Masterpieces

Masterpieces is an excellent collection of cover songs from a wide range of power metal acts. I heard "Ravenlord" on Pandora and, not normally a fan of Hammerfall tracks, had to have it. Finding the track on an album of cover songs and surprised to see two personal favorites ("Head Over Heels" by Accept and "Crazy Nights" by Loudness) this CD was a quick purchase. Having not heard the original versions of a lot of these tracks, I checked them out to as a comparison and Hammerfall recorded very straight-forward covers. They did not add their own style to the tracks for the most part but, usually, I enjoyed their versions better than the originals."Child of the Damned"--This is fast and furious! One of my favorites. The original 1983 version by Warlord is good, too, but I like Hammerfall's Joacim Cans's vocals better--they're more melodic."Ravenlord"--As the song that attracted me to this album, this song rules! It was originally recorded by Stormwitch and their version is good as well but, again, I like Joacim Cans's vocals better."Eternal Dark"--Very catchy, nice and melodic track and I really like the original recording by Picture, particularly, the backing vocals during the chorus."Back To Back"--A Helloween-sounding song, but originally done by Pretty Maids. "I Want Out"--Speaking of Helloween, this is a song I loved back when I was a kid. Probably because I know Helloween so well, I like their version better. I like Michael Kiske's smooth delivery of the verses."Man On The Silver Mountain"--Excellent treatment of the iconic Rainbow song (R.I.P. R.J.D.)."Head Over Heels"--One of my all-time favorite songs by Accept. I might have expected them to do "Balls To The Wall," but was intrigued by this choice. The second verse and chorus sounds like Udo Dirkschneider! Did he make an appearance? Well, it's an excellent impersonation that's for sure."Run With The Devil"--This one is OK, but a little flat when compared to the other songs on this album. After listening to the original version by Heavy Load, I like Hammerfall's a lot better. They even add a cool guitar riff before the choruses."We're Gonna Make It"--Catchy Twisted Sister rocker (hmmmm, Twisted Sister has another song with a similar title). Warning: there are some F-Bombs thrown in."Breaking The Law"--Adequate treatment of the Judas Priest British Steel classic. I would have liked a less obvious choice like with Accept. For once, Joacim Cans's vocals don't do it justice."Angel Of Mercy"--Wow! What a track! It is dark, mysterious and beautiful. Wonderful vocals, too. The original version by Chastain is awesome! I had never heard of this band. I might have to check out more of their releases."Rising Force"--Hard-pounding, fast and furious cover of the Yngwie Malmsteen's song."Detroit Rock City"--Same as with the Judas Priest cover. Would've liked a less obvious choice for a KISS cover. Again, the lead vocals don't do it justice. A little whiny."Crazy Nights"--Awesome choice! the Japan-based Loudness is one of my favorite '80s power metal bands and this is the first number on their excellent 1985 album Thunder in the East. The cover is excellent, too."När Vindarna Viskar Mitt Namn"--This track is an interesting change of pace. The title is Swedish for "When Spirits Are Calling My Name." Roger Pontare sang this song at the 2000 Melodifestivalen (which he won) and the 2000 Eurovision Song Contest. He also sang with Hammerfall on stage. I'm not sure if he is the Susan Boyle of Sweden but the song is fantastic. I don't know a single word in the lyrics, but it pumps me up! Lots of power!"Flight Of The Warrior"--Catchy rocker originally recorded by Riot."Youth Gone Wild"--I wasn't too excited about seeing this Skid Row cover in the track listing but, I'll admit, it is pretty good. The song is better than I remembered."Aphasia"--Nice instrumental but, being it's an instrumental, it is a bit of a let-down for a closing track. Originally recorded by Europe.

A great album for heavy metal fans

Excelente vendedor muy cumplido. Lo único fue q se dañaron unos dientes de donde encaja el cd, por lo demás excelente artículo

Hammerfall does justice to every song they cover on this album. They pay homage to the bands that influenced them, as well as the bands that they like, making this a good addition to anyone's Hammerfall collection. Pick this up, listen and enjoy, it's worth the time and your hard earned money. Besides, does Hammerfall really do any wrong?

Great reproduction of some great music. Not a copy of the originals but, an awesome version of their own. No extra crap added like most of today's wannabes. Very respectively done, good job boys.

Hammerfall, a power Metal band from Sweden, definitely show their love of Metal in this heavy duty cover song album. From the guitar work to the amazing double bass drums, they show what metal is all about...having a great time. A definite collectors item, suitable for any Metal music lover.

Amazing album. My favorite track has to be the cover of Rising Force originally done by Yngwie Malmsteen. Many good tracks on here that I fell in love with over again. A must for any metal head.

As usual,excellent music to listen to as I do work or travel. Have all the albums.

Zawartość płyty super. Zabezpieczenie niestety pozostawia bardzo wiele do życzenia sama kartonowa cienka koperta bez folii bąbelkowej to zbyt mało .

Album di raccolta di cover uscito nel 2008 della band svedese di power metal, si parte con la cover dei Warlord Child of The Damned in cui la band ne fa un eccellente rilettura apparsa nel loro primo album Glory to the Brave, Ravenlord degli Stormwitch, Eternal Dark dei Picture, la cover di Back to Back della band Inglese Pretty Maids apparsa nel loro secondo album Legacy of Kings, I Want Out dei tedeschi Helloween, Man in The Silver Montains dei Rainbow, Head Over Heels degli Accept, Run With the Devil degli Heavy Load, We're Gonna Male It dei Twisted Sister, Breaking The Law dei Judas Priest, Angel Of Mercy dei Chastain, Rising Force di Yngwie Malmsteem, Detroit Rock City dei Kiss, Crazy Nights dei Loudness, När Vindarna Viskar Mitt Namn, Flight of the Warrior dei Riot Youth Gone Wild e la conclusiva cover degli Europe Aphasia. Tutte cover ben fatte replicando lo stile e il modo di cantare dei vari singer anche in canzoni molto difficili da replicare come Breaking The Law dei Juda's Priest.

Great album from a powerful Hans.

この曲も最高にいい曲ですてた曲はないです。

Excellent album de reprises de Hammerfall, chapeau car très peu de groupe dans le même exercice arrivent à ce niveau.