At Vance

The Profile

At Vance is a German neoclassical/power metal band formed in 1998 by guitarist Olaf Lenk. Early albums featured vocalist Oliver Hartmann; later releases included Mats Levén on vocals.

Formed in Germany in 1998 by guitarist Olaf Lenk. Genres: neoclassical metal, power metal, heavy metal. Vocalists have included Oliver Hartmann and Mats Levén. Albums include No Escape (1999), Heart of Steel (2000), Dragonchaser (2001), Only Human (2002), The Evil in You (2003), Chained (2005), VII (2007), Ride the Sky (2009), Decade (2010), Facing Your Enemy (2012).

Two reviews by fabbiu take aim at At Vance’s neoclassical/power blend. Early Works Centers is slammed for flimsy songwriting and pop-leaning ballads, with solos named as the lone bright spot. The Evil in You is judged more structured yet derivative, echoing Stratovarius/Rainbow tropes and lacking atmosphere. A single track recommendation emerges: Broken Vow. Overall verdict: technical, but soulless.