Would you say to understand Hammerfall you need to get to know the band’s enduring spirit and iconic mascot – Hector?

I think you need to be with Hammerfall from day one to understand Hector because he’s been developing over the years. We always saw Hector as the invisible but very presence sixth member of the band. I mean this inspiration of course comes from bands like Iron Maiden, they have their Eddie. When we were about to release our debut album Glory to the Brave we really wanted to have a character, like a mascot for the band that will follow us throughout our career so we can release an album one day without even putting on a logo on the album, it’s enough to put Hector. It’s such a strong trademark for the band. At the same time, I think we limited ourselves a bit because we put a helmet on the dude. With a helmet on you can’t really show any expression. The only thing we could do is put him in different positions like in battle scenes.

Would you say the latest album has a running storyline throughout it or does it change with various songs?

It’s not a concept album but it’s clearly a redline and maybe the concept lays in my way of thinking and writing the lyrics. Everything touches two words, Freedom and Hope. And the right to live the life that you want to live and be the person that you want to be. An album that might need some contemplation and may raise some existential questions to the listener if they are open for it. I think the problems nowadays is that they are listening and they don’t have the lyrics in front of them. I would that the lyrics on the album are as deep as you want them to be. There is one song ‘Hope Springs Eternal’, now I’m talking about the work Hope here. If it were not for Hope the human heart would break. If there is not Hope, what else is there?

On the touring side how busy was 2024 for the band, did you play many festivals and was there anything the stood out for the band?

It was a very busy year because we finalized the production of the latest album, we toured South America and North America, we did festivals in Europe. We released the album, and then we went on tour with Powerwolf we are kind of exhausted now and then we have Australia coming up soon. You can expect an overdose of traditional heavy metal music and Hammerfall is all about the connection between band and fans. I can’t wait and also scaling down a little bit which is what we have to do now playing clubs it also gets us closer to the fans. Since this is the very first Australian tour for us it will be a positive experience that they will feel the energy in Hammerfall’s music and performance

HAMMERFALL January 2025 Australian Tour Dates

Tuesday 14th January PERTH, Metro Fremantle

Wednesday 15th January ADELAIDE, Lion Arts

Friday 17th January MELBOURNE, Northcote Theatre

Saturday 18th January SYDNEY, Manning Bar

Sunday 19th January BRISBANE, The Triffid

Hammerfall will be supported Valhalore & Silent Knight

ThePhoenix.AU

Tickets from: https://thephoenix.au/