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| Hammerfall |
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| biography / portrait |
When one talks about the Heavy Metal scene of today, HAMMERFALL is one of the first bands that will most likely be mentioned. For nearly a decade, the graceful, power-driven melodies and devotion this Swedish group have formulated not only tested musical boundaries, but stuck to it and kept themselves at the top of the game. Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken, the latest offering from this colossal Swedish squad, can just as crushingly strike you down like the powerful force of a violent winter blizzard. Founded in 1993, Sweden's HAMMERFALL were forged from an initial concept by guitarist Oscar Dronjak (Crystal Age, Ceremonial Oath). Recruiting drummer Jesper Stromblad (In Flames, Ceremonial Oath), the pair took the idea from a conception to a reality, enlisting fellow metal devotees Mikael Stanne and Niklas Sundin (both of Dark Tranquillity) along with bassist Johan Larsson (ex-In Flames). With most members wanting to continue with their respective bands, HAMMERFALL underwent line-up changes and made the decision to become a full-time effort to give the band a chance to succeed. During the time HAMMERFALL prepared for their debut album, Nuclear Blast stepped in showing keen interest, licensing the record and signing the band to a long-term deal. The debut album, Glory To The Brave, flew straight into the German national charts selling over 50,000 copies, and landing several album-of-the-month titles in various premier metal magazines. With the release of Legacy of Kings, HAMMERFALL became the most successful newcomers the second they went up to no. 15 in the German charts, which led to several major festivals across Europe, supporting Deep Purple in Europe, Death in North America, and the first world tour. Keeping up the unrelenting pace, the band entered Wireworld Studios with producer Michael Wagener (Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row) and released Renegade, the album that trailed next in succession. This breakthrough album landed HAMMERFALL a gold record in Sweden where they were at the no. 1 spot in the charts, shockingly beating out Madonna and Eminem. Crimson Thunder, HAMMERFALL’s fourth studio album set a generous amount of metal hearts on fire with the help of producer Charlie Bauerfeind (Blind Guardian) and Mi Suenos Studios (Helloween). This release gave HAMMERFALL their highest chart position in Germany to date, debuting at no. 13 and chosen as support act for Dio and King’s X throughout North America. Crimson Thunder’s diverse and professional qualities were evident and only strengthened the power and domination the band bestowed upon their fans. Almost one year after, the templars of steel rocked the sights and sounds of a successful tour with the first live album/DVD, One Crimson Night. Featuring twenty tracks that were recorded during The Crimson Crusades 2002/03 tour, HAMMERFALL incredibly performed in their hometown of Gothenburg for 4,000 rabid fans. HAMMERFALL reconvened with producer Charlie Bauerfeind to craft the latest, Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken, at the famous Lundgaard studios (Subway To Sally, Mercenary) in Veijen, Denmark. The band have already crafted a video for the track “Blood Bound” with director Roger Johansson (Soilwork, The Haunted, In Flames). Even legendary Venom-frontman Cronos got in on the action as a special guest on the closing track, “Knights of The 21st Century.” Progressing in the path of mid-tempo tracks, converging melodies, choruses and driving riffs, only liven up the fresh offering that will even leave long-time fans in awe. Picking up where Crimson Thunder left off, their newest effort offers classical, orchestral, symphonic and acoustic elements found in this latest release. HAMMERFALL stand for powerful, majestic and melodic metal. Memorable choruses, straight and heavy riffs, thundering drums, pounding bass power and outstanding vocals will without any doubt become the metal hymns for eternity. These seasoned musicians have become one of the leading and most successful metal acts of our time. Their unstoppable creations reigned in a time when none cared about classical Heavy Metal, and without a doubt they have and will always deserve credit for keeping the heavy metal genre alive. (source: www.nuclearblastusa.com) |
