My fears after hearing the first single were blown to bits after the first listen to 'Crimson Thunder'! HammerFall are still as good as ever, and their 4th album doesn't stand back to anything else these Swedes have delivered in the past. It might not be as exciting as it used to be, but they are still a good metal band. The formula is still the same: a large chunk of Accept mixed with just about all the other 80's metal band, and you get HammerFall. It seems that they are a little more heavier on 'Crimson Thunder'. And I also find this to be their most diverse album to date. I only wish that Joacim could find a way to tone down the higher notes a bit. He sounds way better when he's not trying to break a glass with his voice all the time. But if you are a fan, this is a safe buy! "Angel Of Mercy" is a Chastain cover-tune. On this European digi-pack you also get the Yngwie Malmsteen cover, "Rising Force". But I've learned that the US version includes the Kiss cover "Detroit Rock City" instead! Aaaargghhhh, why do these bands to this to their fans! Now I need to get that one as well.

Killer tracks: Riders Of The Storm, Crimson Thunder, Trailblazers, The Unforgivable Blade

HammerFall quickly became a band I bought every release from, and preferably on the day of the release. And so was the case with 'Chapter V' also. You know what you get when you put on a HammerFall release. Unfortunately it seems that no band can continue to deliver exciting releases time after time, over and over, without ever failing. And to me, this is one of those albums that doesn't really grab me the way I'd like it too. Not that it is a total failure, as it contains some really strong tunes. It's just that it also contains some really stinkers. I mean, "Fury Of The Wild" and "Born To Rule" are not good songs. I do love "Blood Bound", "The Templar Flame" and "Take The Black" though. And I think "Knights Of The 21st Century" will eventually grow on me too, with the addition of one Cronos as guest growler/screamer. "Chapter V...." is the bands most diverse album. It doesn't sound as heavy as their previous efforts, but it it is still 80's metal to the bone! I've read an interview where Oscar and Joacim tells that they had to scratch some tunes because they were not happy with the outcome of them, as they did not get that good feeling they usually do when they write new songs. And this might be the problem the entire album suffers from. Maybe the band was not that into it when they recorded it?

Killer tracks: Blood Bound, Hammer Of Justice, The Templar Flame, Take The Black

Geez, I'm falling behind here...

I dig both RENEGADE and CRIMSON THUNDER (especially C.T.'s title track... "follow the siiiiign... of the Crimmmsoonnnnnn Thunnnnnn-da!") to some extent, but by this time it became pretty obvious (to me anyway) that HF were gonna be one of those bands who record the same album over and over again. Which works for some bands (i.e. AC/DC, Motorhead, the Ramones, etc.) but for some reason HammerFall's formula, while fun to listen to, didn't have quite the same staying power for me.

I still dig the band and enjoy what they do but after C.T. I didn't feel a burning desire to keep buying their stuff. As with many of the other Euro-Power-Metal acts that cropped up around this same time period (late 90s), they started out strong, shot their wad early on and then simply continued to spin their wheels in the same rut.

IMO of course. I will now put on my crash helmet cuz I bet I'm going to be the target of a lot of thrown rocks.

HammerFall - Threshold - October 20th, 2006 - Nuclear Blast
Records



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" 2:48
10. "Genocide" 4:41
11. "Titan" 4:24

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

In 2006, HammerFall unleashed their sixth - and possibly most predictable - album on the world. The same lineup listed above had been together since 2000's Renegade, and had been progressing to a more epic, mid-paced sound. Much like Chapter V, this is an album filled with great songs, and only a few moments of weakness. There certainly isn't anything as catchy as "Blood Bound", but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Highlights of this album include the title track, "Shadow Empire", "Genocide", and "Titan".

This is somewhat of a personal disc for me, as it was released weeks before I got into HammerFall. Even though it was my second/third HF disc (I bought this at the same time as Glory to the Brave), I felt as if I really had to listen to this album constantly to figure out the direction HammerFall would take next.

For some reason, I thought the track "Titan" would be an indication of HammerFall's next album. More specifically, the second half of the track, which was filled with extremely melodic leads, heavy power chords with Joacim's amazing vocals over top, and an even more uplifting spirit than before. Either way, this was a fantastic disc, and yet another album that doesn't get enough praise!

HammerFall were, to me and thousands of others, the band that brought back metal in the late 90's. So it's weird to me that there exists this sort of hate campaign against them amongst so many metalheads today. And although I found their last album to be a bit below par for Joacim, Oscar and company, I still say that they have released an impressive string of quality metal since their interception. So why do the people that hailed them as "saviors" back then feel that they have to rag on them now? They are still delivering the same kind of music, with the same kind of love and passion as back then! They have just grown more popular outside of the small metal scene. They are just making more money from it, and they are just branching out a bit wider, getting their name out there to people who most likely would not have given them the time of they, if they hadn't showed up in their territory (yes, I'm talking about the sports events they have lent their music and videos to). Oh well, rant aside. HammerFall are once again upon us doing what they do best. And that is to churn out some quality heavy metal! 'Threshold' is the newborns name, and as it often turns out, she is very similar to her siblings. Here you get the classic metal anthems ("The Fire Burns Forever" and "Rebel Inside"), the obligatory ballad ("Dark Wings, Dark Words") the instrumental track, with "hammer" in the title ("Reign Of The Hammer") and everything in between. The production suits the music, and this time it seems that Joacim have tried to modify his use of the higher register of his voice. The conclusion must be that the most popular Swedish metal band have once again delivered the goods!

Killer tracks: The Fire Burns Forever, Natural High, Dark Wings, Dark Words, Shadow Empire, Reign Of The Hammer

I am heavily back into Hammerfall Lately.

For a long time, my Hammerfall collection was limited to Legacy of Kings and Unbent.

A couple of days ago, i picked up Glory to the Brave, Renegade (Fantastic!!!), Threshold and Infected.

What a band. Cheesy at times, i admit, but very entertaining metal

Shortly after the release of Threshold, two longtime members of HammerFall departed. Stefan Elmgren (lead guitars) left in order to pursue his career as a pilot (though he has since created Fullforce, a new band much in the vein of his first solo project, Full Strike). Magnus Rosen (bass) left the band and continued work on a variety of projects, including his own. Replacing the two were Pontus Norgren (the Poodles) and former HammerFall member Fredrik Larssen respectively.

HammerFall - No Sacrifice, No Victory - February 20th, 2009 - Nuclear Blast
Records



1."Any Means Necessary" 3:37
2. "Life Is Now" 4:45
3. "Punish and Enslave" 3:59
4. "Legion" 5:38
5. "Between Two Worlds" 5:30
6. "Hallowed Be My Name" 3:58
7. "Something for the Ages" (Instrumental) 5:06
8. "No Sacrifice, No Victory" 3:34
9. "Bring the Hammer Down" 3:43
10. "One of a Kind" 6:16
11. "My Sharona" (The Knack cover) 3:57

Joacim Cans - Lead and backing vocals
Oscar Dronjak - Rhythm, lead guitars and backing vocals
Pontus Norgren - Rhythm, lead guitars and backing vocals
Fredrik Larsson - Bass and backing vocals
Anders Johansson - Drums
Jens Johansson - Keyboard solo on 'Something for the Ages' and church organ on 'Between Two Worlds
Stefan Elmgren - Additional guitar solo on 'Bring the Hammer Down'

No Sacrifice, No Victory was the seventh HammerFall album and was a supposed return to form (though it's not like the band ever really departed from their sound). While Magnus Rosen left entirely, Stefan Elmgren did record a guitar solo and co-write "Bring the Hammer Down" (yet another "hammer" titled track ). In addition, the band brought back Jesper Stromblad to co-write the epic track "One of a Kind".

There is no doubt that this album is a continuation of the sound that began on Crimson Thunder; however, there are noticeable poppier influence that came onto the album. For example, "Life is Now" is extremely upbeat, but more in a Pop way than in a Power Metal way. Strangely, the band chose to cover a song that had already been covered by a Metal band (Destruction covered "My Sharona" on 1990's Cracked Brain), but they still did a serviceable job.

Personally, I had a lot riding on this album. In the span between Threshold and this album, I went from not knowing who HammerFall was to them becoming my favourite band. I wouldn't say this album disappointed, but it's probably my least favourite of Chapter V, Threshold, and No Sacrifice (I consider them somewhat of a trilogy because they are all so similar). Standout tracks include "Punish and Enslave" ("Let the Hammer Fall" anyone?), "Legion", and of course, "One of a Kind".

New HammerFall albums are always purchased as soon as they are released in this house. They have become one of my all time favorite bands, and that in spite of only having been around since 1997. I've enjoyed both the 10th anniversary compilation album, and the covers album from last year. But it is always something special to receive a brand new studio album. And it is no secret by now that HammerFall's 7th album rank nicely alongside the other 6 efforts from Sweden's true metal warriors. 'No Sacrifice, No Victory' sees the band plunder on with what they do best, namely carry the heavy metal banner high and proud, bringing the legacy after their heroes from the 80's into this day and age. This is classic heavy metal, as it should be. You may call it cliché, you may call it stale, and you may call it boring; I couldn't care less! This is the music I grew up with, and the reason I'm still in love with this scene close to 30 years later! Metal was never about re-inventing itself, it was not about following trends. It's about creating music coming from a passionate metal heart, and that is what HammerFall have always done. 'No Sacrifice, No Victory' is also the debut album with a new line-up, after both Magnus and Stefan chose to leave the band during the last studio album. Their replacements are doing a solid job, but the truth be told, it isn't all that noticeable that 2 new faces are in the band. HammerFall have always been molded around Joacim's voice and Oscars riffs and rhythms. I find this album to be a straight forward metal platter, more along the lines of the bands debut album, 'Glory To The Brave'. The songs are bombastic and anthem-like, with memorable choruses, written with a sing-a-long mentality. Bands like Accept and Judas Priest comes to mind, so this is definitely some classic sounding heavy metal. There aren't any obvious or apparent changes here, but I do think Joacim has made a choice to write vocals lines that stay a little lower in the man's register. I for one think that is a wise decision. Oh, and this time the song with "hammer" in the title is not the instrumental! So when the songs are as strong as they appear on this CD, my overall impression is that 'No Sacrifice, No Victory' is one of the bands finest albums to date! They could have left the cover of The Knack's "My Sharona" to one of the single releases that are bound to show up though. That is one horrible way to end an otherwise top notch album. Also look out for guest appearances from legendary members from the NWOBHM scene, and bands such as Saxon, Demon and Samson!

Killer tracks: Any Means Necessary, Legion, Between Two Worlds, Hallowed By My Name, Bring The Hammer Down

Threshold is yet another solid release by the band. The band may be releasing albums that are a bit samey but this is music that sounds fantastic to my ears so I will not complain about that.I think Titan is the standout track on here.


I don't have No Sacrifice,No Victory so I can't really comment on it except about the cover of My Sharona. What an odd choice for a song to be done !

HammerFall - Infected - May 20th, 2011 - Nuclear Blast
Records



1. "Patient Zero" 6:01
2. "B.Y.H." 3:47
3. "One More Time" 4:07
4. "The Outlaw" 4:10
5. "Send Me a Sign" (Pokolgép cover) 4:00
6. "Dia De Los Muertos" 5:07
7. "I Refuse" 4:32
8. "666 - The Enemy Within" 4:28
9. "Immortalized" 3:59
10. "Let's Get It On" 4:05
11. "Redemption" 7:02

Joacim Cans - Lead and backing vocals
Oscar Dronjak - Rhythm, lead guitars, keyboards and backing vocals, production
Pontus Norgren - Rhythm, lead guitars and backing vocals, production
Fredrik Larsson - Bass and backing vocals
Anders Johansson - Drums
James Michael - production

If No Sacrifice, No Victory was HammerFall's Ram It Down, then Infected was their Painkiller. Or at least, that's what was claimed by Oscar Dronjak in nearly every interview this year. Infected certainly marks a big change for HammerFall (despite including the same lineup as the previous album). Gone is Hector (HammerFall's mascot), producer Charlie Bauerfeind, and the glorious themes of Power Metal. Despite all of the supposed changes, they exist only on the surface, and the music isn't that different. Lyrics aside, the majority of songs on this album (excepting Patient Zero, I Refuse, and Redemption) are all very reminiscent of the past few albums.

http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/HammerFall/Infected/301173/Spiner202 Is my full review of the album.

HammerFall is synonymous with quality in my household. So I defy the hate campaigns against these Swedish metal warriors, and gladly bough the bands 8th studio album, 'Infected'.

Early reviews stated that HammerFall had tried to return to their roots with 'Infected'. Such rumors are mostly shunned by me, because such statements more often than not, turn out to be false. However, upon listening to the album myself, I am glad to join in the choir! Joacim, Oscar and company were threading on dangerous grounds with some of their latest releases, morphing more and more into one of many modern so-called power metal bands. But this time around they have written and recorded songs that lie firmly within their classic metal roots. Sure, there are hints of faster, more modern metal here also. But the brother part of the songs are just basic heavy metal! "B.Y.H." (stands for Bang Your Head"), "One More Time", "The Outlaw", "Dia De Los Muertos", "666 - The Enemy Within", all excellent future HammerFall classics! I find most of the songs to be catchy metal anthems. Some might call them cheesy, but I don't care! I'm loving it! And when the whole retro sound of the early '80's is so darn popular at the moment, it is refreshing that HammerFall delivers 100% true metal, with a production that still sounds fresh! Kudos to producer James Michael (Mötley Crüe, Scorpions etc.). Together with Accept's 'Blood Of The Nations', this is one of the best sounding metal albums in a long time.

Another great thing about this CD is the vocals. Joacim must have really worked hard on keeping the vocal-lines in lower registers for this record. It reminds me of the stuff he did for his solo album, 'Beyond The Gates', back in 2004. The latest line-up sounds tighter and more comfortable with each other. It really sounds as though they had fun recording 'Infected'. And that rubs of in a positive way on this listener. As with most HammerFall albums, there is a cover song here as well. This time they chose a really obscure track, a ballad, namely "Send Me a Sign", originally recorded by Pokolgép.

The only downside to 'Infected' is the cover art. Why on earth did they abandon Hector for a hand that looks like a Photoshopped still from any old Lucio Fulci flick? Only the first song is related to the cover art! Oh well, it's the music that counts. And 'Infected' will rank high on my top 20 from 2011 list!

Killer tracks: Besides "Let's Get It On", I love them all!

Are you adding live albums, compilations, covers album etc. also, Spiner?

I'll be doing One Crimson Night and Masterpieces when I get a chance.

Sorry for the delay!

HammerFall - One Crimson Night - January 27th, 2003 - Nuclear Blast
Records



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

After releasing their fourth album (and their second album with a stable lineup), HammerFall released their first live album, One Crimson Night. There are two versions of this: a DVD and a CD. The CD contains three bonus tracks, which are live versions of "The Dragon Lies Bleeding", "Stronger Than All", and "A Legend Reborn".

This is one of my favourite live albums ever. The band played a great number of tracks from each album, including just about all of the essentials. Every band member looks really into what they are doing (though I have to admit that I can hear Magnus Rosen when it looks like he isn't playing... he spends half of the show twirling around and spinning his bass upside down ). Stefan Elmgren delivers a fantastic guitar solo in the middle that further reinforces my opinion of him being an underrated guitar player.

There are only two problems I have with this album. Firstly, since it was recorded in Sweden, the in-between song banter is in Swedish. It's not a problem on the DVD, since you can turn on subtitles, but it's kind of annoying on the CD. My other problem is that this album is so good, and yet, HammerFall doesn't seem intent on releasing another live album! Not only that, but this album does such a great job covering the classics, that I would have no problem with HammerFall releasing another album of only material from Chapter V-Infected (though they'd never play a show like that).

HammerFall are a band I've seen in concert many times. Thus I know pretty much what to expect from them in a live setting. Still this double CD kind of took me by surprise. First of all, it just sounds great! The sound is crisp and clear, and you also hear the crowd interact (maybe not as much as I prefer thought, but still). And it doesn't seem to be too many overdubs here, as you can hear some mistakes here and there. It took about 3 seconds before it had me singing along and banging my head. The only real downer here are the fact that all the in between talk is in Swedish! Why on earth even include it then? Sure, I understand the language, but most of the bands fans do not. HammerFall enjoy worldwide success, so when they decided to record it in Gothenburg, they should have edited out all the talking. I have personally have never been a fan of the guitar- and bass-solo stuff either. But other than that, you get to enjoy crowd-pleasers as "Stone Cold", "The Way Of The Warrior", "Steel Meets Steel" and "Hearts On Fire"! 'One Crimson Night' will go down as one of my favorite live albums of all time.

Wow! This thread went fast and I missed most of it! Oh well...

Infected is a good, solid album from Hammerfall. It will make my Top 20 of the year for sure.