24. HammerFall
HammerFall is a Swedish power metal band that formed in 1993 by ex-Ceremonial Oath guitarist Oscar Dronjak. The band's current lineup includes Dronjak on guitar, Joacim Cans on vocals, Pontus Norgren on lead guitar, Fredrik Larsson on bass, and Anders Johansson on drums. They are often credited as one of the main bands of the second wave of power metal.
There are many things about HammerFall that appeals to me. First, lead singer Joacim Cans is incredible. He has one of the greatest voices in metal. He sounds retro without sounding dated. Second, I enjoy the Maiden-inspired guitar riffs and heavy bass lines. Third, they usually include at least one ballad on each album, and as much as I like to pretend to be a tough guy, I love ballads. I especially like "Glory to the Brave" from their first album of the same name.
I also admire that they aren't afraid to take chances. For instance, their most recent album Infected is a complete departure in terms of their usual subject matter. It is a concept album about a plague unleashed on society whereas their songs usually involve fantasy tales, mythology, and kinship.
Unfortunately for fans of HammerFall, they recently announced a two year hiatus. Hopefully, HammerFall will return with a new focus and release an new amazing album in 2014.
Here is "Glory to the Brave."
and "Let the Hammer Fall."
and "Any Means Necessary."
and "Patient Zero."
Thanks for reading!
Marty Sabin
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