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
'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;
devotedly adheres to the genre guidelines of '80s
, 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."
~ Andy Hinds