It can be said that labeling Dutch bands as heavy or more brutal is a stereotype. However, stereotypes exist for a reason, and certain stereotypes have proven to be nothing but the truth. For instance, one particular Dutch band, ETERNAL SOLSTICE, satisfies its geographical heritage very abundantly. To put it simply, you cannot get more "Dutch Metal" than ETERNAL SOLSTICE.

Now's probably a good time to clarify that when I say Dutch Metal, I'm not talking about Symphonic, Power, or Folk Metal. I'm talking about a specific component of the various kinds of Metal subgenres the Dutch excel at: Death Metal and ETERNAL SOLSTICE have revived one of my favorite Dutch Death Metal records by re-releasing their 1994 killer; "The Wish is the Father to the Thought", through Vic Records. Take note that for the re-release, the band's cover of "Outbreak of Evil" is replaced by a re-recording of "Path to Perdition" from "At the Dawn Of...", the split record they did with MOURNING.

Of course, anyone who knows Dutch Death Metal knows they tend to be supremely and gloriously heavy, with lots of chugging riffs and pounding drums. Much like their Swedish counterparts, Dutch Death Metal bands thrive on the use of effective rhythmic riffs, enough of technicality to make any Metalhead break a sweat, and a most exploitative use of the double bass drums.

All this forms a very impactful formula that you can never go wrong with if used correctly, and by "used correctly", I mean "just don't fuck up". It's very simple. However, not every band is content with just sticking to the formula. Sure, ETERNAL SOLSTICE is as heavy as it gets, producing chunky, gnaw, thick, crisp riffs all the way through each track in "The Wish is the Father to the Thought", but they have more elements to their music than that.

For me, their Speed Metal tendencies add a lot of color to an otherwise straightforward Death Metal record. I also love their slower and darker choruses, which they dwell on along with some eerie cymbals and shred-ilicious solos. Yeah, I really can't think of another way to describe solos. But what I'm trying to say is this: all these elements come together to make for a special kind of Death Metal record, one that leans towards the likes of other Death / Speed hybrids such as the Teutonic Three of SODOM, KREATOR, and DESTRUCTION.

It's not all typical hybrid stuff though. The production of "The Wish is the Father to the Thought" is fantastic, so much so that the snare drum is the most awesome sound in the entire album. The vocals are also your typical brand of Death Metal vocals with sheer macho gruffness and intensity. Aggression, as you will soon know, if you don't already, comes naturally to ETERNAL SOLSTICE.

Overall, this is a fantastic album and I'm glad that it's being revived. It's a positive thing to be brought back to older albums that helped shaped today's music. I only cannot wait for ETERNAL SOLSTICE to release something new, for it's definitely going to be awesome.