Following their formation in 1993, Hammerfall underwent numerous personnel changes before settling on their current lineup, which includes principal songwriters Joachim Cans (vocals) and Oscar Dronjak (guitars). In Flames skinbeater Jesper Stromblad contributed to their debut, although Patrick Rafling replaced him soon after. Since the release of their debut Glory to the Brave in 1997, Hammerfall have become one of the toasts of the Eurometal scene, residing in Germany's Top 100 for over two months, with Glory dubbed Album of the Year by Rock Hard magazine. The Swedish rockers have also played numerous metal fests, including the Wacken Open Air Festival; they returned in 1999 with the EP I Want Out. Renegade was issued a year later.

Bryan Reesman
AllMusic.com