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HAMMERFALL
+ Silent Knight
@ Metropolis, Fremantle
14th January, 2025
(Live Review)

Review by Chris Reid

Photos by Pete Gardner (@petegardnerphotography)

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HAMMERFALL / Photo – @petegardnerphotography

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Sweden’s Power metal legends HammerFall are currently embarking on their first ever Australian Tour. Having released over a dozen studio albums over a career spanning almost 30 years, I don’t think I’m overstepping any mark to call HammerFall a truly classic band in the Power Metal sub-genre. Whilst perhaps not as seminal to the genre as Helloween or Blind Guardian, HammerFall are almost equally respected due the quality of their output and their distinctive melodic style. 

Over the years Perth hasn’t been known as a Power Metal hub so I’m quite sure air travel logistics (more so than demand) were behind Metropolis Fremantle being selected as the venue to host the first night of the debut Australian tour. Seeing a mid-week power metal bill in Perth had me casting my mind back to 2010 when I saw Edguy play a great set to only a handful of fans on a Thursday night. However, that memory seems like a lifetime ago now and it would be fair to say the Power Metal scene in Perth has come a long way since then. A recent Dream Evil show in Perth had a solid turnout so I was quietly confident that their fellow countrymen could draw a decent crowd on a ‘school night’. And draw they did – I’d imagine the promoters were happy with the response from the Perth punters because a very healthy crowd filled into the venue shortly after doors.

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SILENT KNIGHT / Photo – @petegardnerphotography

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SILENT KNIGHT / Photo – @petegardnerphotography

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You could argue that one of the reasons Power Metal has a healthy following in the Perth scene these days is due to the prolific nature of opening act Silent Knight. Formed in 2009, ‘SK’ have a number of albums and EP’s under their belt and have played alongside some of the heavyweights of the genre both locally and abroad. They’ve been a key pillar of the local scene for well over a decade and have built a sizable and loyal following. It’s not at all surprising to see them given the opening slot for HammerFall’s Perth show, and seeing them get the nod to take part in the entire Australian tour is well deserved recognition for prolonged quality and consistency. 

Silent Knight warmed up the crowd really well, playing a set that was full of energy and head turning musicianship. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Silent Knight perform a number of times over many years. Despite the familiarity that I have with the bands live set, and the calibre of musicianship on show, I have never once become jaded to how slick the lead playing of Cameron Nicholas is. Similarly, Dan Granger’s drumming is pure class and a legitimate anchor for this band. Not to be outshone, Stu McGill holds down tight rhythms, his fair share of melodic leads, and takes a leading role when it comes to playful onstage shenanigans. Dan Brittan has an acrobatic Falsetto vocal style that at it’s best can be a real asset. He put in a powerful performance, and shone brightest when singing the songs he recorded with the band on the Full Force album. Their set was enjoyable and showcased a large percentage of tracks from their Latest album (Full Force, 2022), alongside what I’m sure Silent Knight fans would refer to as their Classic tracks – Masterplan, Power Metal Supreme et al. Hearing The Last Candle Burns live was a personal highlight alongside the well worn sing alongs from their earlier albums. 

Silent Knight are a classy act that play the right brand of Power Metal to warm up a crowd for HammerFall. As enjoyable as they were, there is little doubt that the majority of the punters were there to see HammerFall – and boy did they deliver.

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HAMMERFALL / Photo – @petegardnerphotography

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HAMMERFALL / Photo – @petegardnerphotography

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Never has a promo been more spot on than this line from the bands press release for the Australian tour – ‘The riffs hit harder. The rhythms thunder louder. The choruses soar closer to the clouds’. Amen. Hammerfall’s set was a tour de force of fist pumping, and uplifting sing alongs.

Oscar Dronjak and Pontus Norgren are a formidable guitar pairing who entertained the crowd with top notch lead playing, synchronised/choreographed headbanging / guitar waving, and an onslaught of killer riffs. Oscar’s Hammer shaped guitar added to the stage theatrics, especially when held aloft like a thunder god during the various tracks that carry a Hammer-themed title! Front man Joacim Cans put in a spotless performance on lead vocals. His crowd interaction was personal and sincere too, obviously thankful for the strong reception the band recieved during their first ever Australian show. The rhythm section of Fredrik Larsson and David Wallin held everything together like glue – these guys are all absolute pros. 

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HAMMERFALL / Photo – @petegardnerphotography

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The Hammerfall set was top tier to my ears in terms of both song selection and performance, from start to finish. Personal highlights included barn burners like Heeding the Call, along with the classic sing alongs like Hammer High, Glory to the Brave and Let the Hammer Fall. I also really enjoyed track a from their new album including Avenge the Fallen and Hail to the King. The Swedish veterans showed their class in spades and It was a timely reminder that ‘True’ Metal, or traditional heavy metal styles endure and emote like no other, especially in the live setting. 

HammerFall are the sort of band that I thought I’d never get to see live, certainly not in Perth. Getting to see them play a headline set on home soil is a real treat. For anyone reading this review from around the country, unsure about whether or not to commit to getting along to this tour – don’t hesitate. Get along to this clinic in heavy metal. 

Hail to the Kings

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HAMMERFALL / Photo – @petegardnerphotography

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Check out Pete Gardner’s (@petegardnerphotography) full gallery of this event HERE

Check out Michael Selge’s (@oz.craftypics) full gallery of the Adelaide (Lion Arts Factory) event HERE

Check out Dave Bruce’s interview with FREDRIK LARSSON from HAMMERFALL (8th January 2025) – HERE

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HAMMERFALL / Photo – @petegardnerphotography

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Follow HAMMERFALL
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Press Release 19th December 2024 (below) HERE

unveils fan video for
‘FREEDOM’
celebrating global fan spirit

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AMNPLIFY – DB