Wederkeer (Napalm Records) is the seventh album from Dutch folk metal outfit Heidevolk. The record’s title means “return” or “revive”, and indeed the accompanying press release pitches Wederkeer’s “bombastic folk and pagan metal” as Heidevolk’s “glorious return”.

Throughout Wederkeer the folk and metal elements are given roughly equal prominence and are often seamlessly integrated. Ritualistic chants, folk melodies, and traditional acoustic instruments share the sonic space with tight and explosive metal riffery, classic lead guitar harmonies, and blasting drums. Notwithstanding the punishing heaviness that often pervades, the songs here are also eminently melodic and accessible. 

The record bursts with classic riffs, singalong choruses, lushly layered harmonies, and scorching guitar solos. Throughout  Wederkeer’s dynamic ebb and flow, which sees passages of thunderous metal broken up by sparse acoustic textures, there remains a relentless energetic drive that it’s nearly impossible not to be carried away by.

Indeed, although the songs at times undoubtedly steer through sombre and mournful moods, the record feels overriding and uplifting. The layered choir vocals conjure images of collective celebration, and the propellant and forceful pace of most of the music seems to drive away the darkness and beckon forth the light. Heidevolk makes no secret of their pagan sensibilities, and (even without a translation of the Dutch lyrics) there is a pervasive and seductive sense of witnessing an ancient ceremony.

The production and arrangements here are outstanding. Even at the most densely layered points every element has its own space. The punchy and crisp modern metal sound coexists perfectly with the warm and natural aesthetics of the acoustic instruments and primal chanting. Neither can the performances be faulted, delivered as they are with both virtuosic precision and rich human emotion.

Folk metal isn’t for everyone, and this is no exception. Some will feel that the triumphant bombast and vigorous jubilance of Wederkeer is a little too much. But even they may find themselves being taken in by Heidevolk’s immutable conviction and infectious energy.

Heidevolk’s ingenious songwriting makes Wederkeer’s complex synthesis of styles feel immediate, direct, and exciting. Those who understand the style and feel some affinity with the pagan imagery that Heidevolk is steeped in will find it difficult to disagree that Wederkeer feels like an instant folk metal classic.

Buy the album here:

https://heidevolk.bandcamp.com/album/wederkeer

8 / 10

DUNCAN EVANS