Hammerfall's Reviews

Crimson Thunder

A True Metal Masterpiece!

Crimson Thunder is HammerFall's fourth studio effort to date, mostly written by Oscar Dronjak (Guitars) and Joacim Cans (Vocals). Overall Crimson Thunder, similar to Renegade, is not as fast or "Power Metallish" as their first two classics, Glory To The Brave and Legacy Of Kings. You could say Crimson Thunder takes the best of HammerFall's previous efforts (Glory To The Brave, Legacy Of Kings and Renegade) and puts them all together to make a wonderful True Metal masterpiece.

Crimson Thunder starts off with the anthem Riders Of The Storm. This is definitely one of the many classics in HammerFall's library. From the beautiful chorus to the wonderful guitar solos, this is a song to be loved by all True Metal fans. HammerFall took the same approach as they did on Renegade, starting the album off with a mid-tempo number instead of a speedy Power Metal track, like on Glory To The Brave and Legacy Of Kings.

Next up on the album is Hearts On Fire, the single from the album. Hearts On Fire is a little faster than the opener, although not a Power Metaller with blistering double-bass and ripping speedy guitar riffs. This song is indeed very catchy and is fantastic live (as I have experienced seeing them open up for the mighty Dio). After listening to this song, you will find yourself chanting the chorus in your head.

On The Edge Of Honor is what I would consider the most straightforward Power Metal track off of the album (perhaps alongside with Hero's Return). With wonderful guitar riffs and some blazing double-bass, this is certainly a song that will not soon be forgotten by Power Metal fans.

The title track is indeed a highlight on the album. Crimson Thunder is a wonderful example of a True Metal anthem. Starting off with some wonderful fist-pumping riffs, this song rolls into one of the best True Metal songs I have heard. The chorus is indeed one of HammerFall's best (aside Heeding The Call, of course) and you will definitely find yourself chanting it to yourself. After the soloing, the song slows down quite a bit with only Joacim's voice and Magnus' subtle bass line echoing throughout your speakers. This is indeed a surreal moment in True Metal and will give you that magical feeling that Metal gives you. Of course, the song ends with the mighty chorus.

Lore Of The Arcane is simply an intro to the next song, Trailblazers. Trailblazers is another faster-paced track that is indeed a gem. A bit heavier than the rest of the tracks I would say, although not losing that wonderful HammerFall flavor.

The first five songs of the album (excluding the intro Lore Of The Arcane) are indeed all standouts on the album. Unfortunately, the album falls back a little bit in the middle.

Dreams Come True, Angel Of Mercy and Unforgiving Blade are all mediocre tracks that do not meet the HammerFall standard in my opinion. The tracks are listenable, but knowing the tracks that lie ahead, it is quite difficult sitting through these.

In Memoriam is an instrumental track written by Stefan Elmgreen (Guitars). This is indeed a very emotional track that I enjoy very much. Their previous instrumental, Raise The Hammer is far more aggressive and Power Metallish than this track. In Memoriam is built on emotion and is indeed beautiful.

Hero's Return, alongside Crimson Thunder, is my favorite track from the album. Starting off with a soft orchestrated keyboard intro, Hero's Return turns into a Power Metal anthem. This is really a beautiful song that will give any Power Metal fan goosebumps. The chorus is simply one of the best Power Metal choruses I have heard in my life. I absolutely love it. The guitar solos and wonderful, and definitely stand out on the album. I must say this is one of the best closing tracks I have heard in a long time. Simply beautiful.

Simply put, if you are a fan of True Metal music (ranging from Iron Maiden to Rhapsody), you will definitely enjoy HammerFall. From the awesome choruses to the ripping guitar work, this album is for you. If you are not familiar with HammerFall, this is indeed a good way to start. Although, something about HammerFall is no matter what album you get of theirs first (Legacy Of Kings was my first) you will always be getting HammerFall. Every one of their albums are classics, and alongside Crimson Thunder, I highly suggest all of their work.

All Hail HammerFall! ;)

Note: I would have given the album 4.5 stars, because of the few lacking tracks, but the rest of the songs easily make up for them.

Buy this album on Amazon at $15.98