Every power metal fan knows Hammerfall. The band have served as ambassadors to the genre for almost 20 years now given their classic heavy metal nature that eases you into a new audible world of steel, thunder and knights. It’s been a bit of a stale ride for the titans as of late, but ‘Built To Last‘ looks to bring that revival we’ve all been looking for.
[tracklist]
01. Bring It!
02. Hammer High
03. The Sacred Vow
04. Dethrone And Defy
05. Twilight Princess
06. Stormbreaker
07. Built To Last
08. The Star Of Home
09. New Breed
10. Second To None
[/tracklist]
[details]
[record_label]Napalm Records[/record_label]
[release_date]4th November 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
While I have the upmost respect for Hammerfall, this is a band I simply lost interest in after their ‘No Sacrifice, No Victory‘ album back in 2009. Though consistent in their simple, well-produced material, Hammerfall were just not bringing anything to the table anymore, with the last two albums being distinctly average. The Swedes need something to put the energy back into the Hammerfall machine, and perhaps a change in label will do just that…
The opening track of ‘Bring It!’ suggests so. It’s fast and furious classic heavy metal that starts to bring out what made Hammerfall great – chunky riffing, open power chords and sing-a-long choruses, all sprinkled with non-sensical lyrics about steel and thunder. It’s Hammerfall at their finest again, and it’s an absolute pleasure to walk through this album.
What I’ve found in Hammerfall albums in the last decade is that there was a tendency for the band to write a couple of standout tracks that justified the purchase of the album, and leave the rest as album filler. With tracks like ‘Sacred Vow‘ and ‘Twilight Princess‘, it’s very clear the band are throwing all their musical talent into this one, ensuring diversified elements with their traditional power metal, such as folk tunes and acoustic build-ups.
Hammerfall have made a solid album here, and definitely the most enjoyable since ‘Chapter V‘. Moments of the album you may find yourself slinging your fist in the air chanting to battle hymns, and it’s something the band have not offered in a long time. ‘Built To Last‘ reminds us of what Hammerfall are, why they are so relevant, and why they are a staple in every power metal fans diet.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]It may seem like Hammerfall are really trying to make a point with this one. It’s everything a fan would want from the band – fast chunky riffs, ringing choruses, and absolutely no bad track.[/why]
