Heidevolk | |
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Heidevolk at Burgfolk Festival 2013
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Background information | |
Origin | Arnhem, Gelderland, Netherlands |
Genres | Folk metal, Viking metal, Pagan metal |
Years active | 2002–present |
Labels | Napalm Records |
Associated acts |
Arkona Thronar Slechtvalk Týr |
Website | http://www.heidevolk.com/ |
Members | Rowan Roodbaert Lars Nachtbraecker Jacco de Wijs Joost den Vellenknotscher Kevin Storm |
Past members | Reamon Bomenbreker Mark Splintervuyst Joris Boghtdrincker Jesse Vuerbaert Niels Beenkerver Paul Braadvraat Stefanie Speervrouw |
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.
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".
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. Each sings in their native language, playing the role of warriors from that region describing their homeland to a traveler.