Review HAMMERFALL “Avenge the Fallen”

After a decade of nu metal, modern metal and grunge, it was a Swedish band that brought back traditional metal. Hammerfall from Gothenburg released their debut album “Glory to the Brave” in 1997 and it was the springboard for the guys to sign a deal with Nuclear Blast. Suddenly, a genre that was thought to be dead was back in the metal world. Heavy metal was back.

With the exception of a few moments when the band tried to modernize their sound, Hammerfall always stayed true to their musical foundation and delivered great records, which is still the case with their latest effort, “Avenge the Fallen”. Hammerfall’s strength to combine great melodies with powerful riffs provided by Oscar Dronjak. The lead guitarist, along with frontman Joacim Cans and bassist Fredrik Larsson, have been the driving force behind the band since the late 90s, while Pontus Norgen and David Wallin joined later to add some outside inspiration to the mix. For ten years this combination has been working very well, which is also reflected in the songs on the new album.

The album begins in typical Hammerfall fashion. A short intro welcomes the listener with some shouts that will be a constant element of the title track. “Avenge the Fallen” is a pounding anthem and features all the trademarks the Swedes have to offer. After such a strong start, the band shifts gears. “The End Justifies” is an up-tempo metal song that refers to the heyday of heavy metal. Hard and with a great sense for hooks, the song is a headbanger’s delight.

Next to these blasting moments the album also contains slower songs like “Hope Springs Eternal”. Hammerfall have always had some of these atmospheric moments on their albums and now it’s “Hope Springs Eternal” that tries to touch the heart and soul of the leather and denim supporters. It will most likely become the ‘flashlight song’ during live shows.

The rest of the album can easily compete with the above mentioned songs. “Hail to the King” is one of those typical Hammerfall hymnal songs with a sing-along chorus, while the blistering “Burn it Down” increases the tempo and reminds me in parts of Helloween, a band the guys toured with a while ago. Not to forget the galloping “Capture The Dream”, another great song, and it’s the grandiose “Time Immemorial” that closes an album that lives up to all expectations.

Hammerfall are as strong as expected and stick to their roots. Traditional heavy metal with quality and style is what “Avenge the Fallen” offers. The Swedish metal knights show again why they belong to the top of heavy metal bands. They brought back the essence of heavy metal in the 90’s and are still leaders in this type of riff-based music without falling into the trap of living in the past. These five guys just follow their metal heart and that’s what “Avenge the Fallen” stands for.