After the last album "Renegade" had been a bit weaker in terms of sound and partly also songs, the question was, what would HAMMERFALL do? They needed a fresh breath and new ideas not to tread on the spot.

And "Crimson Thunder" definitely does not do that. The band is a bit away from the fast tracks, which often had triggered comparisons with HELLOWEEN or IRON MAIDEN. Rather HAMMERFALL act in the mid-tempo range nowadays, but the fast stuff has not completely disappeared, of course. Would be a pity anyway. Apart from the vocals HAMMERFALL anno 2002 remind me more of JUDAS PRIEST or even more ACCEPT. Just listen to the opener "Riders Of The Storm" and you'll know what I mean. Melodies and choirs are as fat as never before. The killer-riff-emphasized play lends the band more pep, which also is thanks to the very good sound. The songs have more power and just grip you by the throat. "Hearts On Fire" is stomping straight ahead and will most probably become a real live-favourite. At least in my ears one of the best HAMMERFALL-songs altogether. With "On The Edge Of Honour" the band puts the pedal closer to the metal again and also convinces in the trusted good HAMMERFALL-Speed-style.

The title track "Crimson Thunder" brings the first real surprise. Compared to many HAMMERFALL-songs it has turned out to be quite dark and could also have come from ACCEPT. Again the band uses the mid-tempo range. Songs like that loosen up a Power Metal album. Great. The about 1,5-minute, dark intro "Lore Of The Arcane" introduces the next song "Trailblazers". No real smasher, but just good HAMMERFALL-stuff, borne by heavy riffs and a nice solo-section. With "Dreams Come True" follows the obligatory ballad, which does not fully reach songs like "Glory To The Brave" of the equally titled album or "The Fallen One" off "Legacy Of Kings". "Angel Of Mercy" and "The Unforgiving Blade" again are strong mid-tempo songs in the ACCEPT-style. Also worth mentioning that "Angel Of Mercy" is a CHASTAIN-cover. HAMMERFALL already had discovered the instrumental songs on "Renegade" and one of that is "In Memoriam". A very moody peace that lets you dream. "Hero's Return" finally puts a worthy closer to the regular album. The DigiPak-version also contains the song "Rising Force", where I am not sure, of it is a cover-version. Shame on me! (It's originally from Yngwie Malmsteen. - Alex)

"Crimson Thunder" in my opinion is the best HAMMERFALL-album since their debut "Glory To The Brave". This time especially sound and songwriting are up to par again. Finally the band has found the necessary power and professionalism. HAMMERFALL do not only copy themselves anymore as on the past two still good albums, but have grown a good bit with their slight change of course. A band has "matured" could be the headline here, too. If HAMMERFALL continue like that, then in 10 to 15 years they might stand on the same level as MAIDEN or PRIEST. Who knows? So: Long live Heavy Metal!

Checkout tips: "Hearts On Fire", "Crimson Thunder", "Hero's Return"... (Online November 13, 2002)