Hammerfall--Legacy of Kings (1998)
Rating--8.9
Let the Hammer Fall--RealAudio Stronger Than All--RealAudio
Hammerfall lit a fire under the Euro power/speed world with its debut album 'Glory to the Brave,' and a little over a year later
the band is back at it with 'Legacy of Kings.' And get this, kiddies---This one is even better.
The followup is every bit as intricate and fast as the debut, and perhaps even moreso. However, there are some "definites"
as well: The guitar sound is thicker and tougher, as there is no arguing the power metal validity held within. Strains of some of the
best come through in full force: Maiden, Helloween, Rage, and Priest, and the lyrical mysticism and vocal chorus power of thematic
giants Manowar is noted as well. In fact, the vocals in general seem to have gone through a natural maturation process. All
in all, just a heavier, nastier, more complete and fulfilling release. Again, a nice ol' slab of power and speed.
"Heeding the Call" starts the riot moving in fast and furious fashion, with speed chops mixed amongst a melodicly blended
chorus. "Let the Hammer Fall" features one of metal's ultimate power chord crunch sections, as the rhythm simply drives the
song through-and-through.
A great intro chug and riff highlights "At the End of the Rainbow," and the otherwise fast
and swift "Warriors of Faith" features a splendid slow-down groove in the middle.
The other heavy hitters fall under the
"power and speed" category: "Dreamland," with its tightness and Maiden-like gallop and precision; "Back to Back"; "Stronger
Than All," which has great note riffs and thick chords; and the title track.
The Europe-esque
"The Fallen One" is a slower piece with nice piano work, and "Remember Yesterday" is another semi-"ballad".
The troupe
from Hammerfall could soon find themselves on hallowed ground, as another couple of albums of this caliber and there will be a
legacy indeed...
HOT CHOPS: Check out the "Kill with power...!" yell during the pre-solo bridge of "Back to Back." A little Manowar tribute, eh??
TRACK LIST: Heeding the Call/Legacy of Kings/Let the Hammer Fall/Dreamland/Remember Yesterday/At the End of the
Rainbow/Back to Back/Stronger Than All/Warriors of Faith/The Fallen One
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