Glory To The Brave, they used to sing to us more than a decade ago and now it looks like they realize there's no victory, without a sacrifice. Of course I am talking about HAMMERFALL's brand new release, entitled No Sacrifice, No Victory. The Swedish Power Metal band strikes back with their seventh studio album, having a couple of changes in their lineup.

The first thing noticeable about this record is Norgren's (guitars, ex-TALISMAN) addition to the band. With a new guitar tone and a different technique, HAMMERFALL's music sounds fresh and warm. Speaking about changes, former bassist Fredrik Larsson (Glory To The Brave era) rejoined in mid April after Rosen's unexpected departure. Musically speaking No Sacrifice, No Victory still follows the same formula HAMMERFALL are known for and at the same time it brings memories of older albums, such as Chapter V. To be honest when it comes to bands like HAMMERFALL, it is more or less known what to expect from the song-writing style, and there's nothing wrong with it.  No Sacrifice, No Victory remains true to the bands roots, yet very strong and pure sounding.

I have always being a fan of the bands melodies and harmonies and listening to this new release, I am not disappointed at all. Oscar's catchy riffing in combination with Norgren's splendid solos and Joacim's potent vocal performance, drive the band throughout the album. Also, it may just be me but I think this is the first HAMMERFALL record that we can listen to longer guitar solos. Obviously Oscar wants to introduce Pontus to us with this way, and that's very pleasant. No Sacrifice, No Victory was recorded partly in PAMA Studios and Andy La Rocque's (KING DIAMOND) studio, both in Sweden. Production-wise Charlie Bauerfeind is yet again responsible for this new HAMMERFALL record and of course there's no need to say it sounds incredible.  Ten new songs, plus a cover song, are included in No Sacrifice, No Victory and all of them are very well done and grateful to hear.

Overall, HAMMERFALL's seventh studio release is yet again a powerful, melodic, steel strike in today's music business and a step forward to their career. The band sounds super tight and the two additions seem to work very well on their behalf. Highlights of the album include the driving Life Is Now, the epic Legion, a wonderful ballad named Between Two Worlds, the amazing instrumental Something for the Ages (it simply kicks ass) and the dynamic Bring The Hammer Down. Regarding THE KNACK cover, My Sharona... well, let's say although it does sound heavier, I could still do without it. Let the hammer fall...