Customer Reviews

Masterpieces

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm not a huge Hammerfall fan by any means. I respect the Swedish power metal band's talents and generally like their music, but to this point I've been content with the Steel Meets Steel: Ten Years Of Glory collection. Still, I'm always curious when bands record covers albums, and the track listing of Hammerfall's Masterpieces was impressive enough that I had to take notice. Here's what you get:

1. Child of the Damned (Warlord) - This was originally available on Glory to the Brave
2. Ravenlord (Stormwitch) - This was also on Glory to the Brave
3. Eternal Dark (Picture) - This was originally on Heeding the Call EP
4. Back to Back (Pretty Maids) - This was originally on Legacy of Kings
5. I Want Out (Helloween) - This, of course, was the title track of the I Want Out single
6. Man on the Silver Mountain (Rainbow) - Also included on the I Want Out single
7. Head Over Heels (Accept) - This was on the Renegade single
8. Run With the Devil (Heavy Load) - Also included on the Renegade single
9. We're Gonna Make It (Twisted Sister) - This came from the Hearts of Fire single
10. Breaking the Law (Judas Priest) - This was on the single Always Will Be
11. Angel of Mercy (Chastain) - This was featured on the Crimson Thunder album
12. Rising Force (Yngwie Malmsteen) - This was previously exclusive to the European version of Crimson Thunder
13. Detroit Rock City (KISS) - Previously exclusive to the North American version of Crimson Thunder
14. Crazy Nights (Loudness) - Previously available only on the Japanese version of Crimson Thunder
15. Nar Vidarna Viskar Namn (Roger Pontare) - From the album Melodifestivalen 50 Ar compilation
16. Flight of the Warrior (Riot) - New recording
17. Youth Gone Wild (Skid Row) - New recording
18. Aphasia (Europe) - New recording

Some of these covers are exactly what you'd expect from a power metal band. I'd be more surprised if they didn't cover Helloween, Rainbow and Priest. Some are less expected, but completely fun 80's rock anthems (Twisted Sister, Loudness, KISS, Skid Row). Others are the very definition of deep cuts (Picture, Stormwitch, Heavy Load) that show just how into metal these guys really are.

With so many hard to find b-sides, Masterpieces is an obvious must-have for Hammerfall fans, but you don't have to be a big fan of the band to appreciate this great, diverse, collection of cover songs. There's really something for everyone here, and all done with Hammerfall's usual style and class.

I've always pretty much enjoyed what these guys bring to the table and this selection of cover tunes is a darn good offering from them as well.

All the tunes sound fresh and have been slightly tweaked in the HammerFall way which is probably why they sound so fresh!!

Anyway, for a cover cd, this is probably one of the best ones I've heard in quite sometime. It's all good stuff and it rocks!

Masterpieces is an excellent collection of cover songs from a wide range of power metal acts. I heard "Ravenlord" on Pandora and, not normally a fan of Hammerfall tracks, had to have it. Finding the track on an album of cover songs and surprised to see two personal favorites ("Head Over Heels" by Accept and "Crazy Nights" by Loudness) this CD was a quick purchase. Having not heard the original versions of a lot of these tracks, I checked them out to as a comparison and Hammerfall recorded very straight-forward covers. They did not add their own style to the tracks for the most part but, usually, I enjoyed their versions better than the originals.

"Child of the Damned"--This is fast and furious! One of my favorites. The original 1983 version by Warlord is good, too, but I like Hammerfall's Joacim Cans's vocals better--they're more melodic.
"Ravenlord"--As the song that attracted me to this album, this song rules! It was originally recorded by Stormwitch and their version is good as well but, again, I like Joacim Cans's vocals better.
"Eternal Dark"--Very catchy, nice and melodic track and I really like the original recording by Picture, particularly, the backing vocals during the chorus.
"Back To Back"--A Helloween-sounding song, but originally done by Pretty Maids.
"I Want Out"--Speaking of Helloween, this is a song I loved back when I was a kid. Probably because I know Helloween so well, I like their version better. I like Michael Kiske's smooth delivery of the verses.
"Man On The Silver Mountain"--Excellent treatment of the iconic Rainbow song (R.I.P. R.J.D.).
"Head Over Heels"--One of my all-time favorite songs by Accept. I might have expected them to do "Balls To The Wall," but was intrigued by this choice. The second verse and chorus sounds like Udo Dirkschneider! Did he make an appearance? Well, it's an excellent impersonation that's for sure.
"Run With The Devil"--This one is OK, but a little flat when compared to the other songs on this album. After listening to the original version by Heavy Load, I like Hammerfall's a lot better. They even add a cool guitar riff before the choruses.
"We're Gonna Make It"--Catchy Twisted Sister rocker (hmmmm, Twisted Sister has another song with a similar title). Warning: there are some F-Bombs thrown in.

"Breaking The Law"--Adequate treatment of the Judas Priest British Steel classic. I would have liked a less obvious choice like with Accept. For once, Joacim Cans's vocals don't do it justice.
"Angel Of Mercy"--Wow! What a track! It is dark, mysterious and beautiful. Wonderful vocals, too. The original version by Chastain is awesome! I had never heard of this band. I might have to check out more of their releases.
"Rising Force"--Hard-pounding, fast and furious cover of the Yngwie Malmsteen's song.
"Detroit Rock City"--Same as with the Judas Priest cover. Would've liked a less obvious choice for a KISS cover. Again, the lead vocals don't do it justice. A little whiny.
"Crazy Nights"--Awesome choice! the Japan-based Loudness is one of my favorite '80s power metal bands and this is the first number on their excellent 1985 album Thunder in the East. The cover is excellent, too.
"När Vindarna Viskar Mitt Namn"--This track is an interesting change of pace. The title is Swedish for "When Spirits Are Calling My Name." Roger Pontare sang this song at the 2000 Melodifestivalen (which he won) and the 2000 Eurovision Song Contest. He also sang with Hammerfall on stage. I'm not sure if he is the Susan Boyle of Sweden but the song is fantastic. I don't know a single word in the lyrics, but it pumps me up! Lots of power!
"Flight Of The Warrior"--Catchy rocker originally recorded by Riot.
"Youth Gone Wild"--I wasn't too excited about seeing this Skid Row cover in the track listing but, I'll admit, it is pretty good. The song is better than I remembered.
"Aphasia"--Nice instrumental but, being it's an instrumental, it is a bit of a let-down for a closing track. Originally recorded by Europe.

This cd is worth every dollar you spend buying it.If you are a HammerFall fan or not.If your a fan of metal and don't listen to HammarFall go out and buy this cd.They do an awesome job on all the songs.They don't play with the original arrangements too much and that's fine with me.If your looking for a fresh new sound to some old metal classics this it!You won't be sorry.

I'm a fan of powermetal but must say this is my first HAMMERFALL album, i'm very impressed, i'm now a fan! This disc has a great contrast of different songs. This is a must have for any fan of metal!!!!