Hammerfall Family Tree

September 14, 2023 by Joe Cearlock in Family Tree

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they cite the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Hammerfall are a prominent power metal band formed in the early 90’s with their first album released in 1997 and have been steadily active since. Guitarist Oscar Dronjak formed the band along side Jasper Strömblad of In Flames fame. Jasper never played on any releases, but wrote for the first three albums. Since the first album Joacim Cans has been on vocals and the three of them were the primary writers for the first three albums. After that point Jasper was no longer writing with the band (with the exception of one song) and it was primarily Oscar and Joacim with occasional contributions from other members over the years including guitarist Stefan Elmgren, and Pontus Norgren, bassists Fredrik Larsson, and current drummer David Wallin. No other members of the band are credited with writing.

Alice Cooper is one of the original shock rockers. Oscar named him as a favorite as a kid.

Judas Priest are one of the most iconic metal bands and really helped define the genre of heavy metal. Oscar names them as a main influence. Joacim named Halford as an influence. Joacim named Painkiller as a favorite album.

Kiss are one of the biggest American hard rock bands. Oscar name them as an inspiration and Ace as one of the reasons he picked up guitar. Hammerfall has covered “Detroit Rock City”.

Riot are one of the earliest American heavy metal bands but often overlooked. Oscar mentioned them as an influence. Joacim named *Fire Down Under* as a favorite album.

Yngwie Malmsteen is considered one of the greatest guitarists… especially by himself. Jesper named him as an influence for his Hammerfall writing.

Accept are among the most important and earliest German metal bands. Oscar names them as an influence and Wolf Hoffmann as his guitar hero.

Twisted Sister is often lumped in with the later hair metal bands, but are older and far more of a true heavy metal band. Oscar named them as a favorite 80’s band. He said the lyrics of Dee Snider had a big impact on him.

Iron Maiden has been one of the biggest and most influential metal bands. Oscar said they are a huge influence. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Picture are a lesser known traditional metal band from Germany. Oscar name them as a favorite growing up.

Ozzy, formerly of Black Sabbath, has had incredible guitar players throughout his career. Oscar named Randy Rhoads as a influence.

Demon were a NWOBHM band although ventured into a more prog rock thing for a time. Joacim named *The Unexpected Guest* as a favorite album.

Mercyful Fate took a technical approach to traditional metal. Oscar named them as an influence. Joacim named King Diamond as an influence and is a fan of Mercyful Fate.

Manowar often get credited as as the first power metal band. Although they predate any power metal movement, they certainly are responsible for many elements that would be incorporated in power metal. Oscar names them as a huge influence. Joacim named Eric Adams as an influence and *Hail to England* as a favorite album.

Warlord are a lesser known heavy/power metal band from the US. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up and Hammerfall covered “Children of the Damned” on their first album. Joacim named *And the Cannons of Destruction Have Begun...* as a favorite album.

Motley Crue became one of the biggest 80’s bands with their more glam rock sound, but earlier took a more speed metal approach. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Running Wild are a pirate themed traditional, speed, and power metal band. Oscar mentioned them as an influence.

Grim Reaper were a NWOBHM band, perhaps more cheesy than any other. Joacim named *Rock You to Hell* as a favorite album.

Pretty Maids are a rock and occasional metal band. Oscar named them as an influence.

W.A.S.P. are a hard rock / heavy metal band out of the early 80’s. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Slayer are known for their aggression and speed and led in such qualities in early thrash metal. Oscar named them as an influence.

Queensryche are among the earliest of progressive metal and has influenced many power metal bands. Joacim named Geoff Tate as an influence and *Operation: Mindcrime* as a favorite album.

The legendary Ronnie James Dio after his time with Rainbow and Black Sabbath. Oscar named Dio as an influence.

Helloween are the fathers of power metal. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up. Joacim named *Walls of Jericho* as a favorite album. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Stormwitch are a German heavy metal band. Oscar named them as a favorite and influence. Joacim named Tales of Terror as a favorite album. They covered “Ravenlord” on their first album.

Tyran' Pace was a German heavy metal band notably featuring future Gamma Ray and Primal Fear vocalist Ralf Sheepers. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up.

King Diamond formed his own band after departing Mercyful Fate, known for his distinct vocals and conceptual albums. Oscar named King Diamond as an inspiration. Joacim named King as an influence.

Zeno

Gamma Ray was formed by Kai Hansen after his departure from Helloween. Oscar mentioned them as an influence.

Note: some of the influences named by Oscar are named as general influences on Hammerfall’s sound and not just him alone.

I’ve seen a couple places online site Ritchie Blackmore as one of and influence on Oscar, however I have not been able to corroborate that.

I have also seen Max Bacon named as an influence for Joacim; again, I have not been able to corroborate that.

Joacim said he’s not the biggest Kiss fan, but said that their stage shows are an influence.

Jesper Strömblad is noted as drummer/writer for the first three hammerfall albums, although did not perform on any hammerfall albums. The one influence I listed from him was Yngwie Malmsteen which he specifically named as an influence in his writing in hammerfall.

Peter Stålfors (Dream Evil bassist) co-wrote “I Believe”

Stefan Elmgren has a few writing credits over the years he was with Hammerfall, but I’m unsure of his influences. In an interview about his other band Full Strike he mentions it drawing influence from Hammerfall, but also sounding a bit like Dokken, Gary Moore, Accept, and Helloween. This are probably influences on him in HF, but I will leave the additions off the main list without better clarification.

Fredrick Larsson has no writing credit until Hammer of Dawn which is credited to the entire band. Besides the bands noted above, He also is a big fan of Anthrax. Later influences include Pantera, Meshuggah, Opeth, Pain of Salvation, and A.C.T.. Given his writing is limited to only one album at this time and the sound of Hammerfall hasn’t really changed, I’m excluding these influences from the main list.

Pontus Norgren has about one credit per album he appears on with the exception of Hammer of Dawn which credits are shared equally amongst the band. I am unsure of his influences.

David Wallin has shared writing credits with the rest of the band on Hammer of Dawn. Drummerzone lists his influencess as Scott Travis, Scott Rockenfield, Animal, Gregg Bissonette, Vinnie Paul, Dynamit-Harry, and Morgan Ågren. I have not corroborated this, so these will not be noted in the main list.

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Sources:

https://metalshockfinland.com/2011/05/09/interview-with-hammerfall-oscar-dronjak-the-festivals-are-always-fun-but-the-tour-is-the-real-deal/
https://distortedsoundmag.com/interview-oscar-dronjak-hammerfall-2016/
https://loudwire.com/hammerfall-oscar-dronjak-plays-favorite-riffs/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFMTPS2qBko&t=301s
https://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/hammerfall.htm
http://www.melodic-rock.com/interviews/hammerfall.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtr63-TV8GM
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-joacim-cans/
https://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/hammerfall2002.htm
https://folknrock.com/interviews/interview-joacim-cans-of-hammerfall-talks-new-album-hammer-of-dawn
http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles.aspx?id=1-114
http://www.metalupdate.com/interviewflames.html
http://www.sacredmetal.de/index.php?page=interviews/hf-inti
https://bravewords.com/news/hammerfall-side-project-revealed
https://rockoverdose.gr/fredrik-larsson-hammerfall-at-rock-overdose-we-will-definitely-be-back-in-2014-with-a-new-album/
https://drummerszone.com/artists/david-wallin/10688/profile/?language=4#biography

Powerwolf Family Tree

July 21, 2021 by Joe Cearlock in Family Tree

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

SUPPORT THE METAL!

Powerwolf are a heavy metal, occasionally power metal, band with a strong organ and keyboard presence. The line up has been consistent except for drummers which there has only be two that have recorded with the band. All members contribute to writing. Vocals has been Karsten "Attila Dorn" Brill. On guitars, Benjamin "Matthew Greywolf" Buss, rhythm/bass guitars David "Charles Greywolf" Vogt. Organ / Keyboards is Christian "Falk Maria Schlegel" Jost. The first three albums had Stefan "Stéfane Funèbre" Gemballa on drums and since has been Roel van Helden. Between them for a short time Tom Diener was on drums but never recorded.

Deep Purple are an important hard rock and early heavy metal band. Matthew said they were an influence in the beginning of Powerwolf.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal and doom. They are one of Matthew’s and Falk’s influences.

Thin Lizzy are an super influential rock / hard rock band. They are one of Roel’s influences.

ZZ Top are hard blues rock band and one of Roel’s influences.

Scorpions lead the way for metal and hard rock in Germany and are one of the earliest metal bands. They are one of Matthew’s influences.

Rainbow was a legendary combination of musicians. Matthew said they were an influence in the earliest version of Powerwolf.

Judas Priest are perhaps the quintessential heavy metal band. They are an influence on Roel.

Kiss are one of the biggest and most recognizable hard rock bands. They are an influence on Roel.

Boney M.

Ramones are the fathers of punk rock if you are not including any proto punk. They are one of Charles’s influences.

Village People

Iron Maiden come out of the NWOBHM and are one of the most influential metal bands. They are one of Matthew’s influences and named Seventh Son of a Seventh Son as a favorite album. They are also one of Roel’s, Charles’s, and Falk’s influences. — Iron Maiden come out of the NWOBHM and are one of the most influential metal bands. They are one of Matthew’s influences and named *Seventh Son of a Seventh Son* as a favorite album. They are also one of Roel’s, Charles’s, and Falk’s influences.

Michael Schenker formed MSG after his time with UFO and Scorpions. They are one of Matthew’s influences and he names Schenker as one of his heroes.

After his time with Black Sabbath, Ozzy continued to work with incredible guitar players. Matthew named Diary of a Madman as one of his favorite albums and Randy Rhoads as one his heroes. — After his time with Black Sabbath, Ozzy continued to work with incredible guitar players. Matthew named *Diary of a Madman* as one of his favorite albums and Randy Rhoads as one his heroes.

Mercyful Fate are known for the unique vocals of King Diamond but also took heavy metal in a technical direction with tons of riffs and changes. They are one of Matthew’s influences. Falk named them as an influence on the band.

Running Wild are traditional/speed/power metallers from Germany, known for their pirate themes. They are an influence of Charles.

Fates Warning are progressive metal pioneers. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Megadeth are one of the big four of thrash formed by Thrash father Dave Mustaine after being kicked out of Metallica. Falk named Countdown to Extinction as a favorite album. — Megadeth are one of the big four of thrash formed by Thrash father Dave Mustaine after being kicked out of Metallica. Falk named *Countdown to Extinction* as a favorite album.

Candlemass are has been staples of Doom. Matthew and Falk named them as an influence.

Faith No More are an important alternative rock band. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Danzig went more heavy metal after his early days in The Misfits. Roel named Danzig as an influence.

Paradise Lost are pioneers of Death/Doom and Gothic metal. Matthew named them as an influence.

Forbidden are a bay area thrash band. Falk named them as an influence.

Chroming Rose were a German power metal band. Falk named all their albums as favorites.

Entombed are an important Swedish death metal band. They are a big influence on Charles.

Iced Earth are heavy/power metal from the US. Roel named them as an influence.

Cannibal Corpse are one of the best known death metal bands. Roel named them as an influence.

Tiamat are death/doomers and an important band for gothic metal. They are one of Matthew’s influences.

Glen Hansard

Sentenced has changed their sound over the years from death metal, to melodic death, and now gothic. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Nevermore were a progressive/groove metal band. Falk and Roel named them as an influence.

Moonspell are a prominent gothic metal band. Matthew named them as an influence.

Taake is a Norwegian black metal band. They are an influence on Roel.

Evergrey are a Swedish progressive metal band. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Matthew said he is a fan of death metal. He described Powerwolf as being heavy metal with atmosphere. For him the atmosphere comes from his more gothic influences.

I’m unsure of Atilla’s influences.

I’m unsure of Stéfane Funèbre’s influences.

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Sources:

http://www.radiometal.com/article/powerwolf-retour-sur-experience,370707
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/matthew-greywolf/
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/charles-greywolf/
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/falk-maria-schlegel/
https://www.powerofmetal.dk/interviews/powerwolf.htm
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/roel-van-helden/
http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/roel_van_helden.htm

Primal Fear Family Tree

August 20, 2020 by Joe Cearlock in Family Tree

Metal Family Tree

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Primal Fear bring some amazing power/speed/heavy metal from Germany. Vocalist Ralf Scheepers and bassist Mat Sinner have been the only two members to be consistent in the band. The band has changed guitar players and drummers multiple times but most members have contributed to writing over the years.

One of the early band to push rock into a harder sound, The who have been a big influence on many. Klaus named Keith Moon as one of his influences.

The hugely influential Deep Purple is one of Mat’s influences. He named Glen Hughes as one of his biggest influences.

Allan Holdsworth

British glam rockers were a band that Ralf used to sing along to when he was younger before discovering Priest.

One of the leading bands to bring the harmonized guitar sound, Thin Lizzy has been a big influence on many. Mat names Phil Lynott as one of his musical heros. Tom also named guitarist John Sykes as an influence.

This one seems very obvious with much of early Primal Fear sounding like a continuation of Painkiller. Ralf said he was introduced to Judas Priest at 15 and was blown away. Tom said Priest was the reason he started playing guitar. Stefan is a big fan and said he practiced a lot of Priest songs. Klaus and Magnus name Priest as an influence.

Arena rockers Journey certainly on the popular side of rock. Tom named guitarist Neal Schon as an influence as well as Journey one of his favorite bands.

Steve Morse

Sting who got his start in new wave band The Police was named as an influence by Mat.

One of the earliest of the NWOBHM movement, Saxon. Ralf named them as an influence. Klaus names Saxon as an influence.

Steve Lukather

Yngwie is one of the most influential guitar players. Stefan names him as his biggest influences but says he doesn’t think he plays that much like him and Yngwie plays to many solos in his songs.

The biggest and most influential band form the NWOBHM and one of the most influential period. Ralf named them as an influence. Klaus and Magnus also name Maiden as an influence

Fellow Germans and heavy metal legends, Ralf named Accept as an influence. Klaus also names them as an influence.

Steve Vai is a virtuoso player that many guitar players drool over. Magnus names him a main influence.

John Sykes

The fathers of thrash metal. Stefan said when it comes to rhythm Metallica is one of his main influences.

The earliest of the Bay Area scene and thrash legends, Exodus were an influence on Klaus’s drumming.

The arena rock/glam metal band Night Ranger is named as a favorite band of Tom who names guitarist Brad Gillis as an influence.

One of most aggressive of the American thrash bands, Slayer pushed the boundaries of metal early on. Stefan is a big fan and is influenced by their riffing. Klaus is also influenced by Slayer.

The great Ronnie James Dio has been a huge influence on many. Magnus names his band as an influence.

Considered the earliest of progressive metal, Queensryche is named as a influence by Magnus.

Dave Mustaine could easily be considered the father of thrash metal. Stefan named Megadeth as a main influence on his rhythm playing.

Thrash legends Testament were an influence on Klaus’s drumming.

Paul Gilbert

Kip Winger

Dream Theater are not the first progressive metal band but certainly have defined it. Stefan named his favorite album as Images and Words and named John Petrucci as a big influence. — Dream Theater are not the first progressive metal band but certainly have defined it. Stefan named his favorite album as *Images and Words* and named John Petrucci as a big influence.

On the Primal Fear website Mat’s favorite bands are listed as Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy), Sting, Kip Winger, Billy Idol/Steve Stevens, and Steve Jones (Sex Pistols). In one interview when asked about favorite bands he names a lot of really lame stuff a long side some cooler bands… Between him and Tom it is amazing that Primal Fear isn’t complete crap.

Tom said he grew up listening to Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Def Lepard, Van Halen, and Nightranger. He sucks though and now he says he listens to stuff like Pantera, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach.

Stephan said he first got into metal through Rainbow and then moved to Judas Priest and then thrash like Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer before getting into Yngwie Malmsteen. More “modern” bands he said he was into are Faith no More, Clawfinger and Dream Theater.

Henny in an interview named Motörhead, Rose Tattoo, ZZ Top, Status Quo and AC/DC as influences for Nitrogods.

From what I can tell drummer Randy Black has only one co-writing credit. He names influences as: Keith Moon, John Bonham, Neil Peart of RUSH and Terry Bozzio. He said the newest drummer he likes i Jaska Raatikainen of Children of Bodom.

Magnus among the influences mentioned above says he’s a huge fan of NWOBHM bands.

Alex has been on guitar duty for a while, but I’m uncertain if he does any writing in the band. If anyone can confirm that I will add his influences to the main list. He names early influences as KIss, Status Quo, then Deep Purple and Rainbow being he is a huge Ritchie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix, and Randy Rhoads fan. He also names Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, George Lynch, John Sykes and Chris Impellitteri.

From what I can tell newer drummers don’t have any writing credits, I’ll revisit them if I find out otherwise.

More Family Trees

Sources:

http://kkdowning.net/steelmill/Interviews/ralf-scheepers/
http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/ralph_scheepers_primal.htm
http://www.primalfear.de/home/band/mat-sinner/
http://www.primalfear.de/home/band/tom-naumann/
https://young-metal.webnode.es/news/interview-tom-naumann-primal-fear/
https://www.revolution-inc.dk/tekst/tag/Tom%20Naumann
https://auxportesdumetal.com/interviews/Nitrogods2012-uk.html
http://nuclearfire.tripod.com/steeleagle/id21.html
http://steeleagle.20m.com/sperling.html
https://www.rockeyez.com/interviews/int-primalfear-black.html
http://metalexiles.com/magnus-karlsson-the-ferryman.html
https://www.moshville.co.uk/interview/2015/11/interview-magnus-karlsson-freefall-primal-fear-last-tribe-starbreaker-etc/
http://metalkings.com/reviews/silent-force/silent-force-eng-2004.htm
https://www.seigneursdumetal.fr/index.php?page=interview&id_inter=284