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Following the unnaturally extended layoff enforced by guitarist Oscar Dronjak's motorcycle accident in 2003, Swedish heavy metal traditionalists Hammerfall waited barely a year between their eventual return with fifth album, Chapter V in 2005, and the release of LP number six, Threshold, in 2006. This suddenly rushed release schedule -- though likely resulting from nothing more than a backlog of pre-written material, ready to come out -- takes something of an uncertain turn on Threshold's first few numbers, which comprise a decent but terribly predictable title track; a lackluster autopilot job and a repetitive chorus in "The Fire Burns Forever"; and a lead-footed crawl through "Rebel Inside," which not even Accept-like choral battalions can jolt into life. Indeed, the claim may be redundant when relating to a band whose very talents involve being true to metal's classic sound, but all three simply sound too safe and formulaic. Luckily, salvation comes not a moment too soon when fourth cut, "Natural High," arrives with an energetic burst and surprisingly atypical lyrics to inject a much needed dose of excitement, which is subsequently reprised by additional standouts like "Howlin' with the 'Pac," "Shadow Empire" (boasting the album's best riff), and "Genocide," with its dramatic introductory stops and starts. In fact, with the exception of another, check-your-watch drag-fest called "Carved in Stone," most every remaining track has something memorable to recommend it. "Dark Wings, Dark Words" is the record's ambitious and evocative semi-ballad, "Reign of the Hammer" is a brisk, hardly groundbreaking, but nevertheless welcome instrumental, and the anthemic "Titan" provides a grand finale worthy of the Swedes' majestic habits. In other words, though it lacks the overall consistency of certain previous efforts, Threshold still produces a fair amount of quality goods to appease most Hammerfall fans -- or else it wouldn't have entered the Swedish charts at number one. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia
Recording information: Lundgaard Studios, Denmark (05/2006-07/2006).
Photographer: Peter Nilsson.
Personnel: Joacim Cans (vocals, background vocals); Oscar Dronjak, Stefan Elmgren (guitar, keyboard programming, background vocals); Magnus Rosen (bass guitar); Anders Johansson (drums); Rolf Kohler, Johan Aremyr, Oliver Hartmann (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Charly Bauerfeind.
Kerrang (Magazine) (p.45) - "[I]t's all about massive riffs, bigger choruses, and a total dedication to basically being as metal as possible."
Hammerfall - Threshold Songs
Threshold Music Review
Average Rating: (4.8 out of 5 stars)    Hammerfell
Not as strong as any of their previous cds.However,like the others have mentioned ,they do still do what they do.POWER METAL.For this is why I say got to have this cd.I do recomend ONE CRIMSON NIGHT. great live cd.
Submitted by geordie (n.s. can.)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
Great Power / True Metal
I'm a Hammerfall fan since the first CD. The band refuses to bend or change their formula. In the past, I would have said that's a bad thing. Not so much any more. You know what you are getting with a HF release...great fist-pumping anthems. There are a few things that differentiate this from the past few CDs: Better production, beefier backing vocals, and finally...Anders is allowed to do some killer drum fills. This band is among the best at what they do. Recommended!
Submitted by Dr. Metal (Orlando, FL)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No great album
Another excellente album from Hammerfall.There is not a weak point on this cd,the vocals,the instrumentation is top notch.Thiese guys are getting better with every release.Buy it and enjoy!
Submitted by george (canada) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 0 of 1 found this helpful. GREAT STUFF
Another great release from Hammerfall.The songs,the production,all super.There is no weak point on the album.
Submitted by george (canada)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 0 of 1 found this helpful. | Have you heard this album? |  |
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