HammerFall is a Swedish power metal band from Gothenburg. The band was formed in 1993 by ex-Ceremonial Oath guitarist Oscar Dronjak.
HammerFall at Wacken Open Air 2014
Joacim Cans joined the band in 1996.
Jesper Strömblad left the band in 1997.
Anders Johansson
Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional heavy metal with speed metal, often within a symphonic context. Generally, power metal is characterized by a faster, lighter, and more uplifting sound, in contrast with the heaviness and dissonance prevalent in, for example, extreme metal. Power metal bands usually have anthem-like songs with fantasy-based subject matter and strong choruses, thus creating a theatrical, dramatic and emotionally "powerful" sound.
Power metal
Kai Hansen of Gamma Ray during a show in Barcelona. Hansen is regarded as one of the biggest influences in the early development of power metal.
Most songs of German band Blind Guardian are based on fantasy, mythology and science fiction, and their live shows often feature fantasy decorations.
Italian band Rhapsody of Fire performing in Buenos Aires in 2010