Overview
Renegade is the third studio album by Swedish power metal band HammerFall, released on October 9, 2000. The record marked a lineup change as it was the first HammerFall studio album to feature drummer Anders Johansson. Musically the album continues the band's established blend of melodic hooks, galloping riffs and anthemic choruses associated with the European power metal scene at the turn of the century.
Musical style and themes
Renegade builds on HammerFall's characteristic sound: twin-guitar harmonies, muscular rhythm sections and clear, soaring vocals. Lyrically the songs favor heroic and battle-oriented imagery—common themes for the band—presented through concise, punchy structures aimed at both radio-friendly hooks and live singalongs. The production is geared toward clarity and power, highlighting the interplay between melody and rhythm.
Track listing
- Templars of Steel (Dronjak/Cans) – 5:26
- Keep the Flame Burning (Dronjak/Cans/Strömblad) – 4:41
- Renegade (Dronjak/Cans/Strömblad) – 4:23
- Living in Victory (Dronjak/Cans/Strömblad) – 4:44
- Always Will Be (Dronjak) – 4:51
- The Way of the Warrior (Dronjak/Cans/Strömblad) – 4:08
- Destined for Glory (Dronjak/Cans) – 5:11
- The Champion (Dronjak/Cans/Strömblad) – 4:58
- Raise the Hammer (Dronjak/Elmgren) – 3:24
- A Legend Reborn (Dronjak/Cans) – 5:10
- Head Over Heels (Accept cover; feat. Udo Dirkschneider) – 4:30 (bonus track on some editions)
Personnel
- Joacim Cans – lead vocals
- Oscar Dronjak – guitars, songwriting
- Stefan Elmgren – guitars
- Magnus Rosén – bass
- Anders Johansson – drums (first studio album with the band)
Release, editions and reception
Renegade was released on October 9, 2000 and was issued in several formats, some of which included the Accept cover "Head Over Heels" as a bonus track; that version featured guest vocals by Udo Dirkschneider. The album reinforced HammerFall's standing within the power metal community and expanded their international audience. Fans and many reviewers praised its energetic songwriting and strong melodic focus, while noting it as a continuation rather than a radical departure from the band's prior work.
Notable facts and legacy
The title track and several singles from Renegade became staples of HammerFall's live set, helping to cement songs such as "Renegade" and "Templars of Steel" as fan favorites. The arrival of Anders Johansson brought a new dynamic to the rhythm section, and the inclusion of a guest appearance by a well-known metal vocalist on a bonus track highlighted the band's ties to classic heavy metal influences. For more details and release notes see the album page: Renegade details and archived press material at release information.