Stormhammer – Wrath Of The Hammer

Stormhammer
Wrath Of The Hammer
Label: ROAR! / Reigning Phoenix Music
Out: 17. Juli 2026
Playtime : 42:23

German power metal band Stormhammer have established themselves as a powerful force in the European metal scene, combining traditional heavy metal intensity with melodic power metal energy and epic songwriting.

That certainly sounds promising. Stormhammer have been around since at least 1993. Before that, the band apparently also performed under the names Lizard and S.P.Q.R. Only bassist Horst Tessmann has remained active since then. However, their debut album ‘Fireball’ was not released until July 2000. ‘Wrath Of The Hammer’ is now the Munich-based band’s ninth album. The music combines classic heavy metal tradition with modern influences and atmospheric songwriting. So, I definitely had to give the album a listen.

‘Beware’ is a one-and-a-half-minute intro. And, in my view, it’s entirely dispensable. The album only really gets going with the title track, ‘Wrath Of The Hammer’. Right from the start, the drums really lay down the beat, accompanied by heavy guitar riffs. The chorus is very melodic and invites fans to sing along. This contrasts with a few harsh spoken-word passages. ‘Ashes Of The Throne’ then comes across as much more harmonious and epic, although the fast tempo is hardly compromised. With ‘Light In The Dark’, things become even more epic and melodic, as well as more rhythmic and just a little calmer. Heavy riffs dominate here. The guitar solo is then celebrated once again at high speed and with great skill. ‘Wheels Of Eternity’ is introduced by synths. Before guitar chords once again blast out of the speakers at top speed. Powerful bass and heavy drum rhythms also keep the tempo high, offering a contrast to the melodic chorus. ‘Guardians Of The Night’ is a contemplative power ballad. M. Nox’s vocals are calm and soulful. From the middle onwards, things get a little heavier thanks to the guitars. ‘Veil Of Fire’ also starts off quietly before the riffs once again reach high-speed realms. The vocals occasionally reach higher registers. On the rhythmic ‘Scars Of The Abyss’, the keyboards repeatedly push their way to the fore. ‘Shattered Dominion’ is also characterised by its rhythm and features both keyboards and heavy riffs. To round things off, ‘The Dune’ sees the musical accelerator pressed to the floor one last time – thanks largely to the drumming. With so many double-bass drum attacks, Ashley Guest has his work cut out for him. But both guitarists also give it their all once more during the solos. The keyboards lend the track a truly epic feel.

‘Wrath Of The Hammer’ is a great Heavy/Power Metal album. Producer Alex Krull (Mastersound Studio) ensures a rich, crystal-clear sound throughout. Let’s hope Stormhammer don’t make their fans wait another seven long years for their next full-length studio album.

Stormhammer – Scars Of The Abyss: https://youtu.be/rawNaVVzmXs?si=ZOABschXX9_n6b3b

Lineup:

M. Nox – Vocals
Phil Meyer – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Christos Efstathiou – Guitar
Ashley Guest – Drums
Horst Tessmann – Bass, Backing Vocals

Tracklist:

• Beware
• Wrath Of The Hammer
• Ashes Of The Throne
• Light In The Dark
• Wheels Of Eternity
• Guardians Of The Night
• Veil Of Fire
• Scars Of The Abyss
• Shattered Dominion
• The Dune