What makes Hero by Van Canto notable?

Hero received significant attention for its innovative approach to power metal, charting in Germany and establishing Van Canto as a leading act in the a cappella metal subgenre. The album features iconic covers, such as their rendition of Fear of the Dark, showcasing their ability to reinterpret classic tracks while maintaining their unique sound. Its success helped solidify the band's reputation and influence within the European metal community. Released in 2008, Hero is Van Canto's third studio album, building on their unique a cappella style established in earlier works. This album arrived after their breakthrough debut, A Storm to Come, which set the stage for their distinctive fusion of metal with vocal arrangements. By this point, the band had begun to carve out a niche within the German metal scene.

Hero works well if you're into epic anthems for adventure seekers, high-energy sing-along moments and cathartic release through powerful harmonies.

How many songs are on Hero?

Hero has 20 tracks, running approximately 94 minutes.

Hero

Van Canto · 2008

94 min · 20 tracks · power metal

An exhilarating blend of power metal and a cappella harmonies, echoing the epic sounds of fantasy and adventure.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kings of Metal — This track exemplifies Van Canto's signature style, blending powerful vocals with a captivating melody that pays homage to classic metal anthems.
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The Bard’s Song: In the Forest — Their interpretation of this classic song highlights the emotional depth and rich harmonies that define Van Canto's sound, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Hero — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of bravery and adventure, showcasing both lyrical prowess and vocal complexity in an engaging way.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Van Canto's innovative a cappella approach sets them apart in power metal, though some tracks feel less cohesive.

What we noticed

The album features a cappella arrangements where all instrumental sounds are created vocally, including percussion and guitar effects.
Each track showcases a distinct narrative or theme, often drawing from fantasy literature and mythology.
The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with fast tempos, while the second half introduces slower, more melodic pieces.
Several tracks are covers of well-known metal songs, reinterpreted in Van Canto's unique vocal style.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

epic anthems for adventure seekers
high-energy sing-along moments
cathartic release through powerful harmonies
invigorating tracks for workout sessions
immersive storytelling through a cappella

Maybe skip if you

slow-paced reflective listening
minimalist soundscape enthusiasts

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2008, Hero is Van Canto's third studio album, building on their unique a cappella style established in earlier works. This album arrived after their breakthrough debut, A Storm to Come, which set the stage for their distinctive fusion of metal with vocal arrangements. By this point, the band had begun to carve out a niche within the German metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Nightwish· Epica· Ayla Nereo