FEANOR – Hellhammer

Since their formation in 1996, Argentina’s Feanor have been torchbearers for epic heavy metal steeped in Tolkien-inspired mythos, steel-clad battles, and a steadfast devotion to classic power metal traditions. Across nearly three decades, they’ve carved out a loyal following with their larger-than-life approach to storytelling and a sound that proudly echoes their influences—Running Wild, Grave Digger, Manowar, and Blind Guardian among them. Now on their fifth full-length release, Hellhammer, Feanor seek to up the ante with an ambitious international collaboration that unites musicians from South America, Europe, and Asia under one banner of heavy metal unity.

Production

Feanor – Hellhammer benefits from an impressive production pedigree. Mixed and mastered by Piet Sielck (Iron Savior) at Powerhouse Studio in Germany, the record achieves the polished-yet-punchy balance fans expect from high-grade European power metal. The sound is massive but never sterile—thunderous drums, soaring guitars, sweeping violins, and Mike Stark’s commanding, operatic vocals come through with clarity and weight. Guest appearances from legends like Ross The Boss, David Shankle, and Vanni (Wotan) add prestige and character, while the artwork by Andreas Marschall (Running Wild, Grave Digger, Blind Guardian) perfectly matches the record’s fantasy-driven ethos. It’s a global project in every sense, yet it retains Feanor’s core identity, delivering power metal with heart and fire.

Final Notes

Hellhammer is a strong and well-executed record that ticks nearly every box for diehard power metal fans: fantasy-driven lyrics, galloping riffs, epic arrangements, and a clear respect for the genre’s golden age. Mike Stark’s vocals in particular stand out as both gritty and dramatic, giving the songs a unique presence. However, while the album is consistently solid, it lacks that one undeniable anthem or earworm that would elevate it into the top tier alongside the likes of Helloween’s or Primal Fear’s recent offerings. Instead, it’s a record that slowly grows on you with repeated listens—a rewarding but less immediate experience. Fans of traditional epic heavy metal will find much to enjoy here, even if Hellhammer doesn’t quite rise above the crowded field of recent power metal releases.

Lineup

• Mike Stark – Vocals
• Thilo Herrmann – Guitars
• EV Martel – Guitars
• Diana Boncheva – Violins
• Emiliano Wachs – Drums
• Victor Gustavo Acosta – Bass, Keyboards

Guest Musicians

• Huseyin Kirmizi – Additional piano on “The Epic Of Gilgamesh Pt2
  (The Quest For Immortality)”
• Sven D’Anna (Wizard) – Additional vocals on “The Epic Of
  Gilgamesh Pt2 (The Quest For Immortality)”
• Piet Sielck (Iron Savior) – Additional choirs, guitars, leads and
  keyboards.
• Ross The Boss (ex-Manowar) – Lead guitar on “This One’s For
  You”.
• David Shankle (ex-Manowar) – Lead guitar on “Houses Of Fire”.
  Vanni (Wotan) – Additional vocals on “The Flight Of The
  Valkyries”.
• Walter The Scorpion – Intro and outro guitars on “Bad
  Decisions”.
• Camilla Stark – Additional choirs in “Sirens Of Death”, Luthien
  character in “The Ballad Of Beren And Luthien”.
• Alexandros Delialis – Baritone (Thingol) voice in “The Ballad Of
  Beren And Luthien”.
• Alex Langenbach – Narrator in “The Ballad Of Beren And
  Luthien”.

“Hellhammer” Tracklist

1. Sirens Of Death
2. Bad Decisions
3. Hellhammer
4. Remember The Fallen
5. The Conqueror’s Path
6. The Epic Of Gilgamesh Pt2 – (The Quest For Immortality)
7. H.M.J
8. Maglor The Singer
9. Forged In Steel
10. The Flight Of The Valkyries
11. Houses Of Fire
12. The Ballad Of Beren And Luthien
13. This One’s For You