HammerFall is a Swedish power metal band from Gothenburg, formed in 1993 by guitarist Oscar Dronjak, formerly of Ceremonial Oath. The band has released thirteen studio albums. Their mascot, Hector, a paladin character, has appeared on most of their album covers. HammerFall originated when Dronjak left Ceremonial Oath and invited Jesper Strömblad to join him as a drummer for a new project. Early members also included lead guitarist Niklas Sundin, bassist Johan Larsson, and vocalist Mikael Stanne. After Sundin and Larsson departed, Glenn Ljungström and Fredrik Larsson joined. In 1996, Joacim Cans became the lead vocalist, solidifying the band’s line-up.