Hammerfall Songs Ranked
One of the leading lights of the European metal resurgence in the mid- to late ’90s, Sweden’s Hammerfall helped bring melodic power metal back to the forefront of a scene that was struggling to find its footing amidst the alt-rock/grunge boom. Emerging in 1997 with the Swedish Grammy-winning Glory to the Brave, subsequent outings like Renegade (2000), Threshold (2006), (r)Evolution (2014), and Dominion (2019) proved to be just as popular throughout Europe and the Americas as they were at home, with multiple releases going gold. In February 2022, HammerFall issued the Fredrik Nordström-produced Hammer of Dawn. Founded in Gothenburg in 1993 by ex-Ceremonial Oath guitarist Oscar Dronjak — the dissolution of that band would also help launch another influential group, In Flames — Hammerfall took some time getting off the ground. Many of its then-members were doing double duty with more established bands — drummer Jesper Strömblad and guitarist Glenn Ljungstrom were both in In Flames and vocalist Mikael Stanne was fronting melodic death metal giants Dark Tranquillity — and their set lists leaned hard on covers. However, by the time of the release of their acclaimed 1997 debut, Hammerfall were an almost completely different band, and became a primary focus. Here are all of Hammerfall songs ranked.
Don’t miss out on the timeless Hammerfall music below! Click to experience the band at their finest!
10. No Sacrifice, No Victory (No Sacrifice, No Victory, 2009)
“For a power metal band, Hammerfall have never been the fastest around, and neither have they been swayed by the harder and punchier American style, and while clearly taking huge influence from Helloween and such bands, Hammerfall have always been one of the most solid and compact power metal outfits on the scene”
9. Crimson Thunder (Crimson Thunder, 2002)
“The title track, Crimson Thunder, is slower and darker than almost anything else the band had played up to this point – don’t get me wrong, we’re not seeing HammerFall playing doom any time soon, but it’s an experiment with a mood which they had avoid so far in favour of unicorns and pixies.”
8. Glory to the Brave (Glory to the Brave, 1997)
“First and probably best album from this Swedish power metal institution with some straight up heavy metal to make it all go down smooth. For some reason I always think of this band as one of the originators but that is most likely because I heard this outfit before most of the big second wave of Euro power metal.”
7. One More Time (Infected, 2011)
“The music style on the album probably won´t be a surprise to those familiar with Hammerfall. The band play a combination of heavy pounding traditional heavy metal and euro power metal. The latter style isn´t that dominant on this album though and is mostly heard in the fast-paced tracks on the album. I´m thinking more of acts like Iron Maiden and Saxon when I listen to this album.”
6. At the End of the Rainbow (Legacy of Kings, 1998)
“Pure metal. Hammerfall continued paying tribute to traditional heavy metal and european power metal with their second release. Pretty much the same formula, perhaps a bit more melodic and anthemic.”
5. Last Man Standing (Last Man Standing, 2007)
“I heard/saw Hammerfall for the first time about two months ago, on a live concert where they played before Helloween, and I’m listening to them almost nonstop now. I get goosebumps from most of their songs”
4. Heeding the Call (Legacy of Kings, 1998)
“I remember the first time I heard the opening drum fill to “Heeding The Call,” and that song still gives me the same thrill it used to. It’s a good showcase of the best elements of HammerFall, it’s catchy, anthemic, and makes you want to sing along, while the riffs are heavy and powerful enough to keep your interest and remind you that yes, this is still a metal album.”
3. Any Means Necessary (No Sacrifice, No Victory, 2009)
“Typical heavy metal plodder “Any Means Necessary” kicks proceedings off and sets the pace for a generally solid and mid-tempo album with the odd exception of fast-paced. They have their own type of heavy metal- the best metal I’ve ever seen!
2. Blood Bound (Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken, 2005)
“The heavy guitar and epic lyrics of Hammerfall combine to make a truly amazing song. I really like the opening riff. Hammerfall created a masterpiece with this song. One of the best HammerFall songs ever. Nice solo, great basguitar
1. Hearts on Fire (Crimson Thunder, 2002)
“This was the first song I heard from this band and I became an instant fan. Still get the chills every time I hear it. They have come a long way since then and have made other great songs. But this is still my favorite”
