Batavi

Well, well… so ANOTHER viking-folk act trying to make it big in the business, right? YES, Heidevolk fits in that category way so good, except, of course:

1. These Dutch guys have been around for a lil’ longer than most of the dozens out there nowadays; it’s 10 years, now.

2. Unlike tons and tons of bands that share the same sub-genre, at least on the paper, Heidevolk haven’t taken a variety of folk and acoustic instruments as the base for their happy sound.

3. They’ve featured since the very beginning, the simplest, yet most interesting characteristic of two singers with a significantly different tessitura from each other.

So, when I heard “Batavi” was coming I was frankly interested, even having very little background on their work. I mean I had only listened to “Walhalla Wacht” (2008) and it was OK, but just that. In general, it was enjoyable and a little weak though, a wrongly directed attempt to be exhilarating that ended up in too happy shit that had SOME moments, if you like. Nevertheless, having into consideration the aspects mentioned before, I was sure they could do better, much better.

And they DID do better, except not much. I’d say “Batavi” displays several highlights that make it consistent and well accomplished, although not impressive. I’m trying not to be too judgmental here; I wouldn’t even review it if I didn’t think it wasn’t worth at all in the first place. Musical maturity of this guys is quite obvious here. One could predict it since the very cover of the album; you know, darker brown and grey colors, a more abstract image, etc.

First of all, I’d point at the drumming. Not sure if it’s the first time, but you’ll get to hear a few blast beats here! Not overreacting, my excitement is well-grounded. Somehow, Joost Vellenknotscher managed to flare up his beats without destroying the folky feeling required for such album.

Also the guitar work has improved. They go faster and thicker getting to produce a metal-as-you-can-get sound that we all thank for when it’s well done. Even some hints of speed metal are to be found here, as well as a couple breakdowns. Surely, a couple decent solos would have been appreciated, but, wait, are there ANY? If there are, I simply can’t recall them. That should tell you enough on the matter.

Vocals remain pretty much the same: a bass and a baritone singers, both growling from time to time, but mostly chanting cleanly epic profound verses along the whole album. Sounds good to me!

All in all, “Batavi” is an interesting release, particularly if you ain’t fed up with viking-folk sound. It’s easy to listen, good enough and even refreshing. In a day when most bands sound exactly the same, I’m glad to see a few are still trying to create a style of their own without becoming annoying. Cheers!

—Originally written for www.globaldomination.se