We don’t have to introduce Hammerfall to the audience. Since 1997 they have released seven albums, managing to create a core of loyal fans, but also a core of listeners who (wrongly) think of them as posers and they believe that it isn’t worth to listen to them at all. So, Hammerfall return with their 8th album “Infected”.
\r\n The first thing that impresses anyone who keeps Hammerfall’s new disk in his hand and looks at the artwork, is the totally different style from their previous albums. Hector, their mascot that follows the band since “Glory to the Brave” is absent and a zombie’s rotten hand has taken it’s place. Even the logo of the band is different.
\r\nThe whole concept of “Infected” cannot be characterized as something fresh. A virus, infected people, zombies hunting everyone, the band running in panic, and generally a mess that reminds horror movies.
\r\nAs far as the music is concerned Hammerfall having their new line-up more tight, appear “Heavier” than they use to be. They follow the path they created in “No sacrifice, no Victory” but at the same time they are darker, trying to impart the terror of a situation like this to the listener. Many good ideas, 2 or 3 very good song like the “The outlaw” and “Dia de los muertos” and their usual ballad “Send me a sign”
\r\nGenerally it’s a very good album which will not disappoint Hammerfall fans and anyone who will listen to it.
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\r\nGeorge Vouthouris \r\n
