Thoughts on new Hammerfall guitarist Pontus Norgren...

For those who have heard some of the new tracks, what do you think of of Stefan's replacement? I think he can hold his own on rhythm playing, not really bringing anything extrodinary to the table, but still competent player I think. His leads are utter shite IMO though....anyways, what do you think?

I personnally kind of lost interest in this band. Two major albums though: legacy of kings and renegade. The rest is repetitive galloping speed metal...

One thing Hammerfall wont miss is Stefan, he was a great guitar player. Pontus is an amazing guitar as well, just listen to him in the Poodles. I personally like what I have heard and you really cant tell Stefan is gone. Oscar is the driving force behind Hammerfall, its his rhythm playing that stands out.

The new album is due soon if i'm correct?

Gilbert wrote:

I personnally kind of lost interest in this band. Two major albums though: legacy of kings and renegade. The rest is repetitive galloping speed metal...

Yes new album very soon. I call it more traditional power metal. All there cds are awesome IMO. Renegade, Legacy, Glory to the Brave, are all great cds. Not a bad Hammerfall disc IMO. They stick to what they're good at and if you like one album its hard to not like another.

MetalRob331 wrote:

Oscar is the driving force behind Hammerfall, its his rhythm playing that stands out.

That about sums it up right there.

His work w/ Jeff Scott Soto and Talisman shows how awesome he is...if he writes with the band, I'm sure he'll add even more melody...he certainly can only be an improvement.

It's just that all of their albums are so alike. But i don't doubt their excellent musicianship.

Besides, didn't they play a major role in reviving metal in the nineties?

I personally think Hammerfall are weak...always have been weak...and I don't know how much Pontus can help them...but I hope he tries.

Yes, Hammerfall were one of the bands in the 90s that helped bring about the True Metal revival.

Love Hammerall and I don't think they'd pick a bad replacement so I have no worries that I'll like the new one.

I like this band quite a bit but don't own every cd. I find their Steel Meets Steel is enough for me. 30 songs of cheesy glory.

Gilbert wrote:

Besides, didn't they play a major role in reviving metal in the nineties?

Yes they did. And for that they are today ridiculed by many of the fans that embraced them then!

On topic: I agree that there aren't all that much difference between the "new" Hammerfall and the old. Neither Pontus, nor Fredrik brings anything new to the table. And they both replace members that didn't exactly create Hammerfall's sound.

I think the new album is good though, but it is nowhere near as good as the first albums.