Heksenkringen

With a band name like Grimm, one might expect cold riffs and atmospheres from the far north. However, this band hails from The Netherlands and plays a type of music they call dark medieval metal.

The band is quite an original one, mixing high pitched black metal shrieks with clean chanted vocals. It is the brainchild of one Heer Antikrist (formerly Heer Zwendelear). After undergoing many lineup changes, he's finally found the ultimate group of individuals who share his vision, and Heksenkringen is the result.

After a haunting piano intro, the band kick into gear with lead off track Witte Ruiter. A slow,almost doomy riff follows, inviting people into Grimm's dark world. Other highlights include the instrumental Zwarte Magie and the clean voiced only title track.

There isn't a single word of English to be found in either the liner notes or the lyrics, but I've learned that both deal with those who were tortured and killed during the Spanish inquisition and by the Roman Catholic Church. The album artwork, which tells us as much, is astonishing. Overall, I must say this is a fine album recommended to those who like a mix of black and folk metal.