HammerFall - Crimson Thunder (2002)

So far, I've liked and respected HammerFall, rather than adored them, and that's pretty much still how I feel after listening to this, the Swedes' fourth album.  Again, it's kind of inconsistent, with some excellent tunes like the instantly grabbing "Hearts On Fire", "Crimson Thunder", "The Unforgiving Blade" and the concluding "Hero's Return", but also containing a few songs that are a bit weak, including an instrumental guitar-whinefest in the shape of "In Memoriam". I'm sorry, but those kind of pieces just do nothing for me.
See? I'm more of a pop fan than a metal fan. :) Oh well, who cares what the labels are? I like HammerFall quite a bit, and they're certainly in the top half of my power metal favourites, but not near the actual top of that half.

***1/2