HANS AND VALTER are a Symphonic Power Metal band from Linkoping, Sweden. They were formed only last year and have already released a few singles for this very first album of theirs. Hans and Valter are our two main protagonists of the story of deep lore and fantasy, will our noble heroes be able to survive this quest? Let's see what happens next! First of all you have to watch those music videos they released for this album, they are downright funny and campy and fun! It's like a low-budget Fantasy movie brought to life. I see they don't take themselves too seriously as the characters they portray but as for the music, it's far from the case, their is much work that was invested in this album and it shows. One thing off the bat is the charismatic and soaring vocals of Liam Strand aka Hans III, at first he really reminded my of Mathias Nygard from TURISAS, low gravely voice than can achieve those higher notes when needed though we do not have any harsh vocals on this album. The tone of this voice was very reminiscent of one of those underrated Metals singers out there. Hans III does make you want to listen to the whole album, his range and power keeps you enthralled and wanting for me and that's what you are looking in for a frontman these days.

It's a story-based album, I think each and every song has it's own role to play. I can honestly say I am not the biggest fan of concept albums but something that has a story, easy to understand I don't mind but long and dreary concept albums are the death of me. I have been a Fantasy and Role Playing Games since my college days and obviously I can relate to some of the themes on this album because I read a lot of Weis and Hickman and Tolkien when I was younger. The production is of course very neat and clear, allowing all the instruments to be heard. I'm really glad the mixing doesn't bring the vocals to the front. I'm not really fond of vocal-based albums. What makes this album good is the whole atmosphere created by the theme and lyrics as well as the keyboards and happy-sounding guitars. The lyrics focus on the warriors' quest, something I find quite interesting. The use of narration is nothing groundbreaking but really adds to the music and helps you create an image of the very story in your mind.

The instrumentation is really solid, the guitar provides amazing melodies that make you want to hum along while the keyboards accompany them creating sweet dual melodies. The drums thankfully are not buried in the mix and we can clearly hear them pounding with power providing the needed rhythm for the music, alongside the bass. The bass is also really audible, something I always like in music. The vocals are powerful and have a wide range. Another thing I enjoyed about Hans III is that he holds the last syllables of a word for a bit longer, again in the title track, and after that as well. He does keep the listener engaged and that's a great compliment to get.

Don't worry our courageous heroes have beaten the Dark Lord Renius! The Land of the Free is saved and even though there was not a quest clear at the beginning, the battle and the trek have made these fellows legends in the Flour Village! Bards will speak of them in high regards for several ages....