by Andy Hinds

Hammerfall's grandiose heavy metal posturing only narrowly avoids the type of self-parody exhibited by Manowar (for that matter, the bandmembers' outfits are only slightly less ridiculous than Manowar's swords-and-loincloths look). But fans of the genre probably won't care -- the band performs its soaring power metal anthems with spirit, dedication, and heroic execution on Crimson Thunder. This is pure classicism here; Hammerfall devotedly adheres to the genre guidelines of '80s power metal, without any attempts toward innovation. Includes an inspired cover version of Chastain's obscure "Angel of Mercy" and a rather pointless take on Kiss' already overdone "Detroit Rock City."