Hello there,

First post here from this new Hammerfan. Heard Crimson Thunder at a friends house, borrowed Steel meets Steel from the same person, saw the Tilburg show 2 weeks ago and now I'm hooked.....and ready to buy all their albums.

However, as a newbie it's abit difficult me as I see bonutracks, tour editions, re-releases etc. Can you experienced guys tell me what the best versions are to own of each HF album?

Hope to hear from you - thanks!

First of all welcome here!

Concerning versions: They aren't that different. I'd give you the advice to buy the ones with the most tracks
As far as I know there aren't too many bonus tracks. So just buy the normal version, maybe some limited editions and if you think you really have to have some missing tracks, then buy them at itunes. I actually don't even have Steel Meets Steel and never felt the need to get it.
And if you're planning to becomea real collector, then you have to buy every version you can get
I hope that helped you a bit.

Thanks for your reply Islane,

Yes, the ones with the most tracks are obviously the ones to go for, but it's difficult to determine which ones have the most tracks. For example I see a 'Threshold' with 6 bonustracks on the 2nd disc, A 'Chapter V' digipack with one bonustrack and both 'Glory' with 1 and 'Legacy' with 2 bonustracks (re-releases).

But then again these bonustracks could also be featured on the ep's or the masterpieces cd as I see the band tends to record a lot of coverversions a b-sides. And maybe there are japanese releases with extra tracks too. Any Hammermaniac here that is 'in the know'?

Since I own every album, and you need a start I suggest you buy Glory to the Brave and Legacy of kings or buy their "best of" album Steel Meets Steel - Ten Years of Glory