HAMMERFALL – Avenge the Fallen (2024)

Damn, time flies! It has been 27 years since HAMMERFALL debuted with “Glory to the brave”, leaving their everlasting footprint on the Power Metal map. I believe everyone is familiar with their music and we can agree that we are already familiar with the new album as well, before we even hear it. Like many other of their Power colleagues, HAMMERFALL fall into the category of ‘rinse and repeat’ bands, who loyally follow a specific songwriting pattern without any deviations. 

At least we cannot blame them for not trying, since 2011’s “Infected” was a turn to something completely different, which truth be told did not go very well. They tried but it did not work, so starting with “(r)Evolution” and after, the band is giving us one good record after the other, even if they are devoid of surprises. It is a joy to see that the gang still got it, as “Avenge the fallen” is another release worthy of carrying the group’s logo. It shows that the band has not relinquished its ability of composing great melodies, which in turn leads to nice songs. That simple!

Unlike some others, what I like about HAMMERFALL is that despite their repeated pattern, their songs are of a considerable duration. They allow their ideas to unravel smoothly and their work never feels rushed. Another characteristic that persists from album to album, is that the ballad kills it! Really, ‘Hope springs eternal’ is one the highlights just like ‘Not today’ was in “Hammer of dawn”. 

If I was to crown a song, that would be ‘Capture the dream’ simply because I find its chorus to be the most epic moment of the record. Now, as to where “Avenge the fallen” stands in comparison with the group’s recent discography, I would say right in the middle. I would place it above “(r)Evolution” and “Built to last”, but below “Dominion” and “Hammer of Dawn”.

That’s it I believe, there is no point in over-analyzing a HAMMERFALL record. As always, time to open the gates so that truths can come out. If you like HAMMERFALL and you occasionally listen to them (I fall into that category), you will listen to the album a couple of times and after its freshness expires, it will start gathering some dust. How many times have you listened to “Dominion” or “Hammer of dawn” entirely in the last two years? Expect the story to repeat with “Avenge the fallen”. 

If on the other hand you are a sworn follower that worships the way of the Hammer, then the good news is that you will not be disappointed yet another time! You will enjoy the hell out of it! Expecting the new record to have the lion’s share in the band’s upcoming tours, I can confidently say that I do not have the slightest problem with that. I am sure we will have a great time, because after everything is said and done, putting all BUTs aside, there is only one take: “Avenge the fallen” will not shake the foundations of your world, but it is an ear candy and will be guaranteed fun  for anyone that will invest time in it. 

77/100

Pavlos Pavlakis