This critic has said before that the one-man band is as near to perfection as music can get. When a single mind is behind the creative nucleus as well as the actual performance, the possibility for error in the interpretation is significantly reduced. That is, of course, dependent on this lone contributor's talents. Impeccable guitar work won't matter to anyone if the bass doesn't line up, or if the drums are all over the place. If you're gonna do it by yourself, you'd better be at least competent at everything.

We the listening public are lucky enough to get one such man in Netherlands-native FLORIS VELTHUIS, principally a player of drums/bass/keys for SAGENLAND and ASGRAUW. Those Black Metal faithful familiar with his work will know of another solo project as MESLAMTAEA, however, this occasion marks the debut of SCHAVOT with "Galgenbrok", which climbs as high as it delves deep to create a soaring burden of Black/Melodic excellence.

Beginning with the album's longest track is "Tussen Muren", Dutch for 'Between Walls', which actually sets the foundation for the album to come, starting by heavily implying Melodic and even Symphonic Metal to come, before a somewhat light-gauge Black Metal sound careens in, creating an interesting and beautiful dichotomy. "Galgenbult" follows that up with more speed, and both tracks should have a spot on the All-2021 Playlist.

"Witte Juffer" has a rhythm reminiscent of a certain old GOLGOTHA song but frantically paced, which leads into the hauntedly sedate vibes of "Helleveeg", featuring a gentle drawdown to end the album's first half.

The excellent average established thus far seems unsustainable, but for the next three tracks, "Moerasland", "Droglicht", and "Jammerklacht", strong intros and consistent thematic play prove the staying power in the songwriting. The album's closer, "Rooftocht", is not quite the rampage as the title says, but ramps up the Melodic element, creating another eerie-fied Black Metal track which finally glides gently to a conclusion.

There's little reason any metalhead wouldn't appreciate "Galgenbrok", and Black Metallers especially will find it hospitable. Adding to the accessibility are the raw numbers; eight tracks, none of extended length, adding up to a little over half an hour of a preeminently modern Black/Melodic masterpiece.

So, with a lot of irons in the fire for FLORIS VALTHUIS, it is very possible that SCHAVOT, the Dutch word for 'scaffold', could end up an abandoned project, left to stand alone in a fit of artistic caprice. If the intentions are higher, however, and enough time is given to explore, SCHAVOT could be legendary among one-man bands.