Is there any band possible of making three succesful albums in a row and still sound fresh? Of course. Hammerfall isn´t anymore the promising band it was in 1997 when it shocked the world with the great"Glory to the Brave" Album.This swedish band just kept on the rollercoaster to the top of the hill. Both critic and fans couldn´t believe such power .Later "Legacy of Kings" shuted the mouth of those who said they couldn´t repeat the succes of their first album, and now when everybody thought they would release more of the same,Dronjak,Cans,Elmgren,Rosén & Johansson (playing this master drummer an important role of the quality of "Renegade") proved why the whole metal scene is just fascinated with the scandinavian wonders. Well, time to talk about the album. Great intro, "Templars of Steel" is just one of those songs that makes you throw your fist in the air, screaming REVOLUTION.Then some classic Hammerfall sound in "Keep the Flame burning",this time showing some Helloween´s influence. Then "Renegade" the song that makes this album be what it is; not brand new sound but still insteresting.Then two great tracks "Living in victory" with some 80´style but as fast as ever and "Always will be" being this one, a ballad with great feeling reminding me Bowie´s "Space Odity". Then "The way of the Warrior" one more of those anthems of heavy metal. Afterwards "Destined for Glory", the portion of epic furor in this album, showing why those hours listening Warlord where worth every second.Then some asiatic adventure with "The Champion".To finish "Raise the Hammer" the band´s first (and awesome) instrumental ,& sure to become a heavy metal classic: "A Legend Reborn"( I just can´t stop hearing that song). Well this is just one of the greatest releases of 2000, just go buy it, and if there´s no money in your pockets, start saving right now.
Score: 9/10

Review by Jerec