Timeless Melodies: The Enduring Allure of Heavy Metal

In a recent interview with FaceCulture, HAMMERFALL singer Joacim Cans delved into the enduring popularity of heavy metal music. Cans shared his insights on the genre's evolution, the impact of the '80s hair metal movement, and the challenges faced by modern metal artists in an ever-evolving music landscape.

Unleashing the Power of Timeless Melodies

The Essence of Heavy Metal

Cans firmly believes that heavy metal music is timeless, standing as a testament to quality and the core essence of the genre. He acknowledges that not every metal band adheres to this standard, but the true pioneers of the genre have consistently delivered music that resonates with fans. Cans notes that the '80s hair metal movement temporarily "killed the whole thing," but he believes that heavy metal needed a brief respite to reinvent itself and recapture the essence that defines the genre.Since the late 1990s, Cans observes that heavy metal has maintained its solid footing, with the genre's return and enduring popularity spanning over 25 years. He attributes this longevity to the genre's unwavering commitment to its core identity, with metal artists remaining true to their musical vision and not succumbing to the temptation of blending genres or experimenting with subgenres.

The Evolution of Metal Subgenres

Cans reflects on the limited subgenres that existed in the '80s, with the landscape primarily consisting of hard rock, heavy metal, and the emerging thrash metal and death metal scenes. He notes that the term "black metal" was coined during this era, but the distinct sound associated with the genre came later, with bands like VENOM and BATHORY pioneering the style.For Cans, the music he grew up with as a teenager holds a special place in his heart, evoking both positive and negative memories. He acknowledges that the modern music landscape has become oversaturated, with an abundance of new album releases that make it challenging to discover and appreciate new music.

The Changing Landscape of Music Discovery

Cans laments the disappearance of the "demo stage" in the music industry, where artists would hone their craft before committing to a full-length album release. He believes that the ease of recording and uploading music directly to platforms like Spotify has led to a proliferation of subpar material, making it difficult for listeners to sift through the noise and find truly exceptional music.Cans advises aspiring artists to be more cautious and selective in their approach to releasing new music. He suggests that musicians should consider keeping certain tracks as demos, allowing themselves the flexibility to revisit and refine their work in the future, rather than rushing to make everything publicly available.

HAMMERFALL's Enduring Legacy

Cans' reflections on the state of heavy metal come as HAMMERFALL prepares to release their 13th studio album, "Avenge The Fallen." The band, which has been a fixture in the metal scene since its debut in 1997, has faced the challenge of maintaining relevance and staying true to their musical vision after over two decades in the industry.In addressing this challenge, Cans poses a thought-provoking question: "What is the worst, be the one who died, or be the one who survived?" He acknowledges that it's a tough question, as bands must decide whether to continue releasing new music solely for the purpose of touring or to push themselves creatively and deliver albums that truly resonate with their audience.HAMMERFALL's commitment to this ethos is evident in their decision to return to their long-time label, Nuclear Blast Records, for the release of "Avenge The Fallen." The band's entire Nuclear Blast catalog, spanning from their debut album "Glory To The Brave" to 2014's "(r)Evolution," has been certified with a diamond award for over 1.5 million worldwide sales, a testament to their enduring popularity and the timeless appeal of their music.As HAMMERFALL prepares to celebrate the platinum edition of their acclaimed 2002 album "Crimson Thunder," Cans' insights into the state of heavy metal serve as a reminder of the genre's enduring power and the unwavering dedication of its most passionate artists.