Back on the label that made them a power metal force when everyone thought the style was dead and buried, Hammerfall are still standing tall as a global unit that keeps the flag of traditional, true heavy metal alive. Between new studio albums and re-releases of the old catalog, multiple generations now treasure the discography of these gentlemen. Avenge the Fallen as the 13th studio record continues the mix of catchy anthems as well as the occasional ballad that should once again go down a storm for the faithful – probably creating a future setlist staple or two in the process.
The formula hasn’t really changed much since the beginning. The musical foundation contains those endearing riffs or twin guitar action coupled with electrifying harmonies or lead breaks that make heroes of us all, while the rhythm section holds down the fort as they occasionally inject fills of kinetic excitement. Meanwhile the mid-range to higher pitch vocal melodies from Joacim Cans stir the soul, as tales of knights, fantasy, medieval battles, and a love of the genre pour forth on the word front. The title track comes at you in a militant, Accept-like atmosphere, the persistent ‘avenge’ gang background vocals adding fervor to killer main riffs and a thoughtful lead section courtesy of Oscar Dronjak and Pontus Norgren. Next drummer David Wallin pushes the BPM kick / fill work to the power limits on the speed charged “The End Justifies”, proving that even as many of the members are ready for senior citizen discounts, they certainly are not ready to sail into serene, calmer waters for this style. Midway through, the reflective ballad “Hope Springs Eternal” tugs at those heartstrings, evoking aspects of 80’s-period Scorpions in terms of the way the dynamics come into play between the vocals and main musical support, calmer in the verses to a momentous payoff for the chorus. The ten tracks contain enough versatility in the track order – including some Steve Harris-ish bass spots from Fredrik Larsson in the spirited “Burn It Down” that’s a second half favorite for this scribe, with some eagle high moments from Joacim.
The difficult part to Hammerfall is comparing apples to oranges when you look at the discography this deep into the band’s already successful career. Will Avenge the Fallen eclipse the work of Glory to the Brave or Legacy of Kings? Certainly not… but it doesn’t mean that this is a weak shell of the band’s abilities by any means. It’s catchy enough to keep the leather clad hordes continually singing to these songs at any concert/festival they may appear at, and that’s the bottom line to delivering a timeless record.