We Are As Traditional As Can Be

In a recent conversation with Metal Hammer, HammerFall’s frontman Joacim Cans has clarified that the band does not identify with the ‘power metal’ label often attached to their music. Cans explains that the term ‘power metal’ is “the American way of naming traditional heavy metal, especially if it’s not made in the 80s.” He emphasizes the band’s dedication to classic heavy metal, stating, “We are as traditional as can be. I think heavy metal is enough because, within the boundaries of heavy metal, you can do so many things.”

Cans also delved into his personal history, discussing his time studying music in Hollywood. Originally from Sweden, he relocated to the United States at 23 for a year-long education in music. However, his experience was not as positive as one might expect. When questioned about his brief stay, Cans remarked, “Because I hated it!” He added, “I felt that I was useless, not in school but outside of it.”

Recalling his social interactions in Los Angeles, Cans painted a vivid picture of the local music scene. “You went to [legendary Los Angeles bar] The Rainbow and met so many ‘talented’ musicians with so much going on: ‘We’re going on this tour and have this connection with this label. What do you have going on?’ ‘Nothing!’ I didn’t have the cool style with the big hair. Later I realized that most people I met, had the image down – now they only needed to learn how to play their instrument!”

On HammerFall‘s latest record Avenge The Fallen, Cans previously said: “Do we want to be a band who releases new music just for the sole reason of getting out on the road again or do we want to keep pushing and challenging ourselves? In times when people have less and less attention span, we still think in the form of full-length albums. A few good songs don’t make a strong album. A strong album comes from an album full of great songs and that’s what we’re delivering with Avenge The Fallen.”

Get Avenge The Fallen here.