Hammerforce - Dice
Hammerforce - Dice
\r\nHammerforce are a relatively new band, formed in 2006 and are coming from Russia. “Dice” is their first official album which has been released in Russia and CIS, while at the same time the band is seeking for a label that will release the album in Europe, U.S. and Japan.
\r\n
\r\nOn their website, the band members claim to be huge Hammerfall fans (obviously that’s where their name comes from) but the truth is that their music doesn’t seem to draw much influence from the Swedish power metallers, since Hammerforce seem to be more into some kind of a more progressive style. To be more precise, the listener can find in “Dice” many elements from bands like Pagan’s Mind but also more traditional influences from artists such as Blind Guardian, Sonata Arctica or even Y.J. Malmsteen.
\r\n
\r\nThe first thing that someone can notice on the album is the fact that Hammerforce are skilled enough as musicians and their technical abilities are surely way beyond average. The songs are mainly up tempo, with interesting melodies and some progressive parts here and there, while the keyboards play a key role to their overall sound. This is combined however with a relatively heavy sound, so that the sonic equilibrium inside the songs but the album itself is easily held, something in which the very good production also helps. Something negative about this album is however the vocal work. Not exactly bad, it is just that there isn’t anything special about them so that they can draw the listener’s attention, not to mention that in this kind of style that Hammerforce play, a larger vocal range wouldn’t hurt. Generaly speaking, “Dice” is an album that the fans of melodic power, especially those who also like some progressive touches, should find interesting and should definitely check out. Personally, the album kind of bored me in some parts but I guess it’s just a matter of personal taste. What is important is that “Dice” is a very descent debut album from a band that is capable of even better things in the future, provided that they set their talent and their mind to a clear direction that they would like to follow.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nOn their website, the band members claim to be huge Hammerfall fans (obviously that’s where their name comes from) but the truth is that their music doesn’t seem to draw much influence from the Swedish power metallers, since Hammerforce seem to be more into some kind of a more progressive style. To be more precise, the listener can find in “Dice” many elements from bands like Pagan’s Mind but also more traditional influences from artists such as Blind Guardian, Sonata Arctica or even Y.J. Malmsteen.
\r\n
\r\nThe first thing that someone can notice on the album is the fact that Hammerforce are skilled enough as musicians and their technical abilities are surely way beyond average. The songs are mainly up tempo, with interesting melodies and some progressive parts here and there, while the keyboards play a key role to their overall sound. This is combined however with a relatively heavy sound, so that the sonic equilibrium inside the songs but the album itself is easily held, something in which the very good production also helps. Something negative about this album is however the vocal work. Not exactly bad, it is just that there isn’t anything special about them so that they can draw the listener’s attention, not to mention that in this kind of style that Hammerforce play, a larger vocal range wouldn’t hurt. Generaly speaking, “Dice” is an album that the fans of melodic power, especially those who also like some progressive touches, should find interesting and should definitely check out. Personally, the album kind of bored me in some parts but I guess it’s just a matter of personal taste. What is important is that “Dice” is a very descent debut album from a band that is capable of even better things in the future, provided that they set their talent and their mind to a clear direction that they would like to follow.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nLambros “Metalshock” Panetas
\r\n
\r\n