“The prophecy is written. Dundee will fall,” a deep voice – perhaps the voice of a deity – announces.
The intro track, “Anstruther’s Great Prophecy,” continues with epic orchestration and builds up until… unicorns invade Dundee. Yes, that’s right. The song is actually called “The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee.” Led by a sorcerer named Zargothrax, these undead unicorns charge through the city. Meanwhile, as it is sung in the chorus, Zargothrax’s magic rains down upon the townspeople, and our hero is revealed. “Angus McFife swears a mighty oath / ‘I will make Zargothrax die.’”

This track leads into the theme of our protagonist (also my second favorite track on the album): “Angus McFife.” This song is incredible. The lyrics are flawless satire of power metal: “In ancient castle, frozen for all time / Inside the dungeons, my beloved waits to die / Ride fast for vengeance, but I must find a way / The force of unicorns makes Zargothrax fight great.”
This song may feel a little formulaic, but the hilarious lyrics and powerful vocals make up for it. As well as the chorus, “He is the prince of the land of Fife / Noble and true with a heart of steel / Now it is lost, vengeance shall be his / Angus McFife is his name.”

The next track, entitled, “Quest for the Hammer of Glory,” is a little bit boring.  It’s definitely one of the weaker tracks. The lyrics continue to be the best thing ever and to tell the story of the (probably) dashing Angus McFife. He is going to the mountains in order to find a weapon fit to defeat Zargothrax.

For some reason, Angus McFife decides to go to a village of wizards in “Magic Dragon.” The wizards use a crystal ball to show him where the dragon is. He proceeds to fight a demon guarding the dragon, and then to fight and form an allegiance with the dragon. This is one of the strongest tracks on the album.

After “Hail to Crail,” in which Angus McFife gains the support of the knights of Crail, the album takes a short instrumental break with “Beneath Cowdenbeath.” If it was longer, and had lyrics, it would stand alone better. It’s a great introduction to the final track, “The Epic Rage of Furious Thunder.” This track begins with orchestration: strings and an occasional snare drum. Angus McFife, riding his magic dragon, begins the march to retake Dundee. It goes right back into the guitar, orchestration and soaring vocals.
Gloryhammer’s “Tales from the Kingdom of Fife” is exactly what it’s supposed to be: a power metal album with amusing satirical fantasy lyrics. The music is enjoyable and heavy, and the lyrics are comical to anybody familiar with fantasy and/or power metal clichés. Since there are a couple tracks I disliked musically, I’ll take off a star, giving Gloryhammer’s debut a solid four stars.