HammerFall has always been about sticking to their roots, even after more than three decades in the business. Their latest release, Avenge The Fallen, comes hot on the heels of a successful tour with Helloween and is their thirteenth studio album. The band’s founding guitarist, Oscar Dronjak, remains steeped in the same ethos that started the band, proudly continuing the heavy metal legacy that he felt was missing in the music world. This sense of purpose is palpable in their latest outing.
The album kicks off with the title track, Avenge The Fallen, a mid-tempo opener that sets a thematic foundation of spirit, character, and freedom. Though it doesn’t aggressively grab your attention, it does establish a grand atmosphere without unnecessary flamboyance. This is swiftly followed by The End Justifies, a track that resonates with classic HammerFallsensibilities. The melding of rapid guitar solo sections and quieter piano-led interludes showcases a depth of musical variety, making this one of the album’s standout moments.
Freedom continues to blend elements of power and heavy metal, although it occasionally slips into predictability with its somewhat cliché lyrics. Still, Joacim Cans’ vocals provide the necessary flair to keep it engaging, with a vigor that belies the band’s vintage.
The decision to compose while on tour marks a significant evolution in HammerFall‘s creative process. Oscar Dronjakexplains that being able to create music on the road has infused this album with raw energy straight from their live performances. The first single, Hail To The King, epitomizes this dynamism. Co-composed hot off a stage in Germany and reflecting the immediate adrenaline of live shows, it progresses with a regal grandeur that builds up to an anthemic peak.
Tracks like Hero To All, Burn It All Down, and Rise Of Evil maintain the album’s momentum, but unfortunately, they also start to blur together. Their straightforward compositions, while competent, don’t offer enough to differentiate themselves from one another. The track Freedom particularly suffers from this sameness, despite its valiant attempt to deliver strong messages of self-empowerment.
Hope Springs Eternal marks a nostalgic touch with elements born from ideas conjured two decades ago. This slow-paced power ballad allows Joacim Cans to shine, his vocal delivery laced with poignant emotion. The synergy between Oscar Dronjak and Pontus Norgren is particularly evident here, perfectly balancing pathos without becoming overly sentimental.
Closing the album, Time Immemorial stands out as a complex and spirited finale. With shifts between animated verses and lofty choruses, it’s anchored by the robust drumming of David Wallin and the solid bass lines of Fredrik Larsson. This track is a microcosm of the album’s strengths and demonstrates the band’s ability to craft intricate yet cohesive pieces.
Overall, Avenge The Fallen does not push HammerFall into uncharted territory, but it does serve as a firm reminder of their reliability within the power metal genre. The band’s adherence to their foundational sound can be both a strength and a limitation. Longtime fans will appreciate its consistency, while newcomers might critique its lack of innovation. That said, the high production quality from Jay Ruston and the evident heart in their performance render this album a commendable addition to their discography.
Avenge The Fallen scores a solid 8/10. If you are a fan of power metal, you will find much to enjoy here, even if it occasionally treads familiar ground.
Order your copy here: https://hammerfall.bfan.link/HTTK.ypo
Tracklist:
Avenge The Fallen 3:29
The End Justifies 5:10
Freedom 4:22
Hail To The King 4:33
Hero To All 4:57
Hope Springs Eternal 5:32
Burn It Down 4:21
Capture The Dream 4:37
Rise Of Evil 4:01
Time Immemorial 5:57
