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On disc: StormHammer



FireBall - Claudia Ehrhardt - 6 stars
FireBall - Katja Henning - 7 stars
Cold Desert Moon - Volker Raabe - 8 stars
Signs Of Revolution - Claudia Ehrhardt - 8 stars


www.stormhammer.de







Signs Of Revolution

Signs Of Revolution
(Silverwolf Productions - 2009)


Its been 5 years since the Bavarians released Lord Of Darkness and again the band had to face some line-up changes. Now they are back with Signs Of Revolution and a new singer. Well, there are other line-up changes, but a change at the microphone is always a big thing.
A short intro called The Other Side lead into the album, but with Omens Of Agony they show their real face. StormHammer is playing power metal spiced up with keyboard. The first song is forced forward by heavy riffs and fast drumming, but Mike Zotter adds a melodic vocal line. Some will say this is typical power metal and its true the Germans don't show anything new. Others might have problems with Mike's vocals, but that's mainly a matter of taste. But I confess that there is something in Mike's voice which can be annoying - at least at this song. A heavy stomping rocker is Kiss At The Abyss which shows them differently. The vocals have a deeper timbre and he adds an aggressive edge. The title track Signs Of Revolution is a powerful heavy metal song with slower passages and some 80's influenced guitars. They pick up speed for Permanent Menace, but the keyboard seems a bit out of place.... Somehow the new StormHammer remind me more of some 80's band, but I can't really fathom it... Anyway, I can enjoy the album. Balladesque they kick off Bridges To Eternity based on keyboard and vocals. Then the others join in and the track becomes a powerful bombastic ballad. Guitar-driven is From Dusk To Dawn, another heavy rocker. Quite catchy is Ride On The Razorblade, a bit anthem-like... Something which invites you to sing along. A very heavy one is the closer Calls From The Other Side - and I still try to figure out who them remind me off...
Resume: StormHammer haven't created something new, but offer a variety of powerful heavy metal tunes. And if you compare Signs Of Revolution with their previous releases then you will also discover that they changed a bit...


8 stars

Claudia Ehrhardt
 

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Cold Desert Moon

Cold Desert Moon
(Century Media - 2001)


That ain't the StormHammer I remember! Sure, a band always sound different with a new singer. It was a good decision to recruit former Drifter shouter Tommi Lion. Now they are back with Cold Desert Moon to conquer the heart of the metal fans. Their debut sounded very European, but with Mr. Lion they added a touch of US sounds and give life and pep to the compositions. Listen to songs like Sinner's Soul, The Law, Yells Of Rage and A Dragons Tear and make up your mind, if you want this album full of catchy hooks and fat guitar sounds with a powerful sound. Do you need more reasons to buy this album? I don't think so!


8 stars

Volker Raabe
(translation: Claudia Ehrhardt)
 

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FireBall

FireBall
(Centruy Media - 2000)


The sextet from Southern Germany started in 1993 and now release their debut FireBall. StormHammer offer metal, true metal with elements of 80's US metal and influences of the NWoBHM. Opening track Seven Gates is representing the musical direction of the band. A decent album with harmonic tunes, slower ones which have an epic touch as well as fast tracks and a balladesque song. Okay, this is not the ultimate metal album, but a strong debut! A good basic to build up on.... Sure, there are parts which remind you of this or that band, but come on, it's almost impossible to create something totally new! Live the sextet canmade some fans when they hit the road with Lefay and label mates Angel Dust. I can recommend High On Devotion, a mid-tempo track and the epic Guardians which is not about knights and dragons.... Check them out!


6 stars

Claudia Ehrhardt
 

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FireBall

FireBall
(Centruy Media - 2000)


Fireball is the debut album of the German band StormHammer. The guys of StormHammer didn't create something new, but you can hear that they enjoy playing. Their music holds reminiscences to several power metal acts and sounds a bit old-fashioned.
No complains about their craftsmanship, only the vocals are a bit strange, but I think that's a matter of taste. My only complain is that I miss some variety, after awhile the songs sound too much the same.


7 stars

Katja Henning
(translation: Claudia Ehrhardt)
 

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           ©2008-2010 by Claudia Ehrhardt • E-Mail: contact@ice-vajal.com


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