HEIDEVOLK – Uit Oude Grond CD review

HEIDEVOLK – Uit Oude Grond CD
Napalm Records

First off let me admit that my family’s ancestral homeland is Holland. Even though we are quite a few generations removed from first landing here in North America (pre-Revolutionary War) I am still proud to call myself a Dutchman. I also get a kick out of hearing extreme bands from the Netherlands. This Dutch band has only been around since 2002, releasing the debut in full length in 2005. But in that short time they have become one of the stronger players in the whole Pagan Folk Viking Metal genre. This is just their third full length as well. What makes HEIDEVOLK (ala: Folk from the Heath Land) and this release stand out amongst the Pagan Fest pack is their attention to homeland. The vocals are sung in Dutch and they are also sung clean as opposed to the typical death metal growl style favored by many of their peers. I always complement bands when they take that route since it makes the music far more interesting. It also allows you to learn what they’re singing about and actually listen instead of just playing the CD for kicks. Their music deals with their culture which lies in the Dutch province Gelderland which once again differs from many other bands who just do the Valhalla chic thing. It’s personable instead of just playing by the numbers.

Another difference is that HEIDEVOLK lean more towards a Power or Classic Metal style, along with a few surprises, with their songs then the much used melodic death metal theme. One of the complaints I’ve heard from people who don’t like Folk Metal is that they see it as melodic death metal with fiddles. HEIDEVOLK do use some alternative to Metal instruments plus vocal harmonies which present the listener with a chance to join in on the choruses if you know the language of course. What’s even better is the accent/dialect that vocalists Mark Bockting and Joris Boghtdrincker use which has me envision being in some ancient drinking establishment watching these guys sing while bellied up to the bar. That’s another thing which I look for in bands of this genre. Does the music transport you to another place or push forth that feeling of identity with something from the past. HEIDEVOLK do that on here whether it’s the rowdy cuts, somber pieces or full blown blasts which make you want to grab a weapon and charge out the front door screaming your best battle cry. Apartment dwellers might want to reconsider that last suggestion.

www.napalmrecords.com