Excellent covers collection with some seriously deep cuts
Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 10/11/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm not a huge Hammerfall fan by any means. I respect the Swedish power metal band's talents and generally like their music, but to this point I've been content with the Steel Meets Steel: Ten Years Of Glory collection. Still, I'm always curious when bands record covers albums, and the track listing of Hammerfall's Masterpieces was impressive enough that I had to take notice. Here's what you get:
1. Child of the Damned (Warlord) - This was originally available on Glory to the Brave
2. Ravenlord (Stormwitch) - This was also on Glory to the Brave
3. Eternal Dark (Picture) - This was originally on Heeding the Call EP
4. Back to Back (Pretty Maids) - This was originally on Legacy of Kings
5. I Want Out (Helloween) - This, of course, was the title track of the I Want Out single
6. Man on the Silver Mountain (Rainbow) - Also included on the I Want Out single
7. Head Over Heels (Accept) - This was on the Renegade single
8. Run With the Devil (Heavy Load) - Also included on the Renegade single
9. We're Gonna Make It (Twisted Sister) - This came from the Hearts of Fire single
10. Breaking the Law (Judas Priest) - This was on the single Always Will Be
11. Angel of Mercy (Chastain) - This was featured on the Crimson Thunder album
12. Rising Force (Yngwie Malmsteen) - This was previously exclusive to the European version of Crimson Thunder
13. Detroit Rock City (KISS) - Previously exclusive to the North American version of Crimson Thunder
14. Crazy Nights (Loudness) - Previously available only on the Japanese version of Crimson Thunder
15. Nar Vidarna Viskar Namn (Roger Pontare) - From the album Melodifestivalen 50 Ar compilation
16. Flight of the Warrior (Riot) - New recording
17. Youth Gone Wild (Skid Row) - New recording
18. Aphasia (Europe) - New recording
Some of these covers are exactly what you'd expect from a power metal band. I'd be more surprised if they didn't cover Helloween, Rainbow and Priest. Some are less expected, but completely fun 80's rock anthems (Twisted Sister, Loudness, KISS, Skid Row). Others are the very definition of deep cuts (Picture, Stormwitch, Heavy Load) that show just how into metal these guys really are.
With so many hard to find b-sides, Masterpieces is an obvious must-have for Hammerfall fans, but you don't have to be a big fan of the band to appreciate this great, diverse, collection of cover songs. There's really something for everyone here, and all done with Hammerfall's usual style and class."
Good for what it is!
Sandman | Canada | 08/12/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've always pretty much enjoyed what these guys bring to the table and this selection of cover tunes is a darn good offering from them as well.
All the tunes sound fresh and have been slightly tweaked in the HammerFall way which is probably why they sound so fresh!!
Anyway, for a cover cd, this is probably one of the best ones I've heard in quite sometime. It's all good stuff and it rocks!"
GREAT COVER SET HERE!!!!
NECROSHINEGUY | Greenville, OH United States | 08/09/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a fan of powermetal but must say this is my first HAMMERFALL album, i'm very impressed, i'm now a fan! This disc has a great contrast of different songs. This is a must have for any fan of metal!!!!"
