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Watch the full interview below

Hammerfall: The Mighty Metal Warriors Reflect on 30 Years of Metal, Music, and Memories

When you think of Swedish metal, one name that towers above all others is Hammerfall. A band that has weathered the storms of musical evolution and still stands tall as one of the most iconic heavy metal acts of the last three decades. Fredrik Larsson, one of the founding members, joins us to discuss the band’s incredible journey, the power of heavy metal, and the release of their latest album, Avenge the Fallen.

The Birth of Hammerfall: A Dream, a Band, and a Competition

Hammerfall’s origins stretch back to the mid-’90s, but they didn’t start out as the mighty metal force they are today. “It actually began with Oscar and me playing together in a death metal band,” Fredrik shares. “Oscar had this dream of starting a heavy metal band, which he eventually did.” This dream birthed the foundation of Hammerfall, beginning with a local rock competition in their hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden. It was in 1996 when things started to snowball, with the band recording a video of their performance and sending it off to a record label.

“That’s how it all began,” Fredrik reflects. Little did they know that this small move would lead to an international breakthrough in the following years. Hammerfall was about to ignite the heavy metal scene at a time when grunge was ruling the airwaves, and metal had been seemingly left behind.

30 Years Later: The Rise, the Challenges, and the Return

It’s hard to imagine the music scene in 1997 without Hammerfall’s iconic album Glory to the Brave. The band’s debut was a beacon of pure, unadulterated heavy metal at a time when it was all but considered a dying breed. “We were actually laughed at at that time,” Fredrik admits. “There was no place for heavy metal in 1997—grunge was everywhere. But Glory to the Brave took off, and we were seen as the saviors of heavy metal.”

Despite the success of Glory to the Brave, Fredrik parted ways with the band in 1997. It wasn’t until 2007, after Hammerfall had already achieved a massive global presence, that he returned. “I came back 10 years later when the band had already become a huge establishment. It was great to reconnect with the guys, but everything around the band had grown exponentially. It was a big business now,” Fredrik recalls.

During that decade-long break, Fredrik remained proud of his involvement in the band’s early days. “I always saw the band in the press and on TV, and I was happy for them. I was still deep into death metal and thrash metal, so I was content with where I was,” he says. Still, being part of Hammerfall’s rise to fame was a defining chapter in his musical life.

Influences: From Accept to Iron Maiden

When asked about the influences that shaped Hammerfall’s musical identity, Fredrik doesn’t hesitate. “For me, Accept was the first band I connected with,” he shares. “I was too young to attend their live shows, but I remember dragging my mom with me. That was the first big concert I went to, and it left a lasting impact.”

Fredrik’s formative years were defined by bands like Accept, Iron Maiden, and Mötley Crüe—classic heavy metal that would eventually shape the sound of Hammerfall. “It’s all about that era of music,” he continues. “We wanted to look like our heroes, wear leather and studs, and play that pure heavy metal. That’s what we’ve always tried to capture.”

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Avenge the Fallen: Hammerfall’s 13th Album

Now, with Avenge the Fallen released in August 2024, Hammerfall is embracing a blend of old-school heavy metal with a modern touch. “This album is a small step forward for us,” Fredrik explains. “We still stay true to our roots—80s heavy metal with a new twist. It’s a full album experience, not just singles. We want fans to listen from start to finish, just like they would with vinyl.”

For Fredrik and the band, creating albums that tell a complete story is central to their approach. “We want fans to feel the journey of the album. Side A, side B, the ups and downs in tempo—it’s a whole experience. We worked hard to get it right, and I think we’ve done just that.”

With standout tracks like “Hail To The King” and “Avenge the Fallen,” Fredrik points to the title track as one of the fan favorites. “The fans really love ‘Avenge the Fallen,’ especially when we play it live. It has this chanting feel, and when we perform it, you can feel the energy in the room.”

Looking Ahead: A Tour and Beyond

Hammerfall is currently gearing up for a tour, with a long-awaited return to Australia on the horizon. Their last visit was back in 2014, so Fredrik is eager to reconnect with Australian fans. “We’re looking forward to playing in smaller clubs, creating that intimate connection with the fans. It’s going to be a tight, sweaty show, filled with energy. That’s what it’s all about.”

Fredrik also mentions their upcoming appearance at 70,000 Tons of Metal—a cruise that brings metalheads from around the world together on a floating festival. “It’s a fun experience,” Fredrik notes. “We get to perform in front of fans from all corners of the world. It’s a unique event.”

As for the future, Fredrik and the band aren’t setting any lofty goals beyond what they’re already achieving. “We want to keep growing, little by little,” he says. “As long as we’re having fun on stage, and it’s still worth the effort, we’ll continue. Right now, we’re really enjoying what we’re doing.”

The Legacy: More Than Just Music

When asked about their long-term aspirations, Fredrik reflects on the lasting impact of Hammerfall. “I think we’ve already achieved what we set out to do. It’s not about fame or fortune anymore. It’s about playing the music we love, connecting with our fans, and continuing to have fun along the way.”

Fredrik’s passion for the music and the fans is undeniable. And while he may not be the biggest fan of social media, he understands its importance in connecting with the band’s massive following. “It’s like MTV in the ’80s. If you’re not there, you’re forgotten. But for me personally, I don’t need to post a lot. I let the music do the talking.”

As Hammerfall celebrates their 30th anniversary, they continue to blaze their own trail through the world of heavy metal. With Avenge the Fallen proving to be another strong chapter in their legacy, fans can look forward to more headbanging anthems and unforgettable live shows in the years to come.

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In this next part of our interview with Fredrik Larsson from the legendary heavy metal band HammerFall, we dive into what it’s like to be part of a band that’s been rocking the world for over 30 years. From the challenges of starting out in the music industry to the energy of performing live, Fredrik shares valuable insights, his thoughts on the evolution of the music scene, and what drives him after all these years.

Advice for New Artists: “The Rehearsal Space is Key”

When it comes to starting a career in music today, Fredrik has some wise words for budding artists: “Do your homework in the rehearsal space. Get the job done there.”

While technology has made it easier than ever to produce great sounding music from the comfort of your own home, Fredrik stresses the importance of playing live and getting tight with your band. “You don’t have to have a hit song right away. If you struggle, just have fun, rehearse, and play live. That’s where you really evolve as a band.”

Fredrik highlights the reality that an impressive studio recording doesn’t always translate to a great live show if the band hasn’t put in the work. “Nobody likes the band that sounds fantastic in the studio but crashes live. So, focus on the fundamentals first—rehearsals, live gigs, and building a connection with the audience.”

The Power of Live Performance: “It’s What I Live For”

After 30 years in the business, Fredrik’s passion for live performance remains as strong as ever. He explains, “It’s the energy exchange with the crowd. When the performance is good, the crowd gives you so much energy back, and it just keeps building. That’s what makes the show feel like a party.”

For Fredrik, the magic lies in seeing the fans connect with the music—whether it’s them singing the lyrics back or even playing the iconic guitar riffs. The feedback from a live show is instant and visceral. “You can feel it in the crowd. It’s the best thing about being on stage.”

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A Career Highlight: Performing in Gothenburg

With 30 years of experiences behind him, Fredrik still recalls his most unforgettable moment with HammerFall: “The highlight for me was performing in my hometown, Gothenburg, during the city’s celebration. The whole street was packed with people. Friends, family, everyone. It was so surreal, having that kind of support from your hometown.”

Another standout memory was playing an open-air show in Germany in front of 80,000 people—an experience that gave him the same kind of chills as watching Live Aid and seeing Freddie Mercury commanding the crowd. “It’s something you can’t imagine until you’re there. The crowd moves like a wave. It’s like a dream.”

The Ever-Evolving Music Industry

As we all know, the music industry has undergone massive transformations over the past few decades, from the rise of digital downloads to the now-dominant streaming platforms. Fredrik has seen it all, and while the landscape has changed, one thing remains: live performance is still the heart of it all.

“The most important thing is to get out there, play, and build a fanbase in person. That’s where the real connection happens.” And in the digital age, with social media and streaming platforms like Spotify, it’s easier than ever to connect with fans worldwide. Fredrik acknowledges the challenges that come with streaming, but he’s clear that live shows are where the magic happens.

Favorite Moments, Favorite Things

From an unforgettable hometown gig to his love for gear, Fredrik is just as passionate about the small things as he is about the big stage moments.

– Craziest thing he’s done? “I’m pretty calm. No wild stories here. I’ve never been arrested!” But he does admit to being obsessed with bass pedals and spends hours experimenting with new gear. “I have tons of them. I just love fiddling with pedals. It’s like an addiction.”

– Favorite band of all time? “Dio is probably my all-time favorite singer.” Fredrik cites Ronnie James Dio as a major influence, and it’s clear that Dio’s legacy still resonates with him.

– Dream collaboration? “I would love to perform with Dio, obviously,” he says with a smile. “Unfortunately, I missed that chance when HammerFall toured with Dio many years ago, but that would have been amazing.”

– And as for food? Fredrik is a fan of Asian cuisine, calling it some of the best food he’s had, and he’s also a fan of a good Caipirinha cocktail from South America.

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What’s Next for HammerFall?

Looking forward, Fredrik is excited about their upcoming Australian tour, marking their return since 2014. “We’ll be playing smaller clubs this time, and it’s going to be energetic, sweaty, and intense. I’m really looking forward to seeing our Aussie fans again—it’s been a long time.”

With HammerFall still releasing new music and touring the world, Fredrik remains humble and focused on keeping the band’s legacy alive. “We don’t have big set goals. We just want to keep growing and having fun on stage. As long as we’re enjoying it, we’ll keep doing it.”

Final Thoughts

From their humble beginnings to becoming a global heavy metal institution, HammerFall has seen it all. Fredrik Larsson’s journey as a musician proves that success in the music industry is about dedication, passion, and—most importantly—connecting with fans. For aspiring artists, his advice is clear: keep rehearsing, keep playing live, and keep evolving. The rewards will come.

We can’t wait to see what the next 30 years bring for HammerFall. Until then, you can catch Fredrik and the band on tour, bringing their high-energy show to stages around the world.

What’s your favorite HammerFall track or moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more interviews and updates from the world of heavy metal here at Amnplify!

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Follow HAMMERFALL
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Watch the full interview below

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Press Release 19th December 2024 (below) HERE

unveils fan video for
‘FREEDOM’
celebrating global fan spirit

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HAMMERFALL
January 2025
Australian Tour Dates

Tuesday 14th January PERTH, Metro Fremantle
Wednesday 15th January ADELAIDE, Lion Arts
Friday 17th January  MELBOURNE, Northcote Theatre
Saturday 18th January  SYDNEY, Manning Bar
Sunday 19th January BRISBANE, The Triffid

Tickets:
On Sale: NOW
From: HERE

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AMNPLIFY – DB