Renaissance Faire Music Celtic Music Classical Early Music: Harp Classical Early Music: Lute Classical Early Music Power Metal Soundtracks

Crimson Thunder Hammerfall Nuclear Blast (NB 1031) After releasing the somewhat awkward album Renegade, Hammerfall has returned with Crimson Thunder, a CD which focuses on their strengths while showing strains of maturity and progression. The CD opens with "Riders of the Storm," a track that lacks speed but emphasizes a strong, driving rhythm. Despite its interesting name, this track unfortunately falls flat, as the music is too simplistic to achieve any sense of awe. This song is followed by "Hearts On Fire." Beginning with a memorable riff, the track offers a rhythmic anthem-like chorus and some strong bass work. Following is "On The Edge Of Honor," in which drummer Anders Johansson plays a heavy double bass with multiple beat and off-beat patterns. The ballad "Dreams Come True" is one of the most memorable tracks on the CD. The acoustic performance is worthy of mention, as guitarist Stefan Elmgren delicately picks away, creating a wonderful melody. The piece also marks the first time Hammerfall has used a violin in a song. The symphonic qualities of the song add to the dramatic sense of this score. Crimson Thunder stands out among Hammerfall's previous releases, as it is darker and heavier in sound, but also more mature. The band is also not afraid to concentrate on riffs and melody, as opposed to just playing their instruments as fast as possible. — Daniel Dee

Click here to order: Crimson Thunder       To order Renaissance Magazine, click here.     To order medieval tapestries and other period products, click here.