Album review: HAMMERFORCE – Access Denied

Metalism Records ( Release date – Out now )

A bit of synth driven power metal from St Petersburg this time. Hammerforce formed back in 2006 and this is the band’s second album, the first being ‘Dice’ released back in 2009.

On first listen I wasn’t too sure what to make of this album. The lead in all tracks is taken by the synth work of Nikita Merzlyakov which is first rate but gives the album a slightly dated feel, as if you have slipped back into the 80’s. On further listens you can appreciate the fine guitar work in evidence and the album begins to make more sense.

Power metal with a prog edge is the band’s forte and they can indeed play it well. There are some good tracks here, again I couldn’t help but think I had heard it all before and possible done a lot better. That’s not to say that Hammerforce are a bad band, because they have a lot going for them, but ultimately their songwriting and style lets them down.

Tracks like ‘Mass Media’ and ‘Fugitive’ do show excellent skills, overall this is a good album not a great one. Not one I will be ‘russian’ to listen to again in a hurry! ***

David Wilson

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)