Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Hammerfall - Crimson Thunder - reviewed by: EC

Track Listing1. Riders Of The Strom 2. Hearts On Fire 3. On The Edge Of Honour 4. Crimson Thunder 5. Lore Of The Arcane 6. Trailblazers 7. Dreams Come True 8. Angel Of Mercy 9. The Unforgiving Blade 10. In Memoriam 11. Hero's Return

Okay, I don't understand what the problem is with these guys. We can sit around all day and complain about wanna be metal acts like Slipknot, Linkin Park, Korn, etc., and wonder when real metal is going to come back. Or we can spend a day or a month and listen to the new Hammerfall disc and put all of those thoughts behind us.

I like Hammerfall. I really don't understand why true metal fans dislike anything Hammerfall related. I had a chance to see the band live in '98 as an opening act for Death. I talked to the band for a few minutes before the show and caught up with them a little after the evening was over. Super nice guys and very appreciative of the support they have from their label and fans. With that said and done, lets move on to Crimson Thunder.

This is the band's fourth album to date, and first with producer Charlie Bauerfeind. Hammerfall has really honed their skills since the debut, "Glory To The Brave". Crimsn Thunder storms forth with an Accept/Grave Digger teutonic rage. Tracks like "Riders Of The Storm" and "Hearts On Fire" will leave you with the chorus still ringing in your ears long after the disc has stopped spinning. I really like what the band is doing now, mixing the speedy Helloween style tracks like "On The Edge Of Honor" with real thick slabs like the title track, which has a certain "Heaven And Hell" type sound. Along with the music stepping it up a notch, Joacim Cans vocals have improved greatly. Just listen to his eerie prescence on the David Chastain cover, "Angel Of Mercy.

This album is pretty solid other than the wimpy ballad, "Dreams Come True" and the worthless bonus track, a cover of "Detroit Rock City". Do we really need another version of that? But all in all, this is definitely highly recommended for classic heavy metal fans. Who cares if Accept or Helloween has already done this type of album before? Hammerfall are refreshing in a world dominated by the latest trend. Don't forget that metal is still supposed to be fun, damnit! --EC 1.21.03