Hammerfall was the brainchild of guitarist Oscar Dronjak – as a band that could play solid, heavy metal. More specifically, Dronjak wanted to form a band that would get together occasionally and compete in a local music festival. Originally comprising of a number of famous Scandinavian performers (including members of In Flames and Dark Tranquility), the band underwent a number of line-up changes before things started to get serious in late 1996.

Having many years of a variety of Metal experiences behind them (even some training at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood for some of them), the members of Hammerfall got to the semi finals of the music festival that year, and – due to clashing of commitments – had to bring in a new vocalist – enter Joachim Cans. Although they failed to win the music festival, Hammerfall had certainly attracted record label attentions, and Dutch label Vic Records gave them just over a fortnight to record their debut album ‘Glory to the Brave’.

With the recording successfully ‘in the can’, Dronjak and Cans felt it was time to fully establish Hammerfall as a metal band. Saying ‘thanks, but no thanks’ a few members left – going on to work as “In Flames” amongst others. Step forward Stephen Elmgren on guitars, and a replacement drummer – Patrick Rafling. Things really got stepped up a gear shortly after ‘GTTB’ was recorded. The roving eye of Nuclear Blast had spotted the band’s potential, and offered to release their debut album and to continue with a four album deal – a pretty impressive feat!

1997 saw extensive touring and promotion of their debut album, and Hammerfall were rewarded with a number of accolades from various European music magazines, and also were nominated as ‘Best Hard Rock Act’ in the Swedish Grammys. In 1998, ‘Legacy of Kings’ was released – having been written by the core trio of Dronjak, Cans and Elmgren. Again praised, the band supported it by performing live, most notably at key European festivals, where they were performing on the same bill as such acts as Alice Cooper, Dream Theater, Deep Purple, Saxon and Stratovarius.

Touring continued into 1999, until a summer break when Rafling was replaced by experienced (and ex-Malmsteen) drummer, Anders Johansson. The band continued adjusting to their new line-up into the New Year, before recording their next album ‘Renegade’. Despite Nuclear Blast having a few doubts about the production of the album (by accomplished producer Michael Wagener – Ozzy etc.), they gave it their biggest launch up to that point, and it proved a success. It became Hammerfall’s first Gold album. After a short break, the Templar Crusade was on the road again! Touring throughout 2001 led to an expansion of Hammerfall’s reputation and also forged their song-writing process, leading to their fourth album, ‘Crimson Thunder’ in 2002. They followed this by touring the US with Dio. And – despite their tour manager running off with all their money(!) – it was a very successful tour for the Hammerfall crusade.

2003 saw the ‘Crimson Crusades’ hit Europe – with a spectacular live show beautifully recorded on DVD and on the live CD ‘One Crimson Night’. Memorably, the Crimson Crusades were cut short when Dronjak had a motorcycle accident, breaking his left arm. The few remaining key gigs were forced to be cancelled, including what would have been Hammerfall’s debut in the UK – Bloodstock 2003. [Fortunately Edguy were on hand to take their place].

Time was called for a well-earned break. Whilst Dronjak recovered, other band members worked on solo projects, right through into 2004. Happily able to play the guitar again after only a few months, Dronjak’s mind soon returned to Hammerfall, and work began on their next album. ‘Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken’ was released in early 2005, and is full of the usual Hammerfall vigour. Clearly the Templar Flame has no sign of burning out in the near future.