Hammerfall: Avenge The Fallen
Reviewed By: Georgina Strilakos
Review Score: 8.5
A great demonstration of form and energy even 13 albums into the band’s career.
Hammerfall’s August 2024 album, Avenge The Fallen, has just been released through Nuclear Blast Records. The legendary five-piece band reached a significant career milestone with their 13th studio album. The record features ten new songs that explore a classic heavy metal sound while retaining the band’s distinctive flair. Hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, the band has been on the forefront of the scene since its early days in the 90s, and it continues to be a pillar of this heavy community. Scandinavian music is often known for its great melodies – From Ghost to ABBA, the Northerners’ flair for great hooks is undeniable. Hammerfall also showcase their aptitude when it comes to combine edgy, uncompromising tones with memorable hooks and parts throughout the album.
Avenge The Fallen comes after a long cycle of touring, leading the band to ask themselves a crucial question: do they want to keep making music as an “excuse” to justify touring, or do they want to continue creating challenging art? This album marks their answer, as they pushed themselves to explore new creative avenues while staying true to their strong identity. As they say, this is easier said than done, but the group was up to the task.
Compared to their previous work, Avenge The Fallen has a more upbeat and positive vibe, with dynamic and engaging songs from the moment you hit play. Working with producer Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther, Killswitch Engage) was a great choice, helping to refresh the band’s sound without losing its roots. The vocals are as strong and clear as ever, and the band sounds tight and crisp, with a modern approach to the mix. Written partly on tour, the album captures the live energy of the band—something not always easy to achieve within the confines of a recording studio. The entire album is solid, with standout tracks like “Freedom” and “Hail To The King” combining strong riffs with catchy melodies. The title track is a powerful opener, while “The End Justifies” channels the intensity of their classic hits without becoming overly nostalgic.
In conclusion, Avenge The Fallen succeeds in helping the band stay true to themselves while continuing to challenge their creativity. Hammerfall sticks to their signature sound but brings fresh energy and strong songwriting that will resonate with both fans and newcomers alike. Hammerfall’s Avenge the Fallen is Out August 9th from Nuclear Blast!