Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 10/13/1998
Run Time: 45:06
Cleaner and slicker than their debut,
Legacy of Kings was the highly anticipated follow-up to
Hammerfall's singular revival of '80s-style power
metal Glory to the Brave. Bursting on the European
metal scene in 1997, and almost single-handedly reviving an entire genre,
Hammerfall placed themselves among the '90s vanguard with their double bass driven, dungeons and dragons epic
metal that echoed "pure
metal" strains reminiscent of
Manowar and European old-school champions
Helloween. After breaking sales records and shocking everyone with their music's stunning popularity, the lineup of
Joacim Cans (vocals),
Patrik Räfling (drums),
Oscar Dronjak (guitars),
Stefan Elmgren (guitars), and
Magus Rosén (bass) returned to the studio greatly encouraged by their success and the unbelievable re-emergence of the power
metal they practiced. The resulting collection was strong and steady, if a little predictable. Things start off nicely as four double bass rockers set a blinding pace. With it's exceptional chorus,
"Dreamland" represents the musical high point of this first section, if not the entire record.
"Warriors of Faith" is another choice track -- with it's tight drumming and accomplished guitar performances. The perfunctory
ballads are just a little too cheesy, and
Legacy of Kings ultimately fails to burn with the intensity of the group's debut, but '90s power
metal rarely gets better than
Hammerfall, even when they're slightly off their game. Fans of the genre are certainly recommended to check this record out.
~Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
;)
Listen
