Band: Heidevolk
Title: Uit Oude Grond
Label: Napalm Records
Distribution: Rough Trade Benelux.
Release date: 26/03/2010
Review: CD

The Gelderland (Holland) based Folk Metal formation Heidevolk is about to become one of the most important ones in its genre. In spite of the lyrics in their mother tongue, Dutch, they do reach a huge international audience; another example is their guest performance on Russia’s number-one Pagan-band Arkona’s last year’s album, Goi, Rode, Goi! (review posted on 03/12/2009, FYI).
The band’s former album, Walhalla Wacht (see 26/02/2008), was an acceptable recording, but this one is much, much stronger. Uit Oude Grond (‘from old soil’) just consists of stronger hymns with more internal cohesion, stronger structures, a more mature performance and a killer sound. No, it does not renew, there’s no re-invention of the Folk / Pagan-scene, nor does it sound universal and timeless; Uit Oude Grond just rules in its elementary basics.
Almost every track comes with an overwhelmingly fearless attitude, bringing a symbiosis of heroism and melody, national pride and trans-cultural majesty. The tempo differs a lot, making the hymns balance between neo-ballad-alike Doom-epic and thrashing battle-lust. The addition of ‘traditional’ instruments is not world-shaking, but it’s used the right way. And the sound is much more powerful and intense in comparison to Walhalla Wacht.
I didn’t dislike the former release, but this one is the best thing the band ever did; it’s the strongest and most convincing Heidevolk-release to date, highly recommended to everyone who calls himself (or herself) a true fan of Folk / Viking / Pagan / Epic Metal in general!
Oh yes, and what about those splendid lyrics, dealing with historical, mythological and traditional-folkloristic themes?!
Knap gedaan, mannen, doe zo voort! Ik hef mijn beker met mede op jullie gezondheid!
(pathetic bullshit, but I’m touched by these splendid tunes, haha)

83/100

Ivan Tibos.