Heidevolk - Uit Oude Grond
Full-length, Napalm Records, March 26th, 2010
Folk metal. I admittedly cannot stomach a great deal of it, for most of it (especially the humppa-folk metal bands) are simply annoying to my ears. I love traditional folk music, but many of the bands who attempt to cross-pollinate metal and folk do so in a completely cheesy way. The bands who do in fact get it right can end up with something very special (Otyg, Isengard, early Ulver) and unique sounding. I think Heidevolk are one of those few bands who actually succeed in not being cheesy or contrived while doing so. The melodies and drumming are fist-pumping and upbeat while the vocals are deep and very masculine sounding. I found myself doing a good deal of head banging while listening to this album, which to me is always a good thing. None of the music seemed forced or put emphasis on unneeded elements to water down the sound into something commercial and easy to listen to. While Heidevolk do implement a good deal of folk in their music, the main emphasis is on the metallic side of what they do and they really perform it better than most of the bands in this genre. Heidevolk do manage to use a bit of traditional folk instrumentation in their sonic brew, but they are implemented well and never overpower the songs or come in at pointless intervals in a wave of over saturation (aka cheesy sounding).
The production is outstanding on this album; very clear sounding without being overly modern and 'produced' to death. The instruments and vocals are very warm sounding, with a lot of 'soul' in every aspect of the record. The metallic parts are heavy, the folk parts are catchy and the vocals are passionately executed. I wish the bass guitar was a bit higher in the mix, but this is only a minor complaint in the overall scheme of the record. The songs are well written, extremely catchy and full of genuine power. The album to my ears sounded very 'powerful' and heartfelt, without a need to be melodramatic. I think if more bands did what Heidevolk do, the folk metal genre would carry a far better reputation than it currently does. With that being said, when someone like myself stumbles upon a album like this, it makes it that much better and enjoyable to listen to. This is folk metal for people who cannot stand most of the typical bands, it is well-written, well-played and extremely catchy. Bands like Heidevolk give me hope that there is still good folk metal to be found amidst all the trash.
Reviewed by E. - 8.5/10
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