Here is one of the most delightful experiences I have ever had as a critic. Completely ignorant of this band and having no expectations at all, I find Hammers of Misfortune to be a totally original and invigorating unit. To describe them would stretch my vocabulary, as "medieval folk/thrash/power metal" sounds loopy but actually hits pretty close to the mark. To nail down all the influences of HoM would be a difficult task, as the record at times is reminiscent of all the following: Rush, Metallica, Iron Maiden, The Cure, My Dying Bride, Sara McLachlan, Dead Can Dance, Hammerfall.

But this is completely unique. Many bands claim to write without concern for what the record company or even the public wants, but few really sound like they put such indifference to practice. Not Hammers of Misfortune. These guys sound like they simply sat down and wrote whatever they felt like writing, with no pressure to conform to any expectations. The wonderful liberation arising from such a premise has given birth to "The August Engine".

This is an expansive, brilliantly conceived album that truly captures a medieval feeling with its powerful melodies. Although the album is quite heavy, there's an aura of the ancient clinging to its musical vision. A lot of that is due to the amazing vocal manipulations of three extremely talented singers, two of them female. The male vocals are nasal but not unbearable and relate the bulk of the album's incisive lyrics with complete conviction. The intertwining female vocals are very folky and quite pleasant to listen to...that's where the early Sarah McLachlan comparisons come in. Often the vocalists play with and against each other, with their singing styles being highly reminiscent of old English music. But these melodies are put on a backbone of classy, powerful metal that is quite aggressive in spots and always very well thought out. The metallic sheen of the record ranges from the old Metallica style leanings in "The August Engine Part One" to the dueling Maidenesque guitar runs of "A Room and A Riddle" to the final ponderous, melancholy doom of "The Trial and the Grave". Really, my words fail in trying to relate the class of this band and this disc. You seriously need to track this record down and enjoy its many subtleties and high points for yourself.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2003 Year Book Volume 1 at https://garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2003-and-2004/.