Heidevolk - Uit Oude Grond
Heidevolk are a Viking Metal band from the Netherlands that throw a take on the genre that is different from the average viking metal band these days. Considering that they've been in the business of making music for about six years there's been plenty of time to come up with something interesting. While the melodic blackened riffs are there, there's no flutes, keyboards, or snarled vocals. Instead, Uit Oude Grond, is focused more on delivering the melodic side of Viking Metal rather than the harsh side. The thing is the melodic side is still pretty brutal, but the other musical elements provide plenty of exciting opportunities.
"Nehalennia" is the album opener and it drives the music right to a point. There's a groove laden electrified riff before a brief acoustic guitar passage and then the harsh guitars come back in featuring the pounding drums. Vocals are both clean and offer a layered dual assault that actually sounds extremely folkish and suits the music wonderfully. The violin is a nice addition too. The gang chorus is adrenaline pumping and really makes the track feel like a viking metal tune. Other notable tracks are "Ostara" for its feet stomping beat and melodic violin work and buzzing guitars. "Alvermans Wraak" has some great acoustic work and takes a little of the edge off unlike the rest of the tracks that mostly involve the harsh distortion of the guitars and bass. It is mostly instrumental, but the vocals come in later to add a bit of a 'rowdy' effect. An excellent drinking/ dancing tune. "Ruzenmacht" has some great sole vocal work, as both vocalists are in the forefront and really get to show off their pipes. Finally, there is the lush "Deestring" which lives up to its name in being stripped of all heaviness in trade for a very orchestral, acoustic feeling. The violin is beautiful to hear in its somber notes behind the guitar, but eventually it takes the driver seat and delivers some really great notes.
The only downside to Uit Oude Grond is that many of the tracks all sound the same. While it is fresh to see Heidevolk take their music to a pinnacle in expressing viking metal in its finest manner, after the first few tracks listeners will begin to see the similar riffs, beats, and vocal melodies. However, that's no reason to shy away from this release. The versatility of this album in being able to deliver not only heavy metal but also extremely rhythmic and folk driven. Listeners will find themselves doing a jig to this as much as they are banging their heads.
"Nehalennia" is the album opener and it drives the music right to a point. There's a groove laden electrified riff before a brief acoustic guitar passage and then the harsh guitars come back in featuring the pounding drums. Vocals are both clean and offer a layered dual assault that actually sounds extremely folkish and suits the music wonderfully. The violin is a nice addition too. The gang chorus is adrenaline pumping and really makes the track feel like a viking metal tune. Other notable tracks are "Ostara" for its feet stomping beat and melodic violin work and buzzing guitars. "Alvermans Wraak" has some great acoustic work and takes a little of the edge off unlike the rest of the tracks that mostly involve the harsh distortion of the guitars and bass. It is mostly instrumental, but the vocals come in later to add a bit of a 'rowdy' effect. An excellent drinking/ dancing tune. "Ruzenmacht" has some great sole vocal work, as both vocalists are in the forefront and really get to show off their pipes. Finally, there is the lush "Deestring" which lives up to its name in being stripped of all heaviness in trade for a very orchestral, acoustic feeling. The violin is beautiful to hear in its somber notes behind the guitar, but eventually it takes the driver seat and delivers some really great notes.
The only downside to Uit Oude Grond is that many of the tracks all sound the same. While it is fresh to see Heidevolk take their music to a pinnacle in expressing viking metal in its finest manner, after the first few tracks listeners will begin to see the similar riffs, beats, and vocal melodies. However, that's no reason to shy away from this release. The versatility of this album in being able to deliver not only heavy metal but also extremely rhythmic and folk driven. Listeners will find themselves doing a jig to this as much as they are banging their heads.
- Nehalennia
- Ostara
- Vlammenzee
- Een Geldersch Lied
- Dondergod
- Reuzenmacht
- Alvermans Wraak
- Karel van Egmond, Hertog van Gelre
- Levenslot
- Deemsternis
- Beest bij Nacht
Napalm Records
Reviewer: Colin McNamara
Jun 20, 2010
Jun 20, 2010
Next review:
Domes Of Silence - Temple Of The Wasp
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