HAMMERFALL: 20 TOP SONGS (WE WANT THEM TO PLAY LIVE!!)

Hammerfall is visiting our country again, and we all have to heed the call! The modern masters of epic/melodic heavy metal are ready to tear down Technopolis in Gazi, Athens, and Myth of Rock can’t hide its excitement! In this feature, Dimitris Zacharopoulos writes down the 20 songs we expect Hammerfall to play at the Rock Hard Festival! Fasten your seatbelts, as we push the pedal… to the metal!

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

“The Dragon Lies Bleeding” (from “Glory to the Brave”, 1997) – The song with which we first discovered Hammerfall introduces the band in the best way and showcases its signature sound. Soaring vocals, sharp and melodic guitars, fast pace, and an epic feeling are all ingredients of this fantastic song, which became the anthem of a new generation!
“HammerFall” (from “Glory to the Brave”, 1997) – A great track, the self-titled one, whose hymnic refrain sends shivers down our spine and unites all metalheads! Another reason why the debut Hammerfall album is considered a masterpiece, “Hammerfall” features amazing Helloween-like guitars, and its vocal lines are unparalleled!
“Steel Meets Steel” (from “Glory to the Brave”, 1997) – Another epic composition, with crushing guitars and addictive vocals, “Steel Meets Steel” stands as a true metal hymn — a live staple that commands air guitar playing and headbanging! This track, among others, helped Hammerfall build their name and fame!
“Glory to the Brave” (from “Glory to the Brave”, 1997) – The epilogue of Hammerfall’s debut album is a mesmerizing song, which has tremendous beauty and phenomenal charm. This epic metal ballad is written in the annals of metal history and rekindles the flame of heavy metal. Listen to the song and sing its mind-blowing melody!
“Heeding the Call” (from “Legacy of Kings”, 1998) – The first track of Hammerfall’s sophomore album, “Heeding the Call” is a Euro power metal thunder, a metallic call to arms, a breath of fresh air for heavy metal music at the end of the millennium! Epic, melodic and… fast, it was released as a single – and calls all metalheads to join the legion!
“Let The Hammer Fall” (from “Legacy of Kings”, 1998) – A fan favorite, “Let the Hammer Fall” is a great Hammerfall track with which the band brings extreme joy to fans at its live shows! As Joacim sings the song’s melodies, we are in a state of euphoria and sing along! Songs like this one showcase all the virtues of Hammerfall!
“At the End of the Rainbow” (from “Legacy of Kings, 1998) – One of Hammerfall’s most emotional and melodic songs! With its epic, mid-tempo pace and lyrical refrain, it stands as a powerful ballad: the guitar harmonies shine, the vocals hit deep, and the rhythm section explodes — pure heavy metal with soul, a phenomenally good composition!
“Templars of Steel” (from “Renegade”, 2000) – One of the best Hammerfall songs, “Templars of Steel” is an evolving epic that features a dark atmosphere, killer riffs, and vocal lines that linger in the mind for long! This doom/epic metal song was destined to become a Hammerfall classic, even though it is a dark song. I love it!
“Renegade” (from “Renegade”, 2000) – As the motor starts, the guitar riff lands, and the rest of the band follows! The song’s rhythm is foot-stomping, and the refrain is so catchy it sticks to your brain! The third album of Hammerfall is built on songs like this one — and the true metal movement found here another pillar of strength.
“Always Will Be” (from “Renegade”, 2000) – Rock and metal music have many great ballads, and here is one of them – Hammerfall touch our heartstrings, and we get emotional with this gorgeous ballad! Joacim Cans gives a stunning performance here, as Oscar Dronjak and Stefan Elmgren play the acoustic guitars! What a sweet song!

“Riders of the Storm” (from “Crimson Thunder”, 2002) – “Crimson Thunder” is a masterpiece by Hammerfall and begins brilliantly with the song “Riders of the Storm.” The band is in fantastic form and composes a heavy metal hymn in its personal style. Hammerfall reaches another peak here and gives us a refrain that is nearly impossible to forget!
“Hearts on Fire” (from “Crimson Thunder”, 2002) – The most complete song of Hammerfall for many of their fans, “Hearts of Fire” is an earworm, a heavy metal tune that catches you with its melodic hooks and shakes you with its monster groove. The bridge of the song is compelling and so memorable! Usually, the band ends its shows with this classic track, and that’s something every Hammerfall fan understands and expects!
“Blood Bound” (from “Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken”, 2005) – The only single from the fifth album of Hammerfall, “Blood bound” is a relentless track, which carries the traditional heavy metal DNA of the band. With its dynamic vocal lines, awesome guitars of Dronjak and Elmgren and the anvil-like rhythm section of Magnus Rosén and Anders Johansson, this is a historic moment for Hammerfall!
“Natural High” (from “Threshold”, 2006) – The fire of ’80s heavy metal burns inside this fast, epic, and glorious song, which keeps Hammerfall at the highest level! Although Threshold doesn’t belong to Hammerfall’s top albums, “Natural High” is a stormy song that destroys everything in its way!
“The Fire Burns Forever” (from “Threshold”, 2006) – The title of the song says it all – the flame is still burning! A heavy metal tune that makes metalheads feel proud and happy! As long as there are bands like Hammerfall, the fire will burn forever! True metal to the bone!
“Last Man Standing” (single, 2007) – “Last Man Standing” is a powerful anthem of resilience and triumph. With soaring vocals, pounding drums, and an unforgettable chorus, it captures the band’s true metal spirit. It’s both emotional and empowering — a battle cry for anyone refusing to fall. Classic Hammerfall energy, truly inspiring.
“Any Means Necessary” (from “No Sacrifice, No Victory”, 2009) – “No Sacrifice, No Victory” begins in the best way, since “Any Means Necessary” is a marvelous track that boasts incredible vocals, impressive guitar work, and a cohesive, solid rhythm section. Hammerfall always play this great song in concert – every fan of the band knows well how astonishing this song sounds live!
“Hammer High” (from “Built To Last”, 2016) With one of the most memorable refrains of their career, Hammerfall show here that they are built to last… forever! It is not easy to forget this kind of song – listen to “Hammer High” and you will carry it with you always! It is a heartfelt song, pompous and ethereal, which drives fans crazy at live shows!
“Avenge The Fallen” (from “Avenge the Fallen”, 2024) – The title track of the thirteenth studio full-length album of Hammerfall is a killer song, with catchy verses and refrain, bone-shattering guitar lines, heavy bass sound, and thunderous drums! In anno 2025, Hammerfall release a song that destroys everything in its path! Avenge the Fallen!
“Hail to the King” (from “Avenge the Fallen”, 2024) – Here, Hammerfall unleash power and fury and come to a glorious victory! The amazing refrain, the crying guitars, and the inspired lyrics form a superb track that leaves the listener breathless! Hammerfall at their best — a song for the fans and the band’s live shows!