Vuur Van Verzet
Heidevolk
•
February 7, 2018
I was introduced to this band via 2010's "Uit Oude Grond". HEIDEVOLK have remained a favourite since then, so I was looking forward to hearing "Vuur Van Verzet", with its tales of epic battles for territory and Viking myths.
Interestingly, I could understand some of the Dutch lyrics here and there, since there are some cognates in Afrikaans, a South African language derived from Dutch. "A Wolf in My Heart" is an early favourite. The violins add a sense of wistfulness, and a sense of inevitability. The bass vocals are resonant, with excellent sustain, and the harmonies are full of emotion. The chorus induces an irresistible urge to headbang, and the guitar solo brings the track to a triumphant end. "Onverzetbaar" opens with wistful acoustic guitars and subtle chants. The violins contrast well with the ringing guitar notes, and draw in the listener. The vocal phrasing is done really well, and the faster, jagged violin notes add tension. The track surges with power in the section with male and female vocals underlain by blast beats.
"Britannia" has one of the most addictive choruses I've heard in folk metal. The harmonies are pitched perfectly, at least according to my ears. Its fast pace adds some variety after the slower tempos of its predecessors, and the acoustic riffs later in the song add a sense of hope. The violins add a dramatic touch, and the harmonized guitar solo is beautifully done. "Tiwaz" has some interesting percussion in the intro. The jaunty rhythm riffs keep the energy levels as the album heads into the home stretch, as does the fast-paced, catchy chorus. The violins weave gracefully in and out of the guitar riffs, and are an asset to the rest of the music once more. The rhythm section opens "Gungnir" on a strong note, with rich bass guitar and pulsating bass drums. Blast beats and well-harmonized vocals come together to great effect in the chorus. A quiet break later on in the song adds variety.
"Vuur Van Vuurzet" is an entertaining album that will be enjoyed by fans of folk metal in general, and established fans of HEIDEVOLK. The fast tracks in particular would be a good way to make one feel more alive in the morning!
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Vuur Van Verzet" Track-listing:
1. Ontwaakt
2. A Wolf in my Heart
3. Onverzetbaar
4. Yngwaz' Zonen
5. Britannia
6. The Alliance
7. Tiwaz
8. Het oneindige woud
9. Gungnir
10. Woedend
11. Het juk der tijd
12. Drink op de nacht
13. Een wolf in mijn hart
Heidevolk Lineup:
Joost Velleknotscher - Drums
Rowan Roodbaert - Bass
Kevin Vruchtbaert - Guitars
Lars NachtBraecker - Vocals
Kevin Storm - Guitars
Jacco de Wijs - Vocals
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