Album Review: Hammerfall - (r)Evolution

Hammerfall have always been a lighter take on the whole power metal thing, often losing their way when they tried their hand at heavier tracks. On this new record, they may have finally hit the mark. Neo-classical guitar solos and sword-and-sorcery visuals rally around a pumping and empowering rhythm section. Occasional dips into Manowar-esque melodies round out the album, getting heavy despite a thin guitar tone. It’s not a big leap in sound, but one the band desperately needed. You’d be hard pressed to find a better soundtrack to your Dungeons And Dragons matches this year.