Cheap Renegade (Music) (Hammerfall) Price

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Customer Reviews of Renegade

More like 4 1/2, but Hammerfall's best IMO
I'll say this for Hammerfall: they've picked a style that works and they're sticking to it. If you're worried that Hammerfall might be changing their ways in an effort to mature, don't. This is more of the same melodic, supercharged power metal you'd expect from the new kings of the block. And that's a good thing.

I really, really wanted to give this 5 stars, but I just couldn't. It wasn't that there is anything particularly wrong with the album, because there is not. In fact, most of it rocks harded and more smoothly than their previous release ("Legacy of Kings"). With song titles like "Templars of Steel" and "Keep the Flame Burning," you know where they're heading. Coincidentally, these are two of the strongest songs on the album and great choices to kick things off. "Renegade" and "Living in Victory" are also extremely strong, instantly memorable and chock full of speedy riffs and bombastic drumming. And though others dislike it, I found the ballad "Always Will Be" to be hauntingly beautiful, enough so that I stopped what I was doing to read along with the lyrics, completely immersing myself in the song. It's that good.

But the rest of the album seems to lose a bit of steam. Either that, or simply not do anything different than the first five tracks. Which to me is not bad (because the first five are so good), but prevents the album from being truly "perfect." All told though, it's a fantastic power metal experience and well worth the $15 it costs. Get it.

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All right, kids...
In spite of their painfully one-track minds, HammerFall have always entertained me, particularly with the "Legacy of Kings" album. On "Renegade," however, things are becoming a bit tiresome. In the photos, the band members are decked-out in toystore armor, highly reminiscent of Manowar, whom I believe to be the most obnoxiously cheesy heavy metal band of all time. I would be willing to cut them a break for this poor decision, though, if "Renegade" were as powerful an album as "Legacy of Kings" was, but it's not.

"Renegade" is certainly not an album without it's good points, and there are a few songs that make it worth buying if you're into HammerFall's style. "Keep the Flame Burning" is the best song on the album, in my opinion, and is definitely worthy of the band that released "Legacy." In general, also, the guitar riffs are actually better than the riffs on "Legacy," like in the title track or "Way of the Warrior." The problem with "Renegade" comes with the weak melodies, which have always been HF's predominant element, and the lyrics, which, though cliche on "Legacy," are barely stomachable on HF's newest. In fact, the lyrics alone dropped this album's rating one full star for me.

In short, HammerFall have never done anything to expand their style or rework their formula, and for this they are beginning to stagnate in some areas. My suggestion for the band would be to ditch Joacim Cans (who, I assume, writes the lyrics and melodies) and find someone who can bring a fresh style to Dronjak's riffs. Also, stop dressing up for photo shoots.

"Always Will Be" [stinks]. Don't listen to it.

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Very strong metal album
RENEGADE has top notch production and amazing songs, all of them filled with memorable riffs, great solos, potent drumming. Even the terribly cliched lyrics are better than the average Dungeons & Dragons lyrics written by similar bands.

I agree that Dronjak's photos in the booklet are almost unbearable to witness, but this is not point. What worries me is that this highly talented band is going into a trap, by performing always the same thematic.

Anyway, I think RENEGADE is a great album, produced by famous Michael Wagener. The songs are catchy (in a good way), and in my opinion is a better album than LEGACY OF THE KINGS.