Heidevolk Uit Oude Grond
by Trevor Portz
Staff Writer
Pagan metal really seems to be the en vogue style of the day. Hordes of bands are donning their ren-fair garb, overfilling their drinking horns, and stringing up their lutes to celebrate the plague-filled days of yore, albeit with a modern metal twist. With so many like-minded groups attempting to cash-in on the current success of the genre, it’s become more and more difficult for most of them to stand out amongst their Thor’s Hammered compatriots. Well, it seems appropriate to raise a toast to the Netherland’s twin-vocal-led Heidevolk, whose newest release, Uit Oude Grond, is a release worthy of both your attention and praise.
Musically speaking, Heidevolk tread a fairly familiar pagan path of mid-paced, guitar-driven metal that utilizes generally “happy” folk melodies and the occasional traditional instrument. What makes them unique, however, is their use of two male lead vocalists who stay synched in pitch-perfect harmony and give the band a sound unlike that of most of the scream-vocaled or male/female-led groups of their ilk.
Oftentimes, especially in metal (which seems to rely less on autotune than its pop cousins), harmonies can be the death knell for a good band. Unless they are spot on, the effect can be lost in a sea of discordant, ear-piercing note slaughtering. Vocalists Joris Boghtdrincker and Mark Splintervuyscht have managed to lock themselves into such perfect harmony that the vocals come across as one unified voice that just happens to be singing two distinct parts. This gives the vocals an almost chant-like quality, and brings new dimension to both the music, and the Gelderland-inspired historical lyrics (which are, of course, sung in Dutch). The band virtually never veers into grim vocal territory, which does give the album a happier vibe, but that seems reasonably appropriate for the lyrical content.
Perhaps the greatest track on the album, opener “Nehalennia” certainly gives an overview of what Heidevolk is all about—power chords, uplifting melodies, the aforementioned dual vocals, and varied instrumentation. “Nehalennia” also stands out due to its main riff, which, to those raised on ’80s MTV, freakishly resembles the main riff to Pat Benetar’s “You Better Run.” While likely unintentional, one has to wonder if a member or two of the band harbor a secret passion for the rock Goddess.
The other ten tracks on Uit Oude Grond aren’t overly groundbreaking, but from the fast paced, power metal-influenced “Vlammenzee,” through the slow and epic “Gelders Lied,” to the groovy and great closer “Beest Bij Nacht,” there’s more than enough differentiation to keep things interesting. Other standout tracks include the acoustic guitar and violin-dominated “Deem Stering,” the oddly rockabilly-influenced “Karel van Egmond, Hertog van Gelre,” and the nearly instrumental “Alvermans Wraak.” The latter builds from an interesting disco-pagan beat (yes, that’s what it sounds like) to a solo-fueled (guitar and violin) masterpiece.
Not much more needs to be said about Uit Oude Grond. It is a shining example of why pagan metal has achieved the success that it has, and for those less than keen on the usually harsh vocals that come with the style, it will be a breath of fresh air. Of course, as is also the case with the style as a whole, one can’t ignore the endearing cheesiness that comes along with the costumes and overall attitude. But like a meal at Medieval Times, sometimes it’s best to disregard the silliness, and just have a good time.
Label: Napalm Records
Web: www.heidevolk.com ; www.myspace.com/officialheidevolk
Band Lineup:
Joris Boghtdrincker (vocals)
Mark Splintervuyscht (vocals)
Reamon Bomenbreker (guitar)
Sebas Bloeddorst (guitar)
Rowan Roodbaert (bass)
Joost den Vellenknotscher (drums)
Tracks:
1. Nehalennia
2. Ostara
3. Vlammenzee
4. Een Geldersch Lied
5. Dondergod
6. Reuzenmacht
7. Alvermans Wraak
8. Karel van Egmond, Hertog van Gelre
9. Levenslot
10. Deemstering
11. Beest Bij Nacht
Hardrock Haven rating: 9.2/10