Still On Fire

Hammerschmitt

Hammerschmitt? Never heard before, although the band has been around since 1997, and the musicians had made music together for 10 years before under the name Pierrot. In the same year they also recorded their first demo, which was followed by the self-titled debut album three years later. After their second album Mein Herz and the anniversary show 2006, the band took a short break. In 2011 the concept album Jenseits der Stille was published. Still On Fire now appears as the fourth album from the melodic metal band hailing from Munich.

With “Rock Steady” the Bavarians kick off from the beginning. Banging double-guitars, powerful double bass. A neckbreaker par excellence. “Sanctuary“ is partly affected by vocal harmonies that should animate the listener to sing along, plus there are guitar melodies which go directly into the ear. The title track is a bit quieter but no less powerful, with a catchy chorus. A great metal hymn that reminds me a bit of early Manowar.

The band has produced a video clip for the song “Metalheadz.” The melodies, the singing and the choruses sound a little more like mainstream, without slipping into cheesy. The song is quite airplay compatible. For me one of the highlights of the album is the Cranberries Cover “Zombie.” In the metal version I like this song almost better than the original. Close to the original but significantly harder played. Amazing!

A beautiful power ballad is on the album, “Crazy World,” which sure will provide burning lighters and glowing cell phones at concerts. Melodic clean guitars, punchy drums and impressive choruses ensure sufficient goosebumps! Then “Whoohoo“ ensures that you are woken up again from your dreams. As in other songs, excellent guitar solos are also here to hear again. The album concludes with the quiet, ballad-like “Killed By Death.” There is even a brilliant guitar solo.

After the first run I sat speechless in front of the player. Really amazing! With outstanding songwriting and a powerful modern production the guys from Hammerschmitt have recorded a timeless beautiful Hard Rock album. So has to sound classic hard rock in the here and now. With the high-class eleven songs they clearly show where the rubber meets the road. Here are musicians at work who are still far from the scrap heap, although they have several decades of stage experience!

Official Video of “Metalheadz”:

Lineup:
Benjamin Kroiß – Vocals
Gernot Kroiß – Guitar
Andreas Summer – Guitar
Stefan Kroiß – Drums
Armin Zelzer – Bass

Label: Massacre Records
Out: 26.08.2016
Duration: 47:38

Track list:

  • Rock Steady
  • Sanctuary
  • Still On Fire
  • Metalheadz
  • Shout
  • Zombie
  • One Helluva Night
  • Mean Streak
  • Crazy World
  • Whoohoo
  • Killed By Death

Release date: 26-08-2016
Reviewer: Rainer Kerber
Score: 9

Rainer Kerber

This author is no longer associated with Metal On Loud Magazine.

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