HammerFall/Chapter_V%3A_Unbent%2C_Unbowed%2C_Unbroken/65599/Spiner202