With this release Hammerfall has continued to protect and serve the name of Metal! Such is seen in the track, "Blood Bound". Gang vocals, addictive melody lines and traditional Metal riffs are embedded deep in the heart of this track. Lyric-wise, it's very reminiscent of Manowar but what do you expect? Manowar have been writing some of the best sing-along tracks in Metal and they RULE! "Fury Of The Wind" is a fist-pumpin anthem, forged heavily with high-pitched vocals and blazing guitars. Again, it's a nice sing-along except the feel of this song takes me back the days of leather, chains and studs. Hammerfall has always been popular for mid-paced songs with powerful vocals. "Hammer Of Justice" fits this description perfectly, the vocals are outrageous! I am also very partial the lead break, it's fast and ferocious bringing to mind shades of classic Randy Rhoades and Eddie Van Halen licks. I must say I was surprised to find a ballad on this album, I know the band has performed them before but not quite like this. "Never, Ever" is a trip directly back to the '80's. The vocals are very similar to the old band, Banshee, while the music sounds like something Cinderella would have written. Sounds good, doesn't it? Bet your sweet ass it is! You'll also find several other classics of epic proportion on this bulk of molten steel, such as "The Templar Flame", "Imperial" and "Take The Black". If this isn't enough for you, legendary vocalist "Cronos", from the band Venom, makes his presence felt on the track "Knights Of The 21st Century".

Some might say Hammerfall is fighting a losing battle, playing real Metal. (Mainly, shitty music critics) I say fuck that! Heavy Metal is still alive and kicking, there are plenty of Metal bands punishing the world right now.. Manowar, Helloween and Judas Priest to name a few. I think the overall issue is the world is swallowing down every trend that comes out, as fast they can.. I don't know about you but when I think of Metal I think of Power, Non-conformity and heart. Not cry-baby shit about how mommy and daddy never loved me, fuck that.. Heavy Metal never has been a trend, it's always been real and that's why bands like Hammerfall will continue to flourish.