I’ve just started listening to Dämmerland, a fascinating German fantasy project that combines audiobook storytelling with music. This unique blend of Hörspiel (audio drama) and music has caught my attention, especially given my love for fantasy literature and music.

What is Dämmerland?

Dämmerland is a German fantasy project created by Malte Hoyer from Versengold, Hannes Braun from Kissin’ Dynamite, and Annie Hurdy Gurdy. As described on Wikipedia (accessed January 4, 2026):

Dämmerland is a German fantasy project by Malte Hoyer from Versengold, Hannes Braun from Kissin’ Dynamite, and Annie Hurdy Gurdy. The project represents a mixture of audio drama (Hörspiel) and music project.

Note: Translated from the German Wikipedia article.

The project began in 2022 when Malte Hoyer and Hannes Braun came together to create what was initially planned as a children’s audiobook, but evolved into a musical fantasy audiobook. The first release includes a seven-hour audiobook, a 16-song music album, and a 224-page book, featuring numerous bands and musicians from the folk-metal and medieval music scene.

The Story

The story follows Fiete, who lives with his single mother in a run-down house at the edge of the forest. His beloved grandmother has recently passed away, and Fiete finds solace in her collection of fantastic stories. When a magpie steals his grandmother’s gold tooth—his most precious possession—Fiete sets out to retrieve it. During his search, he meets the mysterious girl Paloma, who leads him into the mysterious Dämmerland, where he experiences adventures. As the story progresses, reality and fantasy begin to blur, leaving open the question of whether these events are real or just in Fiete’s imagination.

The Music

What makes this project particularly interesting is the collaboration with various artists from the German folk-metal and medieval music scene, including:

  • Versengold
  • Schandmaul
  • Lord of the Lost
  • Saltatio Mortis
  • Mr. Hurley & Die Pulveraffen
  • And many more

The first album was released on November 22, 2024, and reached #2 on the German album charts. A second part, Dämmerland 2, was released on November 21, 2025, continuing the story across seven CDs with a runtime of six hours.

Where to Listen

The albums may be available on various streaming platforms and music stores. I’ve provided Apple Music links here:

Physical Editions on Amazon

If you prefer physical editions with additional content, you can find the Super Deluxe Editions on Amazon:

Note: The Amazon links below are affiliate links for Amazon Influencers and Associates. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

My First Impressions

I’m just beginning this journey, but I’m already intrigued by the concept of blending narrative storytelling with music. As someone who enjoys both fantasy literature and the folk-metal scene, this seems like a perfect combination. The seven-hour runtime of the first part promises an immersive experience, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds.

I’ll share more thoughts once I’ve made more progress through the audiobook!

Sources: