HammerFall

HammerFall is a heavy metal and power metal group from Gothenburg, Sweden, active since 1993. It forms around guitarist Oscar Dronjak, who leaves Ceremonial Oath to start a new project and brings in Jesper Strömblad, originally as a drummer. The band begins as a side project for musicians also involved in Swedish melodic death metal groups including In Flames, Dark Tranquillity and Crystal Age.

Early line-up and first releases

The early line-up includes lead guitarist Niklas Sundin, bassist Johan Larsson and vocalist Mikael Stanne. After Sundin and Larsson leave, Glenn Ljungström and Fredrik Larsson join. In 1996, Joacim Cans becomes lead vocalist and the line-up stabilises. HammerFall performs mainly at local contests and plays cover versions of songs by Pretty Maids, Judas Priest and Alice Cooper before recording a short live performance that leads to a recording deal with Vic Records.

The debut album Glory to the Brave follows in 1997, first in the Netherlands and later in Europe, Japan and the United States. It reaches number 38 on the German album chart. The band tours with Gamma Ray, Jag Panzer, Lake of Tears and Raven, and appears at Wacken Open Air.

Albums and line-up changes

Jesper Strömblad leaves in 1997 but still contributes to the writing of the second album, Legacy of Kings (1998). Stefan Elmgren joins on lead guitar, Patrik Räfling on drums and Magnus Rosén on bass. Anders Johansson becomes a permanent member in 1999.

Renegade is recorded with producer Michael Wagener and released in 2000, reaching gold status in Sweden. The band follows with Crimson Thunder in 2002, then the live album and DVD One Crimson Night in 2003. During this period, Oscar Dronjak is injured in a motorcycle accident, which temporarily stops the band’s activities.

The fifth album, Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken, appears after a break, followed by European and South American tours. Threshold is released in 2006 and reaches number one in Sweden. Magnus Rosén leaves in 2007 and Fredrik Larsson replaces him; Stefan Elmgren leaves in 2008 and Pontus Norgren takes over on guitar. The compilation Masterpieces is released in 2008.

Later albums and touring

HammerFall releases No Sacrifice, No Victory in 2009 and Infected in 2011. The live DVD Gates of Dalhalla is recorded in 2012 to mark 15 years of the band. The album (r)Evolution follows in 2014, and Built to Last arrives in 2016, after which the band’s drumming position changes with David Wallin and Johan Koleberg among the members.

Dominion is released in 2019 and is supported by tours in Europe and North America with Sabaton. Hammer of Dawn follows in 2022, preceded by the single “Brotherhood”, and the band tours Europe with Helloween in 2022 and 2023. The thirteenth studio album, Avenge the Fallen, is released in 2024, preceded by the single “Hail to the King.”

Style and imagery

HammerFall’s work sits within heavy metal and power metal, and the band is associated with the mascot Hector, a paladin character who appears on most of its album covers.

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).