Heidevolk – Uit Oude Grond

Releasedate: 22-03-2010; Label: Napalm Records
By: Elvira Visser

Heidevolk is a Dutch band that gets their inspiration from nature and the legends and sagas of their homeland Gelderland (province of the Netherlands). The band has built its legacy since 2002 and forged their own brand of pagan folk metal to distinguish themselves with their recognizable sound of two vocalist and a sound that can take you back to the early medieval times of Europe. In the year 2003 they released their debut album. On their new album the lyrics are jet again about Gelderland’s history. After a year full of touring they now present their album “Uit Oude Grond” which in English means from old soil.

To create the sound of Heidevolk it is not just lyrics about mythology but they also mix traditional folk instruments with the heaviness of their guitars and their drums which can sound like thundering drums. What you will remember after hearing Heidevolk is that they have catchy melodies and sing-along hymns. “Uit Oude Grond” starts as how we know the band, the characteristic sounds of the bass and guitars greet you at the first seconds. Compared to their older albums this one is more epic and the guitars and vocals sound more present and thick. The compositions of the tracks are catchy as usual but you can also hear that they have become more complex. To top of the songs they have added strings by Irma on violin and Elianne Anemaat on cello. Heidevolk has surly released a good pagan metal album for those fans who enjoy raised fists and mead-filled drinking horns.