Album Review: HammerFall - Avenge The Fallen

The driving force that is HammerFall will be more than familiar to Heavy and Power Metal fans worldwide. With an incredible arsenal of a discography under their belts and a ridiculous history of extensively touring both with and in support of some of the most incredible bands in the world, HammerFall are back with their 13th studio album Avenge the Fallen which will be released via Nuclear Blast Records on August 9th.

Guitarist and founder of HammerFall Oscar Dronjak says of the new album:

"Everything is like it’s always been. When I started HammerFall more than 30 years ago it was because no one played the music that I grew up with and was a huge fan of. If no one did it, it was up to me to do it and that’s how it is still to this day. The music I write is the music that I love and believe in, heavy metal can’t be faked and that’s a fact!”

"We are in a fortunate position where we nowadays actually can compose while being on tour. That’s something that would have been impossible just ten years ago. In many ways I even think this album benefited from getting off stage somewhere in Germany and then heading straight to the tour bus, where we had a small studio set up in the back lounge. By doing so we were still oozing adrenaline when the new material was crafted.”

The record begins with the title track and it opens with a war horn, rousing an army with chants of "AVENGE, AVENGE, AVENGE THE FALLEN, VENGENCE IS MINE!" before Joacim's silky smooth yet powerful vocals come in to play with uplifting riffs and thunderous drums. This mid-tempo beat commands your attention from the very beginning. The pace however is quickened with 'The End Justifies' with frantic riffage and galloping drums; a classic HammerFall track full of glory and heavy metal attitude. At its halfway point after a blistering guitar solo, the track slows with Joacim's vocals echoing across the abyss, creating an atmospheric sense of anticipation before the track explodes once more.

'Freedom' carries on the triumphant vibes of HammerFall's particular style of heavy power metal. The guitarwork is prevalent here accompanied by atmospheric vocalisations and a banding force of chants of 'FREEDOM' before yet more screaming guitar solos. 'Hail To The King' was the first track to be released from the record and it was actually written when HammerFall were out on the road touring. A powerful and additive track with catchy hooks, enticing melodics and a mid-tempo stomp.

'Hero To All' picks up that galloping pace once again; a driving force of pummeling drums, lightning speed guitars and soaring vocals telling tales of strength and bravery. The beautiful ballad that is 'Hope Springs Eternal' serves as a reprieve from the frantic power and intense energy. Joacim's vocals croon and soar on a backdrop of flowing instrumentation which continues to build and fly with emotive determination. 'Burn It Down' runs in the opposite direction from the ballad and quickens the pace once more with frantic riffs, thunderous drums and a sense of urgency and determination.

As the album begins to descend in to its last section, the power and commanding energy of HammerFall doesn't waver, in fact the drive and motivation seems to get stronger. 'Capture The Dream' is heartfelt, deeply rousing and encouraging as the collective strength of the band urges you on to capture your dreams and to never give up. The record's penultimate track 'Rise Of Evil' batters you from the very first second with sheer force. That sense of determination and resolve returns in a swelling manner with melodically rich riffage and solos exploding into the forefront. 'Time Immemorial' is the record's conclusion and a different beast entirely. Opening with piano, sinister vocalisations, crashing drums and echoing riffs, the track alternates between frantic energy and emotively inspiring atmosphere. With one final push, HammerFall don't hold back with intricately executed solos, ethereal acoustics and dramatic operatics transporting you to another world.

If this record doesn't make you want to face off against the biggest dragon imaginable atop a mountain with a fiery blade in your hand during a violent thunderstorm, nothing will. HammerFall's 13th studio album Avenge The Fallen has provided another stellar addition to their already powerful discography. Calling on all of us to continue down our own path, to capture our dreams and to never give up, HammerFall and their ever present mascot Hector have outdone themselves with this record.

Whilst you're here, check out our recent interview with Oscar Dronjak where he talks all things Avenge The Fallen.

Rating: 8/10
Release Date: August 9th 2024
Released By: Nuclear Blast Records
FFO: Kamelot, Manowar, Blind Guardian, Helloween

Track List

1. Avenge The Fallen
2. The End Justifies
3. Freedom
4. Hail To The King
5. Hero To All
6. Hope Springs Eternal
7. Burn It Down
8. Capture The Dream
9. Rise Of Evil
10. Time Immemorial