Label: Independent
Genre: Power Metal
Links: https://www.facebook.com/hansandvalter
Line Up:
Hans III – Vocals and Keyboards
Questlord Sean – Backing Vocals
Dark Lord Renius – Guitars
Valter – Drums
Tracklist:
1. The Legend of the Oakensource
2. Land of the Free
3. The Kings Call
4. Warriors Without a Quest
5. A Dark Road
6. In the Name of the Oak
7. The Scene of Life
8. The Stranger
9. The Endless Night
10. Hefleth the Pirate
A tale to be told, with a spoken intro, then the album commences proper after an orchestral break. Let’s see what I’m listening to here – OK, I’m sold.
The titular protagonists in a musical universe, Hans & Valter, exist in an alternative Sweden according to the ancient scrolls sent alongside the album for review (Isn’t that Denmark? – Sits back with a smile and picks up the popcorn).
Majestic monarchies become villages, mythical forces become neighbourhoods, and heroes become real life friends, as their journey takes our protagonists from preventing alien robot invasions, to classic fantasy quests, and ultimately, saving the multiverse.
Writing heavy hitting power metal anthems made for the masses is what Hans & Valter focuses on. The band offers entertaining yet whimsical music, combining metal tropes with genre bending elements, unafraid and inspired by Brothers of Metal, Twilight Force and Gloryhammer. I for one was always going to enjoy this, given they’ve mentioned 3 bands that I do not fail to see live every time they tour. Fantasy fuelled stuff with lyrics that may well be cheesy will keep the D&D fans happy, but at least we can hear what’s going on with crystal clear vocals, unlike those death metal bands where the lead vocalist sounds like they’re gargling with a sink plunger.
This is an album to be played loud through headphones with the lyrics in front of you to truly enjoy the experience, with music, stories and artwork that all go hand in hand with fantasy driven metal.
Recommended. If you enjoyed the recent Sabaton albums with the spoken intros inbetween each song then this is for you.
Score 8/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
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