Sebas Bloeddorst founded Heidevolk in 2002 with the aim to play folk metal with Dutch vocals and lyrical concepts dealing with his love for Geldrian nature (Gelderland is a part of the Netherlands), folklore, ancient pagan religions and history. In order to accomplish this goal, band members were sought after and found and Heidevolk decided what their style would be.

To further polish their sound and to honor their pagan history and the history of Gelderland in a right way they decided that the vocals should be clean, low and bombastic. Luckily, two friends of the band, Jesse and Joris did have the intention to start a pagan men’s choir so they decided to join forces.

Heidevolk (a Dutch word that translated to English means “people from the heath land”) began writing songs and, more importantly, started to play live. I saw these guys at the Arnhem Metal Meeting and was immediately convinced by them. The combination of their folk metal and their stage outfits and props (ox-horns, swords and shields) was the perfect introduction to this festival.

Therefore, it was with a certain eagerness that I pressed play only five minutes after receiving De Strijdlust Is Geboren in the mail.

Musically, Heidevolk can be categorized in the folk/pagan metal together with bands like Bathory, Fintroll. Thyrfing and Primordial but their unique vocals makes them stand out from that scene at the same time. Most of the tracks are mid tempo, with the occasional acceleration and the folk parts are further accentuated by the use of flute, midwinter horn, tambourine and mouth harp.

I love this album! It’s not the most tightly played album ever, it’s not groundbreaking original, they are no virtuosos on their instruments but this album has one important characteristic that ninety percent of all albums lack: atmosphere. The love for music and the lyrical subjects literally ooze out of the speakers and I couldn’t help but singing along loudly, swinging wildly with my beer and spilling my whisky in my beard.