I've always spoken of how many of the greatest bands become parodies of themselves. Ozzy and Motorhead, for example, really haven't done anything significant in years, but at least they mimic themselves fairly well. Hammerfall mimic 80's Heavy Metal. They're sort of a poor man's Manowar, but at least Manowar invented the stratagem, and thus mimic themselves. Even if you hate this contrived style of Power Metal, you have to recognize that Manowar are kings of this niche. Hammerfall then are a sham of the greatest proportions. Obviously there's an audience out there somewhere. The proverbial "in Europe they're huge."

Steve Kachinsky of Steel Prophet once talked to me about Heavy Metal in Europe: "Unlike in America, they appreciate good art. If it was good once, it's always good." I certainly know that in America we follow trends, however even a casual observer recognizes that Hammerfall are not Rembrandt, they are a photocopy of Rembrandt, a cover band. The singer sings well, the guitars sound good, the drummer has some decent footwork, they bury the bass a bit -- they'd be better suited as a Judas Priest tribute band.

written by Alan Gilkeson

Playing time: 49:49