Heidevolk

Heidevolk is a pagan folk metal band from the Netherlands. The lyrical themes of their music are inspired by nature, the history of Gelderland, and the history of Germanic mythology. Most of their lyrics are in Dutch; however, since their album Velua they also have one original English song, ″Vinland″, and several English covers.

History

Heidevolk performing at the 2007 Ragnarök Festival

Heidevolk was founded under the name Hymir in 2002 by six men. The name was changed to Heidevolk (Dutch for "heath-folk" or "heather folk") inspired by the Veluwe landscape. In contrast to popular belief, in the Dutch Language their name cannot be translated to 'Pagan Folk'. Pagan is translated to Dutch as "heiden". The band started performing live in 2003. Since then the band has released one demo, five full-length studio albums, and one EP.

Their third album, Uit oude grond, (Dutch for "From old ground"), was released to generally positive critical acclaim, with one writer calling the album "A hugely enjoyable release combining aggressive metallic riffage with tastefully-entwined traditional folk instrumentation and melody".^[1]

Collaborations

Vocalists Mark Bockting and Joris Boghtdrincker have contributed vocals to the Arkona song titled "Na Moey Zemle" (На моей земле) (In my Land). This track also features vocalists from Månegarm of Sweden, Obtest of Lithuania, Menhir of Germany, and Skyforger of Latvia.^[2] Each sings in their native language, playing the role of warriors from that region describing their homeland to a traveler.

Discography

• De strijdlust is geboren (full-length, 2005)
• Wodan heerst (EP, 2007)
• Walhalla wacht (full-length, 2008)
• Uit oude grond (full-length, 2010)
• Batavi (full-length, 2012)^[3]
• Velua (full-length, 2015)

Music videos

• "Nehalennia" (2010)
• "Als de dood weer naar ons lacht" (2012)
• "Urth" (2015)
• "Winter woede" (2015)

Line-up

Current members^[4]

• Lars Vogel (Lars Nachtbraeker)- vocals (2013 - present)
• Kevin Vruchtbaert - guitar (2011 – present)
• Rowan Middelwijk (Rowan Roodbaert) – bass guitar (2006 – present)
• Joost Westdijk (Joost den Vellenknotscher) – drums (2002 – present)

Former members

• Joris Boghtdrincker – vocals (2002–2013)
• Jesse Vuerbaert (Ohtar) – vocals (2002–2005)
• Niels Beenkerver – Guitar (2002–2005)
• Paul Braadvraat – bass guitar (2002–2006)
• Sebas van Eldik (Sebas Bloeddorst) – guitar (2002–2011)
• Reamon Bomenbreker – guitar (2005-2015)
• Mark Splintervuyscht – vocals (2005-2015)
• Stefanie Speervrouw – violin (2007–2008)

Timeline

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Heidevolk.