review by: Jez Andrews

When listening to the opening track, "Riders on the Storm," there are some immediate signs that that this was the work of producer Charlie Baurfeind. The drums, guitars, and in particular the vocals have been greatly strengthened since Renegade (the previous album), and the improvements become more apparent as the album progresses. Those deep-throated chorus vocals are still there of course, and it's still very much Hammerfall songwriting and arrangement.

The tracks sound altogether more genuine and passionate than before, and considering that these boys have risen to the status of power metal elite, it's nothing but good news for the Hammerfall fans among you. They made a definite impression at Wacken 2001, and were well received in the UK (in typically one-off London show style), and have now finally made an album that does the live act proud.

I can't help but notice the elements of thrashier power metal in songs like "Crimson Thunder" and "The Unforgiving Blade," and the album is all the better for it.

Hammerfall have truly surprised me for another reason this time around. Normally, I find the soft ballads, particularly love songs in the Kamelot and Strtovarius vein really fucking repulsive, but I must confess to being drawn to "Dreams Come True" as a job well done.

Crimson Thunder is so much more refreshing and rock solid than any of its predecessors. Believe me, if you're a power metal fan worth your salt, you'll at least give this one a listen.