Heidevolk
Uit Oude Grond

September 2011
Released: 2010, Napalm Records
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: Theis Rytoft

UIT OUDE GROND is more or less your traditional folk metal release with some added heavy elements. One thing you immediately notice, however, is the Dutch vocals. I do not know if this is symbolic of their style but I find it rather pleasant even though I don’t understand a thing.



“Nehalennia”, the first track, is overall very pleasant with a catchy chorus and a very, somewhat, straight progression. The instruments are placed accordingly and a blend of heavy metal and folk parts is really good. An excellent start on UIT OUDE GROND. Now, what comes next? “Ostara” starts off as a slower track featuring a heavier output with the guitars being placed very close to- and in the front of the composition. It is in fact a rather boring track during certain parts but kicks things around with some nice growling, a faster tempo and a good melody from the middle, lasting to the end of the song.

Track 4, “Gelders Lied”, an uninteresting song with a slow tempo that does not excite me. It simply lacks character. However, it is well placed considering the previous 3 songs. The next track is more melodious and has one of the catchiest choruses on the release. And that tells a lot! Furthermore the rhythm is really nice as it changes between a slower and faster pace. What follows is a track very much dominated by front and backing vocals. This, mixed with the guitars, and sing-along-rhythm creates a fine, however somewhat stereotypical, folk track with an edge. Track 10, “Deestring”, is highlighting a very peaceful but also sorrowful setting with no vocals at all. Therefore this is a great contrast to the more happy tunes that have filled the album up until this point.



Generally the UIT OUDE GROND contains many sing-along and melodious moments but also brings loads of guitars to create a more heavy setting. As the more in-depth description of the albums shows, UIT OUDE GROND features both really good tracks and uninteresting ones such as “Levenlots” and “Gelders Lied”.