Hammerfall - Chapter V: Unbent, unbowed, unbroken 2.5/5
Reviewed: 4-1-05
Tracklist:
1. Secrets
2. Blood bound
3. Fury of the wild
4. Hammer of justice
5. Never, ever
6. Born to rule
7. The templar flame
8. Imperial
9. Take the black
10. Knights of the 21st century
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After a 3 year break, Hammerfall returns with this, their 5th CD. They are a very generic power metal band but have an undeniable ability to write a good, catchy song. I haven’t enjoyed their last 2 CDs too much, it is very possible that they took 3 years to make this CD in order to get away from the annual grind of making a new album and get some new, fresh songwriting ideas.
For the most part, 'Unbent, unbowed, unbroken' is much the same as Hammerfall’s other CDs. There are some really good, catchy tracks, especially the first 2. Hammerfall almost always has a phenomenal ballad on each CD and this one is no different with the terrific “Never, ever”. Unfortunately the CD levels off significantly in the middle, not picking up again until “Imperial”, a nice instrumental which has a distinct medieval sound. “Take the time” is very good, after which the band heads into unknown territory which the finale, “Knights of the 21st century”. Clocking in at over 10 minutes and including some monster growling. This track allows the band to stretch out more than usual, and it’s a very nice track that shows something a little different for the band.
Overall this is another good, solid CD for Hammerfall but isn’t any better than what they’ve been doing and, except for the last track, isn’t any different either. It’s a solid, enjoyable CD but not much more than that, especially for people who already have their other CDs. I was hoping for a little more given the 3 years they have taken since their previous CD.
DAVID
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