HAMMER KING: HAMMER KING

   The future of titanic Power Metal. There is clearly something in the Rhine that leads many a budding musician to instinctively follow the sacred mystical paths of Power Metal, as Germany has forged more than their fair share of genre leading titans. Either that, or it is just the result of the inspiring influences of Germany's Metal royalty such as; Helloween, Orden Ogan and Accept to name just a few. 

   With their self-titled forth full-length release, Hammer King make it clear that they are the future monarchs and heirs to the Power Metal throne. Not only that, but they clearly mean business with a first-rate album that will take them to the top.

   Whether you are ready or not, opening rager "Awaken The Thunder" hits like a euphoric hammer blow to the brain, fashioned with massive hooks, galloping crunchy riffs and a chorus that will get you singing along even on the first listen. There is absolutely no mercy shown as "Baptized By The Hammer" charges into battle, led by twin guitars and at a punishing pace, made all the sweeter with chants and catchy sing-along vocals.

   Sounding like an ode to Hammerfall, the mighty "Onward To Victory" is a delightfully memorable mid-paced track with some truly excellent vocal work from frontman Titan Fox, not forgetting a decent helping of weighty melodic riffs. With a great guest vocal contribution from legendary Tankard vocalist Gerre, "Hammerschlag" is a punishing track that impacts like a Heavy Metal locomotive, armed with ripping Thrash riffs and blinding solos.

   In a slightly more traditional melodic Heavy Metal vein "Atlantis (Epilogue)" is an epic tide of Power Metal majesty that lashes with waves of bludgeoning riffs, huge vocals, towering harmonies and more hooks than a shipping vessel. Resuming the pummelling pace, "We Are The Kingdom" gallops forth in all its Power Metal glory wielding blistering twin guitars and thunderous bass. Leading straight into the bruising "Into The Storm", a solid slice of early Iron Maiden-esque Heavy Metal, we are met with yet another delightful shout-along chorus, towering riffs and robotic speed drumming. 

   Powerful and melodic, "Ashes To Ashes" maintains the pace with driving drums and shredding riffs, before "In The Name Of The Hammer" offers up a Judas Priest inspired traditional Metal masterpiece, mesmerising with monstrous grooves, a huge chorus, furious ripping guitars, insane solos and a city-levelling rolling drum barrage.

   In true Power Metal style, closing number "King Of Kings" opens with a modestly cringy spoken word intro and atmospheric storm effects before the curtains fall and a theatrical Power Metal epic is performed through grand sing along choruses, almost medieval bard like slow sections, served with a side of delicious riffs, heavy bass and soaring solos. With the acoustic "Holy (Outro)", this is a splendid way to finish off a terrific album.

   Overall, Hammer King's Napalm Records debut is a triumphant statement of Power Metal art. Well produced and with a collosal sound throughout, Hammer King is filled with incredible Metal worthy of the name. There is no denying that this band are destined for great things, but an album this good will certainly be tough to surpass. 

NO NONSENSE METAL RATING: 9.0/10 

For fans of; HAMMERFALL, POWERWOLF, GRAVE DIGGER

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