CD Review: HammerFall – “No Sacrifice, No Victory”

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CD Review

This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.

These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.

Artist: HammerFall
Album: No Sacrifice, No Victory (2009 Nuclear Blast)
Tracks: 11

Artist website: http://www.hammerfall.net

OVERVIEW

This is the seventh studio album for Swedish heavy metal band HammerFall. The bands experiment in tuning down a whole-step seems to have paid off too. The songs have very strong melodies. However, much of the progressions are predictable. The feel isn’t driving though there is definitely energy in the tracks. I would call most of the songs “mid-tempo” and wouldn’t say that this was a high octane metal record.

This is a very solid effort. Definitely worth a listen. If you dig old school melodic metal, this is going to have some gems for you. Don’t expect any nu-metal stylings or rap from this album.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Any Means Necessary, Legion, Between Two Worlds, Something for the Ages

PLAY BY PLAY

Track 1 – Any Means Necessary
Really nice melodies here and use of “call and response”. There’s more of an old school feel to this track. It’s pretty awesome!

Track 2 – Life Is Now
Strong melodies again.

Track 3 – Punish and Enslave
This is one of the more driving songs on the album. 

Track 4 – Legion
I was not expecting a track like this based on the first 3 tracks. This one’s a bit more “power metal”. 

Track 5 – Between Two Worlds
Very pretty!

Track 6 – Hallowed Be My Name
Not bad

Track 7 – Something for the Ages
Awesome solos in this one!

Track 8 – No Sacrifice, No Victory
This is the title track. The choir is a nice touch. Not a bad track.

Track 9 – Bring the Hammer Down
Very cool breakdown before the solo. Simple works.

Track 10 – One of a Kind
’tis power metal. I’m glad they put this at the end since it is totally different from the rest of the album. 

Track 11 – My Sharona (The Knack cover)
HAHAHA – This is not a bad cover at all! I’ve heard this song butchered so many times by bar bands. This is actually quite good. Bar bands take note!

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Posted in CD Reviews, The Weekly Riff (2008-2010) Reprinted.