Fantasy, adventure, comedy, drama, this series has it all!  Hamel is an 18 year old man who is utterly gifted at playing the violin.  He plays "magical" music.  Those that hear his music are affected in such a way that they will do whatever he wills them to when listening to him play.  Strangely enough, the music also dispells and destroys demons and any evil creatures that would hurt him or his friends. When the demons first came, a strange thing happened.  A horn appeared on top of Hamels head.  He keeps it covered with his pointy hat, but why did it appear there? What signifigance does it have? And does it have anything to do with the fact that he was struck with amnesia and remembers nothing of his parents or his childhood? ^_~ You bet it does. 

Hamel's closest friend ( and prospective love) is Flute.  She's also in the 17/18 year range, but looks decidedly more like a little kid until she lets her hair down. (Then you KNOW she's really grown up... @_@)  They've been friends ever since Hamel arrived in Flutes villiage of "Staccato," when he was 5 years old.  Flute is always cheerful and optimistic, unlike Hamel who tends to be broody and downright depressing because he NEVER smiles.  Hamel has a lot of trouble showing his emotions, and tends to cover them up with his constant seriousness.  But the two are steadfast friends.  

Trouble arrises in Staccato one day.  Demons show up and start to wreak havoc on the townspeople.   But not only in Staccato, the entire country seems to be suffering.  The source of the problem is that the "barrier" which until now has kept the demons from crossing over to the human world is weakening.  The person who sustains it is loosing her strength after holding it up for so many years.  That person is Queen Horn of Sforzando.  Lord Bass is trying to break through the barrier and release their "supreme leader," Lord Kestra. One who's power is unparallel and he is trapped somewhere in the world of the humans. Bass is the strongest amongst the "Four Hell Kings." It appears that Bass himself is the head which the boy in the picture carries-- long ago when the barrier was first constructed by Queen Horn, Bass cut off his own head before he could be turned to stone, and took over the mind of this boy, who's true identity is something that will unravel with the story.  

 But what will happen now that the barrier is weakinging? The only other person who has the power to hold the barrier is Queen Horn's daughter who's been in hiding for the past 18 years.  Can you guess who she is? Flute! Unbeknowenst to all but Flute and Hamel themselves, she is the princess of Sforzando.  And she's suddenly being called by her mother to return to her homeland.  Flute is shocked at first, she doesn't want to go away and be royalty.  But the country needs her and the barrier weakens more day by day.  Hamel decides he will journey with her to Sforzando.  Maybe along the way he will find out something of his own identity, and the origin of that cursed horn on his head.  

And so he does! Flute and Hamel join up with a travelling circus on their way towards Sforzando.  They run into another person who, amazingly enough ALSO plays  magical music! He plays a piano which he carries around on his back. (The show is just filled with crazy gags like this, Hamels violin is HUGE-- it could be mistaken for a cello).  The newcomer's name is Raiel, he reckognizes Hamel when he hears Hamel play his violin.  It turns out they were childhood friends and were the only survivors of a horrible catastrophy that befell their city when they were both 5 years old.  A demon attacked and killed everyone, including Raiels parents.  Raiel tells Hamel of his mother, Pandora, who was the only one who stood up to the demon by playing magical music.  Pandora was the lady who taught both Hamel and Raiel their magic.  No one knows what happened to her after the ordeal, she mysteriously disappeared and Hamel ended up alone in Staccato with no memory. 

Raiel joins Hamels group and they continue the journey towards Sforzando.  On the way they have a run-in with a purple-haired, hot blooded kid who's the prince of a neighboring kingdom.  His name is Tron-bon (pronounced, Trombone--- but most call him Tron).  His name is fitting, he's rather loud and energetic, and has probably one of the biggest, most caring hearts in the group. He pretends to be a fierce, deadly swordsman, but in truth has never won a battle before.  However,  I give him definite points for hot-headed bravery. ^_~  He has information about the new enemies trying to break down the Barrier and release Lord Kestra.  Hamel and his group have quite a few difficult enemies ahead. ( Some more difficult then it may seem. *hint* ) 

As an overall evaluation, I give the TV show two thumbs up!  The characters are all fun and appealing, the story is entrancing and the plot seems to thicken at every turn.  It has an overall very serious tone to it with some slapstick humor thrown in. (the huge instruments and various other gags.) 

Conversly, the manga starts out very slapstick and humorous, and then turns more serious as time progresses.  I myself haven't seen the manga, but I've heard from everyone I've asked that it's a MUST of every Hameln fan to have. (That's why I'm going to be getting it soon. ^_~)  But as far as the anime goes (and the first 4 episodes)... I highly recommend it!