Hammerfall

Hammerfall

Genres: Power metal, heavy metal, metal, swedish, symphonic metal

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About Hammerfall

HammerFall is a Swedish power metal band from Gothenburg, formed in 1993 by guitarist Oscar Dronjak, formerly of Ceremonial Oath. The band has released thirteen studio albums. Their mascot, Hector, a paladin character, has appeared on most of their album covers. HammerFall originated when Dronjak left Ceremonial Oath and invited Jesper Strömblad to join him as a drummer for a new project. Early members also included lead guitarist Niklas Sundin, bassist Johan Larsson, and vocalist Mikael Stanne. After Sundin and Larsson departed, Glenn Ljungström and Fredrik Larsson joined. In 1996, Joacim Cans became the lead vocalist, solidifying the band’s line-up. Initially, HammerFall was a side project for members who were also involved in other Swedish melodic death metal bands such as In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, and Crystal Age. The band performed primarily at local contests and covered songs by Pretty Maids, Judas Priest, and Alice Cooper. HammerFall recorded a short live performance and submitted it to Vic Records, which resulted in a recording deal. Their debut album "Glory to the Brave" was released in 1997 in the Netherlands and later in Europe, Japan, and the United States. The album reached number 38 on the German album charts. The band toured with Gamma Ray, Jag Panzer, Lake of Tears, and Raven, and performed at Wacken Open Air. Line-up changes during this period included Stefan Elmgren on lead guitar, Patrik Räfling on drums, and Magnus Rosén on bass. Jesper Strömblad left the band in 1997 but contributed to the writing of their second album "Legacy of Kings," released in 1998. Drummer Anders Johansson joined as a permanent member in 1999. The third album "Renegade" was recorded with producer Michael Wagener and released in 2000, achieving gold status in Sweden. The band followed with their fourth album "Crimson Thunder" in 2002, supported by international tours and festival appearances. The live album and DVD "One Crimson Night" was released in February 2003. During this period, Oscar Dronjak sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, temporarily halting band activities. Their fifth album "Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken" was released after a hiatus, followed by European and South American tours. The sixth album "Threshold" was released on 20 October 2006, reaching number one in Sweden. Bassist Magnus Rosén departed in 2007 and was replaced by Fredrik Larsson. Guitarist Stefan Elmgren left in 2008 and was replaced by Pontus Norgren. The compilation album "Masterpieces" was released in June 2008. HammerFall released "No Sacrifice, No Victory" in February 2009, followed by the album "Infected" in 2011. The live DVD "Gates of Dalhalla" was recorded in 2012, celebrating 15 years of the band. In 2014, "(r)Evolution" was released, with a subsequent world tour. Their tenth studio album "Built to Last" was released in November 2016, followed by lineup adjustments involving drummers David Wallin and Johan Koleberg. The eleventh album "Dominion" was released on 16 August 2019, supported by tours in Europe and North America alongside Sabaton. Their twelfth studio album "Hammer of Dawn" was released on 25 February 2022, with the single "Brotherhood" preceding it. HammerFall joined Helloween on European tours in 2022 and 2023. Their thirteenth album "Avenge the Fallen" was released on 9 August 2024, preceded by the single "Hail to the King." Studio albums Glory to the Brave (1997) Legacy of Kings (1998) Renegade (2000) Crimson Thunder (2002) Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken (2005) Threshold (2006) No Sacrifice, No Victory (2009) Infected (2011) (r)Evolution (2014) Built to Last (2016) Dominion (2019) Hammer of Dawn (2022) Avenge the Fallen (2024)

Taken from Last.fm

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