Velua

Consider this review my condolence to Heidevolk for losing their guitarist Reamon Bomembreker and one of their vocalists Mark Splintervuyscht. It can't be easy to have two key members depart after the release of a new album, and on the brink of a big tour - so this review is my raising a horn of mead to a much underrated folk metal outfit.

It would be safe to say that this Dutch sextet's sound has gradually expanded like a balloon being filled with ale. Listening to their early "Der Strijdlust Ist Geboren" days, one could not have guessed that they would sound so grand and noble circa 2015. But a more detailed focus on their discography will reveal a slow and steady progression towards a broad timbre that still has room for future development. This is exemplified in the swelling introduction of the title track of "Velua": the low droning choir, the raven sound effects, the distant string ostinato...both mesmerizing and grandiose!

The strings in particular have become an integral part of Heidevolk's composition. Aided by the sterling production job - courtesy of Jochem Jacobs - these high-pitched violin melodies add a touch of drama to "Velua". In fact, the keyboards in general contribute another dimension to the music; especially with the unconventional timbres used in tracks like "Richting De Wievenbelter". They are used effectively, but thankfully sparingly - letting the meaty guitar tone and those gorgeous lead vocals take centre-stage. This is, after all, a folk METAL album.

Speaking of vocals - they're the main element of Heidevolk's music that's allowed them to hold their own in the fickle sub-genre of folk metal. At their worst, it's just pleasant background noise - but at their best, they craft some of the most beautiful harmonies in metal, perfect fifths though they be! "Velua" allows us to hear the duo of Splintervuyscht and Vogel at the summit of their abilities. There is also a heavy lean towards pure death growls on this album, which add yet another intriguing and entertaining layer to the texture. Maybe the future of Heidevolk lies in this more harsh vocalization?

The songs themselves are constructed in the tried-and-tested Heidevolk style, leading many critics to accuse the band of 'playing it safe'. I agree in terms of song-structure; every track on "Velua" is in the 4-minute band, and this can become tiresome. However, I disagree in terms of variety; the Dutchmen have clearly made an effort to diversify their sound with harmonized guitar leads, slick production, eccentric orchestration and beefy riffs. Opener "Winter Woede" and 9th track "Een Met De Storm" put the pedal to the metal and will have die-hard fans headbanging till dawn. Whereas the moodier "Urth" or the crestfallen title-track will require repeated listens and more patience, but still come out equally as rewarding.

This is simultaneously a mixed bag and a consistent effort from the Dutch sextet. The melodies and anthems are familiar and welcoming - whereas the subtle additions are beguiling, but similarly welcoming. Despite being driven down to a mere quartet in recent weeks, a solid release like "Velua" ensures that Heidevolk show no signs of putting down their horns of mead any time soon. And neither should you! HOI!