Hammerfall
Glory To The Brave

THE REVIEW

"Glory to the brave" is the first unforgettable masterpiece by Hammerfall released in 1997, marking the revival of 80's power, bringing freshness to the genre and reintroducing the sounds of unforgettable bands like Warlord, Manowar, Helloween, and partly Blind Guardian.

The lyrics range from spaceships to swords to the deaths of loved ones, so they were written to tell stories or entertain the audience, in the classic 80's style. Let's move on to the analysis of the album. The CD starts with Dragon Lies Bleeding, very fast with good drum work, nice choruses, melodic guitars, making it a fast and very epic song at the same time. Then it moves on to Metal Age, which hits with the rhythm of 80's raw power, the lyrics talk about a parallel dimension dominated by metal, with noticeable guitar riffs, a good song to be performed live. Then we move to the song that gives the band its name, "Hammerfall" where the group celebrates itself with a fast and melodic song to shout at the top of your lungs.

"Hammerfall - We Will Prevail!"
"Hammerfall - Let Us Hail!"

Then we move on to a truly moving ballad like I Believe, a poignant piece alternating slow and light parts with the central chorus; the guitar riffs become heavier to add drama to the song; this song has very beautiful lyrics. Then we arrive at the cover of their beloved heroes Warlord Children of the Damned from the album "Deliver Us". We return to swords in Steel Meets Steel, a song dedicated to the Templars; also in 80's style with compelling rhythms and a chorus to yell. It continues with Stone Cold, a good piece notable for its initial guitar riffs. Then comes Unchained, an engaging song with a double bass drum in the background. We arrive at the title track Glory to the Brave; this song is a masterpiece, it will move you with every listen, I don’t think a power song has ever moved you so much, an epic ballad with poignant lyrics that starts with 3 minutes of arpeggios and then comes Joacim Cans’ crystal clear voice introducing us to this tale. It then rises in intensity reaching a grand and epic chorus. The lyrics talk about the sadness for the loss of a hero who nevertheless lives in the memories of people, thanks to his deeds, and for this, he goes to rest in the hall of the brave.

In conclusion, this 1997 album is a masterpiece of power metal, one of the best power albums; I don't think a power album can move and touch you so much; it marked a clear revival of power metal that was submerged by stagnating porn grind bands. These guys have revived power metal, and we must give them credit; this album is a small jewel of power metal in recent years.

01 - The Dragon Lies Bleeding
02 - The Metal Age
03 - HammerFall
04 - I Believe
05 - Child Of The Damned
06 - Steel Meets Steel
07 - Stone Cold
08 - Unchained
09 - Glory To The Brave

Here is the translation of "Glory to the Brave":

Snow is falling on this glorious land
The colors fade and turn to white
Angels torment fallen heroes
They weep their winter tears
Mourning endless days will become years

This is goodbye, I say goodbye and...
Spread your wings and fly away now, fly away now

Nothing on earth lives forever
But none of your deeds were in vain
Deep in your heart, you will live still
You've gone to the house of the brave

I will treasure every solemn moment
Even though it's hard to understand
That a silent wind can blow out this candle
Taking everything and leaving behind only pain

You can shout my name, but your voice is fading
In the wind, embraced, you will fly away now, you will fly away now

Nothing on earth lives forever
But none of your deeds were in vain
Deep in your heart, you will live still
You've gone to the house of the brave

My eyes are closed, I feel you far away (so close)
Far beyond that shining star
I know you'll have what you're fighting for
Far beyond that shining star

I pray on my knees, infuse courage into these souls
Make them live forever in the hearts of the strong
I say goodbye to my friends, I hope to see you again
When I've lost the trust of those around me

This is goodbye, I leave you and...
Spread your wings and fly away now, fly away now

Nothing on earth lives forever
But none of your deeds were in vain
Deep in your heart, you will live still
You've gone to the house of the brave