For their upcoming album (r)Evolution, Hammerfall appears to have gone back to their roots with the first single “Bushido.” It’s very much a classic Hammerfall song, from the very beginning it easily sounds like something that would fit on any of the first few albums (Glory to the Brave, Legacy of Kings, etc.), which explains the single’s pairing with the song “Way of the Warrior” from Renegade. It’s almost clockwork with older bands promising a ‘back to the roots’ album, I’m looking at you Megadeth, but this one time, although it is still only a single, it has come true. However you don’t have to take my word for it, the song is available for streaming on the Nuclear Blast Records Soundcloud page.

(r)Evolution and ‘Bushido’ also mark a return of their mascot Hector, who was unfortunately absent on their last album Infected, and all related singles.

I had a moment to speak with the band, and by that I mean I tweeted at them and got a response, to ask if they had any plans to tour to US in the future. They said “hopefully 2015,” so keep an eye out for them coming around in the future for what will possibly their first US tour in 5 years.

‘Bushido’ is available for purchase on iTunes, and Amazon.

(r)Evolution is available for pre-order on the Nuclear Blast Records America website, in both cd and vinyl formats (black, blue).

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