Germany’s heavy/power metal royalty Hammer King proudly present their brand-new single and music video: “Make Metal Royal Again”, the anthemic title track of their upcoming studio album due out on August 15th, 2025 via Reaper Entertainment.
With “Make Metal Royal Again”, Hammer King unveil a bold musical statement that sets the tone for the entire album – a thunderous call to arms, driven by relentless energy, towering riffs, and an instantly memorable chorus. Fueled by the commanding precision of new drummer Count Shandorian, the single fuses old-school power with modern metal muscle, honoring the legacy of the genre while forging forward with regal determination.
The video was shot at the historic Burg Lichtenberg in Thallichtenberg, as well as at Atomic Age Studios, across three intense shoot days (May 23rd, 24th & 26th, 2025). Directed and produced by Christian Palm of Palm-Media GbR, the visual concept was developed in close collaboration with Titan Fox.
The band comments:
“Make Metal Royal Again – the title track, the credo, the battle cry of the band! Hammer King are here to bring royalty back to metal – power, glory, and thunder to the stage. Choosing this song as the first single was a no-brainer. The raw power of Count Shandorian’s drumming, paired with an addictive chorus and a sound that pays tribute to the ’80s – we can’t wait to play this live and share it with all of you. Let’s Make Metal Royal Again!”
The full album “Make Metal Royal Again” drops August 15th, 2025, featuring 10 brand-new tracks and a bonus song on the limited digipak edition. More singles and videos will follow in the weeks ahead.
Germany’s heavy/power metal monarchs Hammer King are proud to officially announce their brand-new studio album “Make Metal Royal Again”! The longplayer will be released worldwide on August 15th, 2025, via Reaper Entertainment – complete with exclusive artwork, a thunderous tracklist and regal bonus content.
Following their acclaimed predecessors “Hammer King” (2021) and “Kingdemonium” (2022), as well as their recent chart triumph “König und Kaiser” (2024, #16 in the German album charts), this new opus marks yet another high point in the band’s majestic career.
With “Make Metal Royal Again”, Hammer King deliver their most focused and anthemic soundtrack for the stage to date. Fueled by the euphoria of recent tours and the direct exchange with their loyal fans, the album unites ten brand-new songs – including royal bangers like “For Crown And Kingdom”, the ceremonious “Hoheitsgebiet” and the orchestral anthem “King For A Day”. A particularly emotional moment comes with “Schlaf Kaiser schlaf” – a lullaby that musically tells the oldest story in the Hammer King universe.
A standout highlight of the album is the debut of Count Shandorian on drums, who brings wild energy and razor-sharp precision to the band’s new sonic foundation.
The album was recorded from February 3rd to March 24th, 2025, at Studio Greywolf, under the direction of Charles Greywolf and Titan Fox V. Mixing and mastering took place from March 30th to May 7th at the renowned Hansen Studios, courtesy of Jacob Hansen.
The imposing cover artwork was once again created by Péter Sallai, who delivers his fourth masterpiece in a row for the band. Inspired by The Last Supper, the artwork explores themes of power, influence, and identity – portraying both the band and their royal court in striking detail.
1. King For A Day 2. Make Metal Royal Again 3. Schlaf Kaiser schlaf 4. Hammerschlacht 5. For Crown And Kingdom 6. Kneel Before The Throne 7. Major Domus 8. Hoheitsgebiet 9. Hell Awaits The King 10. The Last Kingdom
A royal alliance – Hammer King join forces with Reaper Entertainment!
Reaper Entertainment is proud to announce the worldwide signing of German heavy/power metal band Hammer King! With this global record deal, a new and exciting chapter begins in the band’s already impressive career. Known for their majestic sound and unrelenting dedication to the myth of the Hammer King, the band is now ready to ascend to even greater heights.
The band states:
“Hammerous folks!
We’re incredibly excited to announce that we’re now at home with Reaper Entertainment! The passion for music, the focus on the fans, and the huge commitment from the team really convinced us, and we’re sure this is exactly what Hammer King needs at this point in time. Together with Reaper, we’re going full throttle and we’re looking forward to the future!
The last deal is always with Reaper – let’s Make Metal Royal Again!”
Statement from Reaper Entertainment:
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Hammer King to the Reaper family! We’ve been fans of the band ever since their debut Kingdom Of The Hammer King and have followed their career with great admiration ever since. To now be part of their journey and support them in writing the next chapter of their history is a true honor for us.”
König und Kaiser or Kings and Emperors. Is there a difference? König (king) ruled individual lands, Kaiser (emperor) were the rulers of the entire Holy Roman Empire. But let’s focus on Hammer King’s history.
The reign of Hammer King could be divided in two reigns: Cruz del Sur Music reign and Napalm Records reign. If my opinion counts, the first reign suits me more. After signing with Napalm Records, somehow, I got the impression that the band flew into a supersonic rocket. I hope they will not burn out on the way up.
“Hammer King” was released in June 2021, “Kingdemonium” in August 2022, and “König und Kaiser” in March 2024. Maybe a layman like me doesn’t understand, but somehow it seems to me that albums shouldn’t have been released in such a short period of time, especially if you know that “Hammer King” and “Kingdemonium” were released during the Corona, which automatically implies the fact that adequate promotion was omitted. However, the sixth full-length album of Kaiserslautern’s metallers is out and it is about to put it through my pen (sword). Thirteen songs (10 + 3)! Ok, obviously they have an inexhaustible source of ideas, but they make my job more difficult. Jokes aside… If I am informed, fifteen songs were in the plan, and the final version of the album, as already written, included ten regular and three bonus songs packed in nearly 62 minutes of powerful metal.
After many years of experience and searching for a place on the scene, the guys have obviously found a formula that works for them. No less, no more, they established I would be free to say new subgenre – royal metal! If we consider the fact that the band released three albums in a very short period, that this one has even thirteen songs, evil spirits might say they are on the edge to fall into a rut. So far, no fear that this might happen, they are not tired yet and they have a lot to offer. Again, considering the number of songs, it makes no sense to analyse each one individually, so for a change this review will be a general review of the previous reign of our kings combined with personal impressions of the last album. Fair enough.
The last three albums are more powerful, at least when it comes to music. They had choirs before, but the difference is that now they are more pumped up. I already wrote once, and unfortunately, I have to repeat myself, but I miss the power in Titan’s vocals too. Compared to their first reign, and even if we remember the albums on which he sang with Ross the Boss, now he sings much higher. At some point even too high. But again, if my opinion counts, I think more power and less high singing would perfectly fit him. Apart from the music, the band has changed visual appearance over the years. The concept of each album was followed by the costume change (long black robes from the period of their first album would win on my list), but pedestals and Reichhammer to this day they are an indispensable part of the scenography.
Speaking of the “König und Kaiser”, musically, the biggest surprise, when it comes to the sound, is the “Kings of Arabia”. Somehow this song refers to Symphonity, so maybe it would be a nice idea for a future cooperation. Overall, experimenting in music makes me very happy, and in this case the oriental sound in “Kings of Arabia” is a big plus for the band. Another plus – German lyrics. Of course, when the album title is in German, the song, if not the whole, at least part of it must include German lyrics. Remember “Hammerschlag”:
“Hammerschlag, Hammerschlag Sceptre of light, the sign of Hammerschlag, Hammerschlag The power of man, preise den Lichtstab Hammerschlag.”
Now we have:
“Er lebe hoch! König und Kaiser Der Hammer King Er lebe hoch! Dieses land braucht ihn Den Hammer King.”
The melody and the refrain are very similar to “Wo ist der Kaiser” (EAV – Erste Allgemeine Verunsicherung).
Another “surprise” is a guest appearance of The Tribune (Warkings) in “König und Kaiser”. Label mates already toured together, and the song is just a crown of their cooperation. My absolute favourites are actually the most powerful songs or as they say in one of those – faster than the speed of light and raging just like thunder: “The Devil Will I Do”, “War Hammer“, “I Want Chaos” and on the pedestal is the bonus track “The Last of the 7 Wars” with irresistible earworm melody combining march and Abzählreim (the lack of English word is a consequence of living in a German-speaking area for the last six months).
When you have the musicians who were in today’s legendary and very successful bands as Ross the Boss or Saltatio Mortis, it is a matter of time when they will make something big. With persistent work and patience, talent and creativity, step by step, Hammer King is close to the throne of metal.
If you like battle hymns, dynamic, melody and sing along choruses this is an album for you. And what else to say in the end if not: God bless the King, may the King bless all of you!
The tour, which is called “The Dead Don’t Die Tour”, kicks off on December 26th in Nürnberg, Germany. Along with headliners Dominum and support Hammer King, the Swedes are going to stop in seven cities.
Great news from Sweden!
Symphonic power metal quartet Majestica just announced new tour dates. The Swedes will finally please all their German fans again. The band is going to support Dominum as special guests on a seven date run through Germany this winter. These dates will mark Majestica’s first live shows in Germany after quite some time, so make sure to grab your tickets to witness the band’s amazing performance!
Tommy Johansson comments:
“I’m very happy to finally be on the road with Majestica, and together with Dominum and Hammer King we’re going to bring Power Metal all around Germany! Can’t wait!! Hope to see you there!”
Chris David about the live dates:
“We have been waiting to come to Germany for some time now. And what better way to do it with a full tour together with a couple great bands, this will be a blast! There is also one show in between these dates at the ”No Sleep After X-Mas Festival” which will be a more Christmas focused show!”
The tour, which is called “The Dead Don’t Die Tour”, kicks off on December 26th in Nürnberg, Germany. Along with headliners Dominum and support Hammer King, the Swedes are going to stop in seven cities. Furthermore, Majestica will play a festival show at “No Sleep After X-Mas Festival” in Runkel with some extra focus on their Christmas album A Christmas Carol on December 29th.
You don’t want to miss this tour, so be fast and get your tickets!
Mighty German heavy metal/power metal unit Hammer King strike with their brand-new hammering single, “The Devil Will I Do”, together with an official music video! The vigorous song is cut from the band’s upcoming studio album, “König und Kaiser”, set for release on March 22, 2024 via Napalm Records. “König und Kaiser” continues the storyline of the band paying homage to the mighty Hammer King.
With “The Devil Will I Do”, Hammer King unleash another headbanger hit to heat up the anticipation for their next full-length. On König und Kaiser, the band, led by ex-Ross The Boss vocalist Titan Fox, is joined by noteworthy guest features from the likes of The Tribune of labelmates Warkings, with whom Hammer King is heading out on a huge European tour with in March and April 2024.
Hammer King on “The Devil Will I Do”:
“’The Devil Will I Do’ is Hammer King’s tribute to Monty Python’s ‘Holy Grail’, especially the infamous ‘Swamp Castle’ scene. It might just be our most atmospheric video, as well. We have turned a medieval castle’s keep into a realm of shadows, and its church into the temple of the King. We have stepped up 108 stories of height in two days, have provoked a major fire department run and endured temperatures below the freezing point. Enjoy watching this video as much as we did shooting it! ‘The Devil Will I Do’ is an anthem of liberty and resistance. Whatever they demand me to be, the Devil will I do!”
On “König und Kaiser”, Hammer King continue their collaboration with Charles Greywolf (of genre giants Powerwolf), who recorded the new album at Studio Greywolf and produced it together with singer Titan Fox. König und Kaiser was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, infamous for his work with bands such as Amaranthe, Arch Enemy and Volbeat, to name a few. Hammering, fast-running double kick drums meet speed riffing on the 10 new metal hymns, crowned by memorable sing-along choruses that are meant to be sung with a fist raised in the air.
Hammer King on König und Kaiser:
“Welcome to the era of König und Kaiser! 2024 will be a busy year for Hammer King as we are blessed to release our new album, König und Kaiser, at the very beginning of our first big tour. We will join the mighty Warkings for 14 shows through central European countries and will make sure we Hail as many new fans as possible with the King’s mighty Hammer!”
Heavy power metal in the name of the mighty Hammer King!
German heavy metal/power metal unit Hammer King are back with a brand-new bombastic full-length full of true headbanger hits! The new offering, entitled König und Kaiser, continues the storyline of the band paying homage to the mighty Hammer King, and is set for release on March 22nd, 2024 via Napalm Records. Today, Hammer King unleash the first new album single, “Hailed By The Hammer”, together with an official music video!
Hammer King, led by ex-Ross The Boss vocalist Titan Fox, was formed in 2015 and has convinced the scene with their previous offerings and live performances at Summer Breeze Open Air and beyond, following their highly acclaimed 2022 release Kingdemonium. On König und Kaiser, the band is flanked by noteworthy guest features from the likes of The Tribune of label mates Warkings, with whom Hammer King is heading out on a huge European tour in spring 2024. Check out “Hailed By The Hammer” below and make sure to pre-order your copy of König und Kaiser!
Hammer King on “König und Kaiser”:
“Welcome to the era of König und Kaiser! 2024 will be a busy year for Hammer King as we are blessed to release our new album, König und Kaiser, at the very beginning of our first big tour. We will join the mighty Warkings for 14 shows through central European countries and will make sure we Hail as many new fans as possible with the King’s mighty Hammer! Therefore, here it is, the kick-off single for the next chapter in the legend of the Hammer King: ‘Hailed By The Hammer’. Thou all shalt be!
See you on tour, God bless the King.”
Hammering, fast-running double kick drums meet speed riffing on the 10 new metal hymns, crowned by memorable sing-along choruses that are meant to be sung with a fist raised in the air. On “König und Kaiser”, Hammer King continue their collaboration with Charles Greywolf (of genre giants Powerwolf), who recorded the new album at Studio Greywolf and produced it together with singer Titan Fox. König und Kaiser was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, infamous for his work with bands such as Amaranthe, Arch Enemy and Volbeat, to name a few. The album artwork is once again created by Péter Sallai.
With König und Kaiser, Hammer King presents yet another powerful album that is sure to cement the band’s standing in the scene. Join Hammer King in worshiping the Hammer King!
1. Hailed By The Hammer 2. The Devil Will I Do 3. König und Kaiser (feat. The Tribune) 4. Future King 5. Kingdom of Hammers and Kings 6. War Hammer 7. Divided We Shall Fall 8. Kings of Arabia 9. I Want Chaos 10. Gates of Atlantia
Bonus Tracks: The Last of the 7 Wars (Bonus Track) König und Kaiser – Titan (Bonus Track) König und Kaiser – The Tribune (Bonus Track – feat. The Tribune)
After an epic journey, when this album finally reached Serbia, I left Serbia, so I am a bit late with this review. Just for the record, this is not an excuse.
A month or two of silence, and now it is about time to recollect memories of an old woman and her epic journey with Hammer King. God bless the modern technology, otherwise I would not remember. In the year of our Lord, 2016, my now former editor wrote to me: “I have some Germans for you, power metal…” Say no more! And a few reviews and interviews later, here we go again! But to be honest, I have never seen (heard) HK as a power metal band. Once I wrote, and I will be free to plagiarize myself, those guys are celebrating metal. Period. And to be completely honest, when this old lady who is now writing those wise words was growing up fed by metal, there was only metal. Sub genres came later.
So, as many of you were introduced to HK now when they are on their way to the stars, I knew them when they were kind of underground.
If you are not familiar with HK history, well, listen what his herald, Titan Fox, said in one of our interviews, as many others, because there is only one truth:
“The legend says that the band was founded in 1978 by the Hammer King himself, while we actually started working in 2014. Our debut “Kingdom Of The Hammer King” was released in 2015 and we started playing shows in 2015.”
Album by album, the band was moving forward, improving, growing and after three albums under the wings of Italian label Cruz Del Sur Music, the crown on their career is signing a record deal with Napalm Records. Critics either loved or hated them, no middle ground. They were accused as a bunch of jokers, guys who don’t take themselves seriously, writing ridiculous lyrics…
My biggest concern when it comes to HK was will it be the same band after co-founder K.K.Basement left the band. Replaced by Dolph Lundgren’s clone, I was wondering in which direction the band will go. Jokes aside…
What I always liked the most is the concept HK had. Each album had an individual concept which was followed by adequate costume change. One more thing I liked is that from the album cover you clearly know what expects you musically and lyrically. Videos I will not comment on. Simply, I do listen, not watch the music.
“Hammer King” is the 4th album in the band’s history. The first one, “Kingdom of the Hammer King”, was about the Kingdom; second, “King Is Rising”, discovered war stories of the Hammer King; “Poseidon Will Carry Us Home”, well… Isn’t it obvious? Let’s say that was the Cruz Del Sur Music trilogy, and now, in the Napalm Records era we have the fourth one “Hammer King”, about the Hammer King himself. New label, new chapter, new sound, and as they say:
“The Hammer King, the Chancellor and the band are ready for the great take-over.”
While I was waiting for the CD I was introduced with the singles from the album as they were released, so that will be the order I will start reviewing this album.
The first single “Hammerschlag” (March 31st), as I like to translate “hit by the hammer”, will really hit you. No matter if you prefer, let’s say, a clean version or the one featuring Gerre (Tankard), Isaac (Epica) and The Crusader (Warkings), damn “Hammerschlag” will chase you through your dreams (or nightmares?). However, it was a great, shall I say, commercial move from their side to attract more audience to their Kingdom?
The next single was “Atlantis (Epilogue)” released on May 5th. This is just an epic song, but somehow, as someone who follows HK from the beginning of time, I miss a bit of power and attitude in vocal performance, which I will definitely debate about later.
The third single, “Awaking the Thunder” (June 10th) is the great album opener, a real combat song with astonishing guitar solos and thunderous drumming. If you search for a combination of classical metal, power metal and even a bit of pop sound, with no doubt, this might be one of your favorites.
If “Baptized by the Hammer ” doesn’t buy you with galloping rhythm and backing vocals, nothing will. The song is mainly mid-tempo but the rhythm simply forces you to raise your fist in the air. Somehow I am starting to realize that drums have the main role on this album along with the choirs. This is the typical HK anthem. And those galloping rhythms can be compared to those from previous albums.
“Onward to Victory” will calm down a bit and the sing along chorus might be the highlight of the song.
“Onward to victory With sword and sorcery Unleash the blood And the blood is the blood of the king Onward to victory With sword and sorcery Unleash the blood And the blood is the blood of the king.”
“We are the Kingdom” is another classical HK anthem with very catchy and memorable chorus:
“We are the Kingdom Through fire and blood and into the war We are the Kingdom Intruders and conquistadors We are the Kingdom.”
Besides the chorus, twin guitar solos and shall I say choruses (again) are the holders of the song.
Get ready for the power, melody, and fury. “Into the Storm” will shake you bones. The song is an anthem, infectious, pumped and obviously Iron Maiden influenced. You will recognize riffs from the “Killers” album, as well as the “woohoo” part in which I recognize nothing more but “Heaven Can Wait”.
“Ashes to Ashes” again delivers a great chorus which pushes me to take a look at the booklet, finally, and see besides HK who are those guys who spiced the album. Congrats and I kindly ask the King himself to keep you for the next releases.
If you are not ready:
“To live in the name of the Hammer To die in the name of the King To live in the name of the Hammer To die in the name of the King”,
please leave the Kingdom right now!
“In the Name of the Hammer ” is another accelerating song, and now “ohohoho” choir parts, here I must say, fit better. If I should pick the best Gino’s solo, then it hides in this song. I must also notice Running Wild influences here.
The King speaks! “King of Kings” includes Tim Wells’ introduction, reminding me a bit of Firewind’s “Ode to Leonidas”. After the narration, the song begins with the chorus actually; “ahahaaa” choir parts will buy the die-hard metallers. The song is on the edge of ballad, and everything, just everything on this album is my cup of tea, but…
“I will hear you whisper In the hall of the King For my brothers and sisters Forever they’ll sing…”
This part and Titan’s interpretation are too much for my ears. Sorry, but if Farinelli could resurrect and sing this or more possible Wiener Sängerknaben I would enjoy it. This way…
As this album is seen as a big take over in HK history, does the verse “guide me to my victory” mean we have the new possible leaders of the genre?
“Holy” is 45 seconds outro that owners of physical album copy might not even notice when “Hammerschlag” hits once again.
Although choirs were an important part on previous releases, somehow on “Hammer King” its role became more important as the holder of the dramatic. This album is bigger, better, but far from the best HK can deliver. Don’t get me wrong, with zero talent and music experience, I could not be the one who criticizes, I just can say what I like or not, and what I miss here on this album are more powerful vocals, maybe like those that were delivered on “King Is Rising”. More than any other album, “Hammer King ” delivers massive, powerful, compact sound, and I would like just to hear vocals going in the same direction. If everything was perfectly set on this or any other album, there will be no challenge to continue the journey right? From my perspective if they would keep “King is Rising” vocal delivery, “Hammer King” production and “Poseidon Will Carry Us Home” lyrical themes they would have an album of their life.
If the band was accused as Manowar clone by now (no idea why, except the fact Titan had been singing with Ross the Boss, but still see no logic at all), if someone claimed they are a bit Running Wild influenced band, now for sure you can say they are on the way of following the Hammer Fall’s path. Hammer of all hammers, Hammer King, are serious in the mission to take the throne from the best in the genre.
The legend of the HK says that all music and the lyrics are given by the Majesty of Hammer King, they are just the messengers, so if you do not like anything, kill the messenger.
Since we do not have album ratings in our magazine, as a Queen of my Abaddon Kingdom, I will be free to rate HK albums.
1. King Is Rising (for vocals) 2. Hammer King (for pumping energy and great(est) production) 3. Kingdom Of The Hammer King (for the foundation of an overall band concept) 4. Poseidon Will Carry Us Home (for nautical story dealt with the Cape Horn)
An epic review of an epic album must be closed this or no other way:
God bless the King, may the King bless you!
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Label: Napalm Records
Label: Napalm Records