Marches are a place to avoid. The moist soil isn’t suitable for agriculture and it inhabits dangerous wild animals and various diseases. Of course, it is an ideal hiding place for unclean lepers, outcasts and bandits. A certain march in the southern part of the Netherlands, called the Peel, does perfectly fit in this description. In the 18th century, in and near this place, lived a large amount of bandit-groups who were collectively called Bokkenrijders (goatriders). They were called this way by religious law enforcers who presumed they where devil-worshippers. Though it is not sure they ever existed (not written about in official documents, only named in legends), they are great material for black metal songs, like those of Walpurgisnacht. Walpurgisnacht exists since 1996 but hasn’t been very productive, because this album, Die Derwaert Gaen En Keeren Niet (those who go away and don’t return), is their very first full-length! Before, they’ve produced only two demos: Moerasghesomp in 2003 and a promo in 2004 (some songs of these also appear on this full-length release). All lyrics are in Dutch, some of them even in the old-Dutch language (circa 16th-18th century). Since it is almost impossible to write correct in this old language, the songs are probably taken from archive material or are a good try of imitation! A great thing (for me at least) is the 16th century (?) map pressed on the CD itself, showing the Peel (een weeeke morassachtige streecke lands) and its surroundings.

After an Ablaze in the Northern Sky-like intro, quite average black metal is set in motion. Consisting of none too original or interesting riffs and song structures, messy guitar play, a hissing sort of screaming vocals which lacks any raw evilness, bass guitar playing the same lines as the guitars: nothing in this music arouses me in any way. The drummer performs well enough though. The music consists of - a bit too happy sounding - riffs and is sometimes backed with atmospheric melodies. Actually, it sometimes sounds a bit folky. Also, two very short orchestra samples can be heard, which do fit in well. Other samples, like goat/sheep noise and burning fires are far too cliché. The worst song is probably Verlokt and Verloren, sounding a bit like Windir/Vreid with horrible clean background singing. The laughing in the song Duyvelsrit der Bokkenrijders is a VERY BAD Elite rip-off by the way. Simple and messy black metal, not in the least innovative, though it could be worse, couldn’t it?