finetune artist: Hammerfall

This Swedish power metal band was originally a project created by Oscar Dronjak (b. 20 January 1972, Sweden; guitar) and Jesper Strmblad (drums) to compete in local band competitions. Neither had wanted to leave their own established bands Crystal Age and In Flames respectively, and the band was completed by other part-timers Niklas Sundin (b. 13 August 1974, Sweden; guitar), Mikael Stanne (vocals) and Johan Larsson (bass). Sundin and Larsson were subsequently replaced by Glenn Ljungstrm (In Flames) and Fredrik Larsson (Crystal Age). This line up remained stable until 1996, when during the heats of a local competition Stanne was replaced by Joacim Cans (b. 19 February 1970, Sweden) who had trained at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. As a result of a strong performance in the contest the band signed to Dutch label Vic Records. After completing sessions for the debut, Hammerfall became a full-time concern, necessitating more personnel changes. Strmblad and Ljungstrm returned to In Flames to be replaced by Patrik Rfling and Stefan Elmgren, both members of Cans' former band Highlander. Bass player Larsson also had commitments outside the band, and was eventually replaced by journeyman Magnus Rosn. Interest in the band's debut had been growing and at this time Nuclear Blast of Germany approached Vic to release Glory To The Brave, which was an excellent example of European metal, full of strong choruses and superb musicianship. The album was universally well received in Europe. Legacy Of Kings had a stronger production than its predecessor courtesy of Fredrik Nordstrm. Although the lyrics were still concerned with sword and sorcery topics, the album benefited from being musically more accomplished and diverse. Like Glory To The Brave it also contained contributions from the departed Strmblad. They band had been continuously touring since its inception and 1998/9 saw them undertake the Templar World Crusade, a gruelling tour that took them through more than 20 countries. During the tour Anders Johansson (formally of Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force) replaced an exhausted Rfling. I Want Out, an EP featuring Helloween and Rainbow cover versions, was issued as a stopgap until new material could be produced.

Listen to Hammerfall at Finetune.

(1998) Legacy of Kings

Heeding the Call
Let the Hammer Fall
Legacy of Kings
Stronger Than All
At the End of the Rainbow