HammerFall (with Evergrey and Elvenking)

HammerFall play El Corazón on Thursday, October 8, as part of their Freedom World Crusade 2026 tour. They're sharing the bill with Evergrey and Elvenking, so it's a full night of heavy metal rather than a single band. The show starts at 7 PM.

For those who don't know them, HammerFall is a Swedish heavy and power metal band formed in 1993 by Oscar Dronjak and Jesper Strömblad, both former members of Ceremonial Oath. They first made a name for themselves in 1996 after reaching the semi-finals of the Swedish competition Rockslaget; vocalist Joacim Cans took over fronting duties, and their live demo earned them a contract with Vic Records and their debut album, Glory to the Brave. Their second record, Legacy of Kings (1998), featured their first full lineup, and its lead single "Heeding The Call" spent three weeks on the German charts. The third album, Renegade, met with some skepticism, while the fourth, Crimson Thunder, shifted toward a heavier sound.

The band's history has its share of stories, too. Singer Joacim Cans was once attacked in a bar, with a beer glass smashed into his face. Bassist Magnus Rosén left in 2007 and was replaced by Fredrik Larsson, who had played bass on the debut. This Seattle date is one stop on the Freedom World Crusade 2026 tour, which is bringing them across the map this year.

With Evergrey and Elvenking opening, the night puts three bands on one stage. The whole thing kicks off at 7 PM at El Corazón.